London, England — The iconic character of the White Witch from C.S. Lewis’s beloved Narnia series has found a new portrayal in British actress Emma Mackey. In Greta Gerwig’s forthcoming adaptation for Netflix, Mackey steps into the role of the villainous sorceress, who first captivated audiences in “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.”
Gerwig will direct the adaptation, focusing on “The Magician’s Nephew,” the sixth book in the fantasy series. Alongside her responsibilities as director, Gerwig also penned the script, marking a significant milestone in her career after the success of her billion-dollar hit, “Barbie,” where Mackey had a prominent role.
Discussions about casting the project had generated considerable buzz in recent months, with various names circulating among fans and industry insiders. Charli XCX was initially speculated to take on the role, but as the auditions progressed, it became evident that the main contenders were Mackey and actress Margaret Qualley.
The character of Jadis, known as the White Witch, serves as the main antagonist not only in “The Magician’s Nephew” but also in the widely recognized “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” This chilling figure is notorious for casting Narnia into eternal winter and turning her adversaries into stone statues, creating an atmosphere of dread and suspense.
Mackey’s involvement in the project is part of a broader trend in her career trajectory, which has seen her rise to prominence in recent years. She gained initial recognition for her role in Netflix’s “Sex Education” and has excelled in various projects, including her performance in “Death on the Nile.” As she takes on the complexities of the White Witch, her portrayal promises to add depth and nuance to a character often viewed as purely malevolent.
In what is considered a bold move for Netflix, the streaming service plans to release “Narnia” in theaters for a two-week IMAX run in late 2026, a significant decision championed by Gerwig in an effort to bring the magical world of Narnia to the big screen in a grand fashion.
Mackey will be joined by actress Meryl Streep, who is currently in negotiations to voice Aslan, the noble lion who embodies wisdom and courage throughout Lewis’s narrative. The addition of Streep to the cast speaks to the project’s high aspirations and potential draw for audiences.
As Mackey prepares for her role as the White Witch, she is also busy with multiple projects. She is starring alongside Jenna Ortega and Glen Powell in an upcoming film produced by J.J. Abrams and is set to appear at the Cannes Film Festival with her supporting role in “Alpha,” directed by Julia Ducournau. Additionally, Mackey leads in the comedy “Ella McCay,” directed by James L. Brooks, which is scheduled for theatrical release this December.
The casting of the White Witch marks another chapter in Mackey’s impressive career, as she continues to captivate audiences with her diverse array of roles across film and television. Represented by CAA, Johnson Shapiro, and Ziffren Brittenham, she remains a formidable presence in the entertainment landscape.