The Chronicles of Narniais a classic of a book series, and the unconventional casting of Aslan in Greta Gerwig’s movies is argued to not be honoring this. C.S. Lewis is closely associated with other authors in the Inkling group, such as J.R.R. Tolkien, and thus can be considered one of the most important figures in high fantasy. That’s why it’s crucial thattheChronicles of Narniabooksare adapted correctly. Radically, Gerwig may cast Meryl Streep as Aslan. This is exciting in many ways, but shouldn’t endanger the story’s key meaning.
Directed by Andrew Adamson and Michael Apted,theChronicles of Narniamovieswere released between 2005 and 2010, bringing Lewis' books to a wider global audience. There is a lot to be said for these movies, but they are flawed, as well. Gerwig offers the story another shot at manifestation on-screen, with her set to adapt the books for Netflix.Aslan is one of the most memorable and important elements of the children’s novels,and his imagery is a big part of that. Gerwig’s surprising casting choice must respect this.
Aslan’s Mane Is A Key Part Of Narnia Iconography
Aslan’s Mane Is Symbolic In The Chronicles Of Narnia
Aslan is highly symbolic in theNarniabooks, so the representation of his mane in the new movies matters.TheChronicles of Narniamovies ended early, so they didn’t get a chance to express every connotation of Aslan’s mane, but it is hoped that Greta Gerwig’s movies will get further than the last series. If they do, they can bring Lewis' story to its conclusion and, therefore, deliver the full and majestic symbolism intended for Aslan. Voiced by Liam Neeson in the previous movies,Aslan was impactful on screens before and should be again.
Aslan’s sun-like appearance symbolizes his life-giving importance.
The visual iconography ofNarniais complex, but it partially hinges on the concept of sailing east toward Aslan’s Country and the rising sun. This imagery really comes into play inThe Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Lewis’s 1952 novel and the third in hisNarniaseries. TheNarniamovies made in the 2000s got as far as the third installment, adapting this book. The source material and movie both seemed to emphasize howAslan’s mane equates him to the sun, which rises in the East. Aslan’s sun-like appearance symbolizes his life-giving importance.
Aslan’s Mane Is Important In Narnia’s Story
Aslan’s Mane Has Narrative Significance In The Narnia Books
Aslan’s mane is critical in theNarniabooks, the movies made before, and the movies that Gerwig will make. That’s part of why havingMeryl Streep as the voice actor for Aslanrubs some people up the wrong way. A female voice actor for a typically male role risks removing Aslan’s mane, as the character may now be a lioness. But Aslan’s mane should stay in Gerwig’s movies, and not just because it makes Aslan look like the burning sun, giving his world its sustenance.Aslan’s mane is symbolic of his powerand pride,pride being dignity, and also a group of lions led by an alpha.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobewas the first Walt Disney PicturesNarniamovie, released in 2005.
While a lion’s mane is representative of his masculinity, to a certain extent, it is most fully an expression of his strength and ability to protect his family. That’s what makes it so powerful whenthe White Witch sees to it that Aslan’s mane is sheared offinThe Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.Greta Gerwig’sNarniamovieshave to capture this effect, or else they will lose some of what made the books so special. The White Witch humiliates Aslan by removing his mane, intending to prove her power over him and his defeat.
It’s Easy For The Narnia Reboot To Keep Aslan’s Mane, Even With Meryl Streep
Streep Doesn’t Necessarily Threaten Narnia’s Symbology
PreviousNarniaadaptations have failed in many ways, despite their many successes, but Gerwig’s movies shouldn’t be written off just because of who may play Aslan. This intriguing casting choice may worry someNarniafans, asa female voice actor implies that Aslan may be given a female presentation, and female lions obviously have no manes. Aslan having no mane would destroy the complex imagery around the cosmos, gender, and power that Lewis set up — masculinity has a link to leadership in the story.
However, even if the talks with Streep’s agents do result in her casting, Aslan can still manifest the same symbolism. Streep could easily voice a male lion with a mane in Gerwig’sNarniamovies. Streep has a deep timbre to her voice, increasingly in the last few years, and she could distort it further for the screen. It’s also not as if a female lion with a mane would be the most out-of-place thing in a fantasy movie.
Aslan having no mane would destroy the complex imagery of the cosmos, gender, and power that Lewis set up.
Depending on how far Gerwig gets intotheNarniatimeline, Aslan’s mane will play just as major a role in her movies as it did in the books. Streep, though a wild card, could be the “X factor” needed to propel the movies into their own unique stardom. The new series will have to stand out from previous attempts, otherwise, they will fade into the background, failing to attract the high viewership they need to continue. It looks likeThe Chronicles of Narniamovies coming up won’t shy away from controversial decisions, which could be just what they need.
The Chronicles of Narnia
The Chronicles of Narniais a fantasy franchise based on the seven-book series written by C.S. Lewis between 1950 and 1956. The series is set in the magical world of Narnia, where children from our world are transported to fulfill prophecies, battle evil forces, and restore peace under the guidance of Aslan, a mystical lion. The franchise has seen multiple adaptations, including a BBC television series in the late 1980s, three major Hollywood films between 2005 and 2010, and an upcoming reboot by Netflix, which has generated significant anticipation. The franchise is beloved for its rich allegorical storytelling, blending Christian themes with epic fantasy elements.
