The Ideal Sequence for Greta Gerwig's Chronicles of Narnia Movies to Unfold (Staying True to C.S. Lewis's Vision)
Discover why Greta Gerwig's envisioned Chronicles of Narnia adaptations might become the ultimate cinematic portrayal of the beloved series, while adhering to C.S. Lewis's original chronological sequence.
Greta Gerwig's Chronicles of Narnia should take a different approach from the Disney adaptations by releasing them in a new order. While Disney's series of three movies based on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was popular during its time, it did not receive exceptional critical acclaim or cultural success. In contrast, other fantasy series like Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings have faced backlash regarding potential reboots. However, Greta Gerwig, known for her work as a Barbie director, brings a fresh and promising perspective to The Chronicles of Narnia.
C.S. Lewis's novels are highly cherished in the realm of young adult fantasy, deserving an adaptation on par with the renowned Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films. Greta Gerwig is an ideal choice for this Narnia reboot, showcasing her talent in crafting coming-of-age narratives, visually stunning set designs, and skillfully blending fantastical elements with heartfelt human stories. Her commitment to remaining faithful to C.S. Lewis's original tales also includes a strategic release order, steering clear of replicating Disney's previous approach with the 2000s series.
Why Greta Gerwig's Narnia Movies Shouldn't Start With The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe
Peter Pevensie with a sword and Aslan in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe - Why Greta Gerwig's Narnia Movies Shouldn't Start With The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe
Released in 1950, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is the first novel in The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis. It is one of the most well-known titles in pop culture due to the movie adaptation. However, the order in which the books were released is not the same as the order in which C.S. Lewis intended them to be read.
In a letter found in The Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis, Volume 3, Lewis emphasized the importance of reading the novels chronologically. This means that starting with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe may not align with the author's intended sequence. It is worth considering the reason behind C.S. Lewis's specific structure for his series.
C.S. Lewis originally intended for The Chronicles of Narnia series to be read in chronological order, which is different from how they were released. In a letter found in The Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis, Volume 3, Lewis mentioned that he didn't plan to write more novels after The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, so reading them in order would provide a better understanding of the story. While the Disney series followed the release order, Greta Gerwig's adaptations might be more faithful if they were done chronologically.
Chronicles of Narnia Novels | |
|---|---|
Release Order | Chronological Order |
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe | The Magician's Nephew |
Prince Caspian | The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe |
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader | The Horse and His Boy |
The Silver Chair | Prince Caspian |
The Horse and His Boy | The Voyage of the Dawn Treader |
The Magician's Nephew | The Silver Chair |
The Last Battle | The Last Battle |
Greta Gerwig's Chronicles Of Narnia Movies Should Start With The Magician's Nephew
Chronicles of Narnia stills - Greta Gerwig's Chronicles Of Narnia Movies Should Start With The Magician's Nephew
The Magician's Nephew is the perfect starting point for the Narnia series, both in terms of reading order and for Greta Gerwig's adaptation. Published sixth in the series in 1955, it acts as a prequel, setting the stage for the rest of the books. This prequel may not seem like the obvious choice to begin with, but it's essential for understanding the origins of the world of Narnia, including the creation by Aslan and key characters like Jadis the White Witch. Additionally, it introduces human characters who play a crucial role in setting up the iconic wardrobe in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
Starting with "The Magician's Nephew" in Gerwig's adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia is crucial. This is not just for narrative reasons, but because it aligns with C.S. Lewis's original intention.
One of the main challenges in adapting fantasy works is capturing the essence of the author's vision. The Chronicles of Narnia delves into religious themes, making "The Magician's Nephew" an ideal starting point to explore these concepts.
While Gerwig's unique style should be incorporated, it is important to remember that The Chronicles of Narnia belongs to C.S. Lewis, and his vision should be respected and prioritized.
The Full Order Greta Gerwig's Chronicles Of Narnia Movies Should Happen In
Narnia - The Full Order Greta Gerwig's Chronicles Of Narnia Movies Should Happen In
In contrast to the Disney adaptations of The Chronicles of Narnia, Greta Gerwig's versions should strictly follow the chronological order of the books. Ultimately, whether to read or watch in order of release or chronologically is a matter of personal preference. Just like watching Star Wars, the viewing experience can vary depending on the order chosen. However, since the Narnia series has already been adapted one way, Gerwig's adaptations could offer a fresh perspective.
"The Magician's Nephew" was first published in 1955.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (1950)
The Horse and His Boy (1954)
Prince Caspian (1951)
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1952)
The Silver Chair (1953)
The Last Battle (1956)
Why Greta Gerwig's Chronicles Of Narnia Movies Can Be Better Than Disney's
Greta Gerwig from Lola Versus with a Chronicles of Narnia poster - Why Greta Gerwig's Chronicles Of Narnia Movies Can Be Better Than Disney's
With Greta Gerwig at the helm, the Netflix Chronicles of Narnia reboot is in great hands. Known as one of the most promising young directors in Hollywood, Gerwig may not have experience with CGI-heavy action scenes, but she excels in world-building, exploring themes, and developing characters. Her past films like Lady Bird and Little Women showcase her ability to craft meaningful coming-of-age stories, which is exactly what the Narnia series needs. Additionally, Barbie has a track record of creating successful films that are both commercially successful and critically acclaimed.
In a recent update from Netflix, Greta Gerwig's take on the Narnia movies sounds even more promising. Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos revealed exciting details about the film's early vision, praising Gerwig as an "incredibly visionary" director. He expressed confidence in Gerwig's ability to bring a fresh perspective to the beloved series, promising that while her vision will stay true to the essence of the original worlds, it will also be grander and more daring. Unlike Disney's Narnia adaptations, the Netflix versions will benefit from Gerwig's unique artistic flair and her ability to blend fantasy with auteur storytelling.
Greta Gerwig's Chronicles of Narnia has the potential to bring a new and original perspective to the fantasy genre. Despite being set to direct only two films in the series, she has the opportunity to establish the tone for the entire franchise.
Excited about her upcoming adaptation, Greta Gerwig shared her fascination with the "euphorically dreamlike" element of C.S. Lewis's books. She expressed her interest in embracing the paradoxical nature of the worlds created by Lewis, finding them particularly compelling.
Taking on The Chronicles of Narnia in chronological order for a live-action adaptation would bring a refreshing perspective. Whatever Greta Gerwig decides to do with it is sure to be thrilling. Similar to other beloved franchises like The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Barbie, film versions of C.S. Lewis's stories can introduce a whole new audience to a enchanting and fantastical realm. The thought of revisiting Narnia is truly delightful.
Editor's P/S:
The article provides a compelling argument for a different approach to Greta Gerwig's Chronicles of Narnia, emphasizing the importance of following the chronological order of the books. It highlights the potential benefits of starting with "The Magician's Nephew" to establish the origins of Narnia and introduce key characters. The article also expresses confidence in Gerwig's abilities as a director, citing her strengths in world-building, theme exploration, and character development.
Overall, the article presents a well-reasoned case for a fresh and potentially more faithful adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia. It acknowledges the popularity of Disney's previous series while suggesting that Gerwig's unique perspective and commitment to remaining true to C.S. Lewis's vision can result in a more captivating and fulfilling experience for fans of the beloved fantasy series.
