Renowned filmmaker Greta Gerwig, known for her exceptional work on movies like “Little Women” and “Barbie,” has recently been faced with a monumental task – directing not one but two movies based on C.S. Lewis’ cherished novel series, “The Chronicles of Narnia.” The project, set to be released on Netflix, has left Gerwig feeling both terrified and exhilarated.
In a candid interview on the Inside Total Film podcast, Gerwig admitted, “I haven’t even really started wrapping my arms around it. But I’m properly scared of it, which feels like a good place to start. I think when I’m scared, it’s always a good sign.” Embracing her fear, she views it as a positive sign that she’s taking on a momentous challenge. “Maybe when I stop being scared, it’ll be like, ‘Okay. Maybe I shouldn’t do that one.’ No, I’m terrified of it. It’s extraordinary. And so we’ll see,” she added.
For someone as accomplished as Gerwig, her admission of fear may come as a surprise. However, it reflects her commitment to growth as a filmmaker. She envisions her journey in the industry as one filled with diverse experiences, ranging from intimate projects to grand-scale productions. The opportunity to work on the Narnia movies provides her with a vast canvas to showcase her creativity and storytelling prowess.
According to reports from The Hollywood Reporter, Gerwig has inked a deal with Netflix to bring the beloved Narnia franchise to the streaming platform. Netflix’s acquisition of the film and TV rights to the popular book series created a wave of anticipation among fans, but details on the project have been kept under wraps.
This significant move into bigger-budget filmmaking aligns with Gerwig’s aspirations to become a formidable filmmaking powerhouse. Her recent collaboration with Mattel on the Barbie movie, where she serves as both writer and director, has further demonstrated her penchant for ambitious projects. The Barbie film stars Margot Robbie as the lead and boasts a star-studded ensemble cast that includes Ryan Gosling, Issa Rae, Kate McKinnon, America Ferrera, Michael Cera, Alexandra Shipp, Simu Liu, Dua Lipa, Scott Evans, and Will Ferrell.
In an exclusive interview, Gerwig shared her hopes for the Barbie film to pave the way for numerous Barbie-themed movies in the future. She highlighted the movie’s unique tone, humor, and joy, emphasizing the beauty of the fantastical world she brought to life. Gerwig’s vision for “Barbie Land” extends far beyond a single film, indicating her desire to explore the enchanting universe she has crafted.
The positive reception from the cast, particularly Margot Robbie, reflects Gerwig’s ability to infuse her projects with warmth and humor while maintaining heartfelt storytelling. Robbie praised Gerwig’s distinct style, stating, “Greta has a very specific thing where she can be very silly and very clever at the same time, but it’s also very heartfelt. Her humor never feels cynical or cold.”
As Gerwig’s creative journey continues, her dedication to storytelling excellence remains unwavering. The prospect of directing two Narnia movies fills her with both trepidation and excitement. It serves as a testament to her commitment to taking risks and embracing the unknown to produce extraordinary cinema.
The anticipation for Greta Gerwig’s Narnia films is undoubtedly palpable, and fans eagerly await to witness the magic she will conjure in the fantastical realm of Narnia. As the acclaimed director bravely steps into this uncharted territory, her fear will undoubtedly be accompanied by the triumph of bringing beloved literary classics to life on the silver screen.