Emma Mackey Confirmed for Iconic Role
Emma Mackey has officially been cast as Jadis, the White Witch, in Netflix’s adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s “The Magician’s Nephew,” directed by Greta Gerwig. This casting marks a reunion between Mackey and Gerwig after the tremendous success of “Barbie,” where Mackey described her experience working with Gerwig as “life-changing.” This new project offers Mackey another prominent role, portraying one of literature’s most memorable antagonists, renowned for plunging the fantasy realm into eternal winter.
This casting comes after previous rumors of singer Charli XCX being considered were formally dismissed. Initial reports had suggested Charli XCX was among the frontrunners, but according to Jeff Sneider from The Insneider, the artist “didn’t land the plum part after all.” Instead, Netflix shifted focus toward actresses Emma Mackey and Margaret Qualley, ultimately deciding on Mackey for the iconic role.
“Emma’s performance in ‘Barbie’ showcased her remarkable depth and range. Reuniting with Greta Gerwig, especially for a character as nuanced as Jadis, speaks volumes about her abilities,” said cinema analyst Grace Roland.
Netflix and Gerwig are committed to a high-profile launch, with “The Magician’s Nephew” set for a rare two-week IMAX theatrical run before streaming on Netflix in late 2026. Gerwig reportedly advocated strongly for this theatrical window, emphasizing the grand scope and cinematic potential of Lewis’s world.
Production and Supporting Cast Underway
“The Magician’s Nephew” production is gearing up rapidly, with active casting calls currently underway targeting three young British actors, aged between nine and twelve, for leading roles. Filming is scheduled to start at Shepperton Studios in the United Kingdom, aiming for a June start date. The creative team behind the scenes includes notable producers Amy Pascal, Mark Gordon, and Vincent Sieber, with casting directed by industry veterans Francine Maisler and Nina Gold.
Mackey’s role as the formidable White Witch Jadis aligns with the full scope of the character’s appearances within C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia, making her a central figure for potential future adaptations. This casting news follows other significant reports suggesting legendary actress Meryl Streep is in talks to voice Aslan, the revered lion and pivotal character within the Narnia saga, and Daniel Craig potentially portraying Uncle Andrew, who serves as an antagonist and catalyst within “The Magician’s Nephew.”
“This ensemble speaks directly to Netflix’s ambitious plans. They’re not just adapting a beloved fantasy, they’re assembling a cast capable of redefining the franchise for generations,” remarked entertainment critic Jason Holt.
The narrative of “The Magician’s Nephew” is set chronologically before “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” exploring the origins of the magical realm Narnia, the White Witch’s quest for power, and the foundational narrative leading to subsequent books. Jadis, known later simply as the White Witch, is infamous for her coldhearted nature and magic that immobilizes enemies in stone.
Cultural and Industry Impact of the Adaptation
Netflix’s decision to adapt “The Magician’s Nephew,” often regarded as the sixth book but chronologically first within Lewis’s Narnia series, indicates a deliberate strategic choice. This adaptation provides a fresh narrative entry point, attracting both new audiences and fans of the original books. Unlike previous cinematic iterations that began with “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” starting with the origin story allows for broader storytelling possibilities across multiple sequels.
The Chronicles of Narnia have enjoyed substantial success historically, beginning with Lewis’s publication of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” in 1950. The book series has sold over 100 million copies globally, translating into multiple languages and spawning various adaptations including the notable film trilogy by Walden Media, cumulatively grossing over $1.5 billion worldwide.
“Choosing to start with ‘The Magician’s Nephew’ is an intriguing and bold choice. It demonstrates Netflix’s commitment to deep storytelling and character development—qualities needed in today’s saturated fantasy market,” commented literary adaptations expert Dr. Hannah Green.
With cultural implications significant for streaming media and the fantasy genre as a whole, Netflix’s approach—combining cinematic releases with high-profile talent—reflects the evolving landscape of entertainment, prioritizing hybrid release models to boost visibility and market impact. Emma Mackey’s casting as Jadis symbolizes this new chapter, both for her career trajectory and for Netflix’s portfolio in adapting well-loved intellectual properties into compelling cinematic experiences.