Liam Neeson backs Meryl Streep as Narnia’s Aslan

Liam Neeson said he had not known about Netflix’s new Chronicles of Narnia adaptation until an interviewer told him Meryl Streep would voice Aslan, the character Neeson played in three earlier films. He responded favorably to the casting in remarks recounted in coverage of a ScreenRant interview. After Neeson was asked about the adaptation, he said, “I’m sorry, this is news to me.” When told Streep was taking over the role, he replied, “Meryl is playing Jesus Christ? Well, if you’re going to make Christ a lady, nobody better than Meryl.” The character is associated with Christlike themes in C.S. Lewis’s books. The upcoming film, titled The Chronicles of Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew, is based on Lewis’s novel and is scheduled for a theatrical premiere on February 12, 2027. The story depicts the creation of Narnia and is set before the events of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Netflix is producing the adaptation, with Greta Gerwig writing and directing. Gerwig has said she wanted an actor over 70 who could convey depth and emotional range while retaining a sense of childlike wonder. Streep, whose casting as Aslan was reported in connection with the new film, is replacing...