Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Casting of Meryl Streep Sparks Fan Backlash

The casting, confirmed via an Empire magazine feature, has drawn accusations from social media users who contend that assigning a female voice to a male character disrupts the source material. Critics on platforms like X have labeled the decision a desecration, with some pointing to the character’s status as a traditional Christ figure in Lewis’ allegory. The hashtag #MakeAslanMaleAgain has gained traction among those who view the departure as an unnecessary subversion of the original text.

Gerwig defended the choice by emphasizing the specific requirements of the role. She sought an actor over 70 who could balance profound pathos with a childlike sense of wonder. According to the filmmaker, the shortlist of performers capable of meeting these criteria was exceptionally brief. Beyond the casting controversy, Gerwig revealed that the film’s atmosphere was heavily influenced by 1960s and 70s British rock, citing artists such as David Bowie and Paul McCartney as key inspirations for the auditory world-building of Narnia.