Greta Gerwig Explains Meryl Streep's Role as Gender-swapped Aslan

WHO:

Variety - Greta Gerwig is the director of the upcoming adaptation of "Narnia."

Variety - Meryl Streep is voicing the character Aslan in the adaptation.

Coming Soon - Meryl Streep is described as a star from Gerwig's previous film "Little Women."

WHAT:

Variety - Gerwig's adaptation of "Narnia" is based on the C.S. Lewis fantasy series.

Coming Soon - The character Aslan is being gender-swapped for this adaptation.

WHY:

Variety - Gerwig wanted someone who was "profound but not pretentious" and had "gravitas but not morose self-seriousness" for the role of Aslan.

HOW:

Variety - Gerwig selected Streep for the role based on her ability to embody the qualities Gerwig sought for the character.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 20:03 UTC)

Greta Gerwig is set to direct an adaptation of the beloved C.S. Lewis fantasy series "Narnia," with Meryl Streep voicing the character Aslan, who will be gender-swapped for this version. Gerwig chose Streep for the role because she wanted someone who could bring a profound yet approachable presence to the character. This collaboration marks a reunion for the two, as Streep starred in Gerwig's previous film, "Little Women."