Narnia Movie Changes Seasons?

Door Jam: June 30, 2025

The Door Jam is a place to squeeze in articles about C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, their work, adaptations of their fantasy worlds, news from other franchises, and interesting articles. Unless otherwise stated, I’m not endorsing (or criticizing) any of these but merely sharing them with you.

Despite early indications Greta Gerwig’s Narnia movie would start soon, if not next month, new reporting suggests filming may be pushed back a little.

Photo by Johannes Plenio on Unsplash

Mr. Tumnus said that in Narnia, it was “always winter and never Christmas.” Changing seasons meant Aslan was on the move. Can we hope the same is true for Gerwig’s Narnia adaptation?

Previously, producer Amy Pascal said that filming on the project would start in July, but reports are that potential delays could be pushing that back to August or into the fall, according to Narnia Web and Screen Daily.

Despite the Tumnus quote, starting in the fall would be appropriate for Lewis. He repeatedly said autumn was his favorite season. He wrote in one letter, “… crisp sunny autumn days, with the leaves changing color, is the crown of the year.” In another, he said fall “is really the best of the seasons, and I’m not sure that old age isn’t the best part of life. But of course, like autumn, it doesn’t last!”

A small delay wouldn’t be a major issue for Gerwig’s adaptation, but they’ll need to start soon due to negotiations that guaranteed a Thanksgiving 2026 release window for IMAX theaters before appearing on Netflix around Christmas next year.

There are no indications about what is causing the delay (or even if it is an actual delay and not simply the first and best time they could begin), but I can certainly hope this gives Gerwig and the rest of the decision-makers time to listen to fans of Narnia and C.S. Lewis scholars about casting Aslan.

Regardless, I’ve been watching movie franchises long enough to know that I’d rather they take the time and get everything right than rush through important pre-production steps. Let’s hope this leads to a better Narnia adaptation than we would’ve gotten otherwise.

Sources:

• Narnia Web

• Screen Daily

Not Safe But Good

C.S. Lewis quote of the week

“Your life has been saved all this day by crying out to something which you call by many names, and you have said to yourself that you used metaphors.”
“Was I wrong, sir?”
“Perhaps not. But you must play fair. If its help is not a metaphor, neither are its commands. If it can answer when you call, then it can speak without your asking. If you can go to it, it can come to you.”

The Pilgrim’s Regress

Tumnus’ bookshelf

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Behind the Wardrobe

Sneak peek at the bonus articles

Below, paid subscribers will read about Lewis’ Irish roots, how That Hideous Strength helps us think about AI, Lewis on prosperity, prayer, and grief, a throwback Buzzfeed quiz with Inklings questions, Tolkien influencing those on both sides of the political spectrum, the possibility of an adaptation of his newly released short story, and more.