Liam Neeson Backs Meryl Streep as Narnia’s New Aslan
WHO:
Deadline - Liam Neeson voiced Aslan in Disney’s *The Chronicles of Narnia* films; Meryl Streep is taking over the role in Greta Gerwig’s *Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew*.
Coming Soon - Liam Neeson said he had not known Netflix was rebooting *Narnia* or that Meryl Streep would replace him as Aslan.
Variety - Liam Neeson voiced the mythical lion in the original *Chronicles of Narnia* film trilogy; Meryl Streep is set to take over the role in Greta Gerwig’s upcoming *Narnia* movie.
WHAT:
Deadline - Neeson shared his reaction to Streep taking on Aslan, calling her one of Hollywood’s greatest talents.
Coming Soon - Neeson’s reaction included the question, “Meryl is playing Jesus Christ?” The article describes Aslan’s role in C.S. Lewis’ books as Christlike.
Variety - Neeson endorsed Streep for the part, saying there is “Nobody better than” her, while acknowledging he had only just learned about the movie: “This is news to me.”
WHERE:
Deadline - *The Magician’s Nephew* is scheduled to premiere in theaters.
WHEN:
Deadline - Neeson voiced Aslan in Disney’s *The Chronicles of Narnia* movies released from 2005 to 2010.
Deadline - The article says Neeson is passing the character on after 16 years.
Deadline - *Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew* is set to premiere in theaters on “Feb. 12.”
HOW:
Deadline - Neeson portrayed Aslan by voicing the character in Disney’s *The Chronicles of Narnia* movies.
Coming Soon - Neeson learned of Streep’s casting and the Netflix reboot through news that prompted his public reaction.
Variety - Neeson discussed the casting and his lack of awareness of Gerwig’s film in a recent interview.
(UPDATED November 5, 2026 12:11 UTC)
Meryl Streep is taking over as Aslan in Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Narnia film, set for theaters. Liam Neeson, who voiced the lion in Disney’s original trilogy, said he hadn’t known about the Netflix reboot or Streep’s casting. He called Streep one of Hollywood’s greatest talents, saying nobody is better than her.