Fresh off her Glastonbury announcement and a major sweep at the Brit Awards, Charli XCX is reportedly being eyed for a key role in Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Chronicles of Narnia adaptation for Netflix. Sources indicate that while talks have been ongoing for some time, no deal has been finalized yet. However, if everything falls into place, the British singer-songwriter might step into the shoes of Jadis, the White Witch — one of C.S. Lewis’ most iconic villains.
A Bold Casting Choice? The Legacy of the White Witch
Should Charli XCX land the role, she will follow in the footsteps of Tilda Swinton, who memorably portrayed the White Witch in Disney’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) and its sequels. Swinton’s icy and commanding performance set a high standard, making Gerwig’s choice of a musician-turned-actress an intriguing and unexpected move.
The White Witch is not only the primary antagonist of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe but also has a deeper backstory in The Magician’s Nephew, where her origins are explored. If Netflix is planning a multi-film franchise, Charli XCX could have a substantial role in shaping the new iteration of Narnia’s dark and enigmatic villain.
Netflix’s Narnia adaptation has been in development since 2018, when the streaming giant secured rights to C.S. Lewis’ beloved fantasy series. Greta Gerwig was brought on board in 2020 to direct and adapt, marking her first foray into large-scale fantasy filmmaking.
What’s Next?
Neither Netflix nor representatives for Charli XCX have commented on the casting rumors, and whether she will bring a musical component to the film remains unknown. However, given Gerwig’s history of blending music and narrative, there’s always a possibility that Charli XCX’s involvement could extend beyond acting.
For now, fans will have to wait and see whether Charli XCX trades the stage for the icy throne of Narnia’s most famous villain. Stay tuned for updates.
