Greta Gerwig learned much from making her 2023 blockbuster Barbie, which grossed over a billion worldwide, and the experience helped her bring Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew to life. The upcoming film is set to explore the origins of the magical world of Narnia. And the newly released trailer gives an awe-inspiring look at Gerwig’s interpretation of C. S. Lewis’s enchanting world.

Now, Gerwig has spent nearly six years developing her vision for the film and production. During this time, she also had the opportunity to direct a blockbuster movie in 2023. And that project ultimately helped her to create the latest fantasy adventure.

Greta Gerwig recently sat down with journalist and podcaster Josh Horowitz to watch the trailer for Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew on the big screen. During their conversation, the director revealed that after beginning work on the fantasy film, she took a break to make her 2023 hit Barbie before returning to Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew. When asked whether the experience of working on Barbie helped her make the Narnia movie, Gerwig agreed.

“In retrospect, amazed that Netflix allowed me to start this undertaking. The way the timing worked out is I wrote drafts of this and then I went and made Barbie and then I came to this. But the things I learned on Barbie, I don't think I could have done this before that,” she said.

The Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew is based on the sixth book published in C. S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia series. Before arriving on Netflix, the movie will receive a theatrical release, debuting in IMAX and other premium large formats on February 10, 2027. The film will be available to stream on April 2, 2027. Ahead of the release, director Greta Gerwig has been sharing insights into her creative process and experiences while filming the movie such as in her interview with Josh Horowitz.

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One such story involved Daniel Craig and a memorable interaction with the young cast.

During an exclusive Netflix IMAX sneak-peek event at AMC Lincoln Square in New York City, Greta Gerwig recalled a heartwarming conversation between Daniel Craig and the young cast. Before rehearsals began, Craig admitted that he was feeling nervous. And his confession got an amusing response from the young members of the cast.

“Don’t worry. Greta’s really nice. You’ll be fine," the kids said as per Gerwig.

Daniel Craig plays Uncle Andrew, Digory’s uncle, in the movie. He will be joined by Carey Mulligan, Meryl Streep, Emma Mackey, and several other talented actors. As Gerwig shared, many of the adult cast members joined the project out of their love for the children’s book and their desire to support the young cast. This instance involving Craig shows the heartwarming bond among the cast members.

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