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Liam Neeson Had a Priceless Reaction to Learning Meryl Streep Is Voicing Aslan in Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew
Liam Neeson was surprised to learn that Meryl Streep will voice Aslan in Greta Gerwig’s film adaptation of The Magician’s Nephew. Neeson voiced the lion in the earlier Narnia films, and his startled but complimentary response drew attention online.
He heard about both the new film and Streep’s casting during a 3 November interview with ScreenRant. Asked whether Streep was playing Jesus Christ, Neeson said that if Christ were to be portrayed by a woman, “nobody better than Meryl”. Gerwig’s film is described as a rock opera-style take on the story and is due in cinemas on 12 February 2027.
In short
- Neeson learnt of Streep’s Aslan casting during an interview.
- He responded with surprise and praise for Streep.
- Gerwig’s Narnia film is due in February 2027.
Explained simply
The Chronicles of Narnia is a fantasy series by British author C.S. Lewis, set partly in a magical world reached from our own. The Magician’s Nephew is an early story in the series, telling how Narnia began and introducing Aslan, a powerful lion who guides and protects its inhabitants.
Liam Neeson voiced Aslan in earlier Narnia films, while Meryl Streep is an acclaimed actor known for a wide range of film roles. Greta Gerwig, who directed Barbie and Little Women, is making a new film based on the story. Aslan’s importance to the series and the change in voice actor have drawn attention from fans.