It's almost time to step back through the wardrobe! Greta Gerwig's Chronicles of Narnia movie, set to release in late 2026, is officially in production. Netflix originally purchased the rights to all seven books of the C.S. Lewis series in 2018, and then announced Gerwig as director of at least two films in 2023.
New photos, as shared by What's On Netflix, show that filming has started in London, with images of two young children in costume and Gerwig on set.
Filming has begun on Netflix's Narnia movie from director Greta Gerwig.
— What's on Netflix (@whatonnetflix) August 11, 2025
An area in London was converted into 1950s.
More exclusive snaps: https://t.co/KQUXPHCA6A pic.twitter.com/S97eBriUXo
The children are believed to be Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer, characters from The Magician's Nephew, the sixth book of the series. Though the second-to-last book published, it is the first book chronologically. It is initially set in 1900, when Narnia is formed.
The previous film series started with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, the first published book, which takes place in 1940, when the Narnia year is 1000. The 1980s BBC television series adaptation also began with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
The first filming set for Netflix’s « The Chronicles of Narnia » adaptation was spotted yesterday in London.
— Narnia Netflix News ( N.N.N ) (@Leeyominn) August 11, 2025
From the details, the scene appears to be set in 1955.
The Magician’s Nephew, which will be the first film in the series, actually takes place in the early 1900s. pic.twitter.com/n2MCrIM8Tr
The Magician's Nephew follows Digory and Polly as they end up in another world with the help of a magic ring. While in that world, they meet the White Witch, who they immediately recognize as evil. She follows them back to England, set on taking over Earth. The children also see the formation of Narnia and the first fight between Aslan and the White Witch, learn about the apple tree that can provide immortality, and eventually bury the magic rings that let them explore other worlds.
Despite The Magician's Nephew originally taking place in 1900, the photos of the set pieces provide clues that the story is being moved to the 1950s. An Instagram post from user @oscuretourslondon shows footage of the set, alongside a caption claiming the movie is set in 1955.
"Walked through the film set of a Netflix series today- so beautifully done and full of detail! Apparently it’s set in 1955 😉," the caption reads.
This change would greatly impact the story as readers know it. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is set against the backdrop of World War II, and that does play a role in the narrative. Part of why the Pevensie children are leaving London is to shelter from the city because of the air raids that took place during the war. While a timeline shift is possible, pivotal aspects like this need consideration as the movies continue.
Though the actors playing the children haven't been announced, who is playing one of the most iconic characters of the series has been. Emma Mackey, known for her work in the Netflix series Sex Education and 2022's Emily, is set to be the White Witch. Other reported castings include Carey Mulligan and Daniel Craig.