Photo: Taylor Hill/FilmMagic
Greta Gerwig cast Meryl Streep to play Aslan — the talking, Christ-like lion in the Chronicles of Narnia books — in her upcoming adaptation of Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew. This makes perfect sense, especially when Gerwig explained the thought behind her choice.
Gerwig told Empire that she wanted an actor who was “profound but not pretentious, who had gravitas but not morose self-seriousness,” and could “communicate depth and pathos as well as joy and delight.” Gerwig’s requirements also called for an older actor who could convey wisdom who also happened to be the best in the business. “I wanted someone who was older than 70, so there was a wisdom of experience, but who also had the capacity of fresh wonder, like a child,” she said. “And also to be one of the greatest actors to ever do it. That list is not a long one.” So, Meryl Streep it is.
Gerwig is known for her creative adaptation of the beloved Little Women, and for her wildly successful Barbie movie. I think she has done enough by now to earn our trust in her “rock opera” and David Bowie-inspired interpretation of The Magician’s Nephew. Especially if Streep is involved.
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