Emma Mackey Cast as the White Witch in Greta Gerwig’s Netflix Adaptation of 'Narnia'
Emma Mackey in Eiffel. Photo: Pathé Films
Barbie reunion: Mackey steps into the icy shoes of Jadis for Gerwig’s bold reimagining of C.S. Lewis’ fantasy universe.
British-French actress Emma Mackey will portray the White Witch in Greta Gerwig’s highly anticipated adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia, sources confirm exclusively. The Netflix-backed film will reunite Mackey with her Barbiedirector, once again putting Gerwig at the helm of a large-scale, legacy IP project—this time in the realm of high fantasy.
Gerwig’s adaptation is reportedly based on The Magician’s Nephew, the sixth-published but chronologically first book in C.S. Lewis’ iconic series. The novel introduces Jadis—the future White Witch—as a ruler of a dying world who manipulates events that lead to the creation of Narnia itself. She later returns as the central antagonist of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, plunging the realm into a frozen winter and turning her enemies into stone.
Casting rumors had surrounded the role for months, with names like Margaret Qualley and pop star Charli XCX previously linked to the part. Ultimately, Mackey secured the role, edging out a competitive shortlist of rising stars. Netflix declined to comment on the casting.
The White Witch character—icy, calculating, and terrifyingly composed—represents one of the most iconic villains in 20th-century children’s literature. The last time she appeared on screen, she was memorably portrayed by Tilda Swinton in Disney’s early 2000s adaptations. Gerwig’s interpretation is expected to take a more mythic and psychological approach, reflecting her sensibilities as a writer-director drawn to character-driven storytelling.
This move adds considerable heat to Mackey’s already ascendant career. Since breaking out in Netflix’s Sex Education, she’s transitioned seamlessly into period drama (Emily), ensemble mystery (Death on the Nile), and blockbuster comedy (Barbie). She is currently filming J.J. Abrams’ untitled feature for Warner Bros. alongside Glen Powell and Jenna Ortega. She also has a supporting role in Julia Ducournau’s upcoming film Alpha, expected to premiere at Cannes, and leads James L. Brooks’ December release Ella McCay.
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Gerwig, whose directorial range stretches from Lady Bird to Little Women to the billion-dollar Barbie, is charting new territory with Narnia. Notably, Netflix will give the film a rare two-week IMAX theatrical run in late 2026, a condition Gerwig advocated for during early development—a nod to the scale and ambition of the adaptation.
In another piece of high-profile casting, Meryl Streep is in talks to voice or portray Aslan, the majestic lion and spiritual heart of the series. If confirmed, it would mark yet another formidable screen presence in what is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s biggest tentpoles in years.
Mackey is repped by CAA, Johnson Shapiro, and Ziffren Brittenham.
