Jason Isaacs seemingly drops a major bit of news regarding Greta Gerwig's Chronicles of Narnia movie for Netflix, though details on the project have been hard to come by.

During a recent interview with The Week in which he lists his favorite books, Isaacs, who may or may not be connected to Gerwig's Narnia movie, seemingly reveals that the filmmaker will be adapting the events of Lewis' The Magician's Nephew, a prequel to The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. If Gerwig is adapting The Magician's Nephew, this will mark the first time the story has been adapted for the screen. Isaacs, who chose The Magician's Nephew as one of his favorite books, includes the following statement about the novel:

I loved all the Narnia books as a kid. When Peter was told he wouldn't be coming back, I understood something devastating about mortality. I picked this one because Greta Gerwig is about to make a film of it, which I can't wait to see.

Isaacs previously auditioned for the role of Aslan in Disney's Chronicles of Narnia movies, a role that ultimately went to Liam Neeson.

What Isaacs' Comment Means For Gerwig's Chronicles Of Narnia Adaptation

What The Magician's Nephew Is About

While Isaacs' comment certainly makes Gerwig's Narnia movie a more intriguing project, it should be noted that the actor's comment does leave room for an alternate interpretation and should not be taken as an official announcement. Given he mentions "all the Narnia books" at the beginning of his comment, it's possible that he means he's excited to see Gerwig's vision for the franchise in a broader sense, not that she's specifically adapting The Magician's Nephew.

Barring any miscommunication, however, Isaac's comment could mean that Gerwig's Narnia movie won't be what audiences are expecting. Chronologically, within Narnia, The Magician's Newphew takes place roughly 1000 years before The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. Lewis' prequel chronicles the origins of Narnia, with Aslan the lion playing a significant role in the story alongside youngsters Digory and Polly, children from 1900 London. If Gerwig is adapting The Magician's Nephew, it remains unclear if the prequel will be adapted into two movies or if it will serve as only one movie, or some other arrangement.

It's been reported that Gerwig's Chronicles of Narnia movie could get a wide theatrical release, a rarity for Netflix movies.

Our Take On Gerwig Adapting The Magician's Nephew

Lewis' Prequel Novel Is A Strong Choice For Adaptation

Considering Disney has already adapted The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, it would be exciting to see Gerwig's movie adapt a story that hasn't been put to the screen before. After Barbie's glowing reviews, as well those for Little Women (2019), Gerwig has certainly proven herself a filmmaker adept at adaptation, and she could be just the person to bring The Magician's Nephew to life.

Though Gerwig has a strong track record as a director, she has never directed this kind of epic fantasy story before, meaning her Chronicles of Narnia movie will be an interesting test. If the movie is a hit and is well-received, it's entirely possible that Gerwig will be helming more major blockbusters of this sort moving forward.

Source: The Week