There’s One Chronicles Of Narnia Actor I’d Love To See Return In Greta Gerwig’s Remake

One of my biggest questions surrounding Greta Gerwig’s upcoming The Chronicles of Narnia adaptation is what actors will be cast to embody the roles for a new generation. I trust that Gerwig will be the right filmmaker to bring the world of Narnia to life despite the immense pressure of living up to audience expectations. However, Gerwig won’t be the only one under scrutiny, as the actors who take on the iconic roles will have to pay tribute to the original performers while making the characters their own. Fortunately, there’s one actor who I could reasonably see making a comeback.

Within the world of Narnia, there are many intelligent talking animals who the Pevensies interact with. Notably, Aslan is the King of Beasts and one of the most vital characters in Narnia. He’s a talking Lion who appears in every installment. In the early movies, Liam Neeson plays Aslan, and I find Neeson’s voice almost as iconic as his face in his many roles. Gerwig’s Narnia reboot must fix certain problems from the books, but in terms of what she takes from the movies, I would be intrigued to see if she asks Neeson to come back.

I’d Love To See Liam Neeson Return As Aslan In Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Remake

There’s no one else who could embody Aslan as he does

Of the actors who could return for Gerwig’s Narnia, Neeson makes the most sense. Not only is he a recognizable figure, but he also originated the character and is still deeply associated with it for many viewers. It would surprise me to see Aslan again in Gerwig’s films with a new voice. Since voicing Aslan in the Disney movies, Neeson has lent his skills to many different genres and franchises, demonstrating his range as an actor. While he’s recently become associated with action thanks to his role in the Taken movies, I could see him returning to the fantasy realm.

Since the other actors from the original series have aged out of their roles, new child actors will be cast as the Pevensies, as well as most of the supporting characters. However, Aslan and the other animal characters could easily be played by the same actors. There’s no reason why Neeson couldn’t reprise his role since he never physically appears in the movies; only his voice is heard. It would be a mistake for Gerwig not to take advantage of the opportunity to bring Neeson back and tie in her projects to the first installments.

Why Liam Neeson Made The Perfect Aslan In Disney’s Chronicles Of Narnia Movies

There’s no one else who could have anchored the movies like he does

Aslan plays a critical role in Narnia, as he is the mythic figure who always appears when he’s needed most. He’s introduced through the Pevensies’ eyes in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and they’re awed by his majesty and the way he pushes them to become the saviors of Narnia. There are times throughout C.S. Lewis’ books when it’s frustrating that Aslan doesn’t intervene more, but this allows the characters to grow. Any actor who plays Aslan must have a force and fury simmering beneath his kindness and strong morals, as in every Chronicles of Narnia movie.

Neeson has a strong blend of authority and kindness in his speaking voice that communicates the power and empathy of Aslan. He should be an almost god-like figure, but he’s also a comforting presence who guides the Pevensies in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and the other children in the following installments. This is a difficult balance to capture, and few contemporary actors could do justice to the role after Neeson’s definitive portrayal. While there are minor Narnia characters that the remake should expand on, the series must also invest in the original characters.

The Original Aslan Actor Would Bring More Star Power To Greta Gerwig’s Reboot

There need to be big names involved to make the next Narnia movies work

Having Neeson attached to the upcoming movies would give Gerwig’s adaptation the boost it needs to reach a wider audience. It’s possible that many new actors will be cast in the films, which would be exciting, and I look forward to seeing a new generation of performers make their mark on the franchise. However, having notable stars involved in the project also creates interest in a project and helps ensure its success. Neeson is in a perfect position, as his performance as Aslan was memorable but won’t overwhelm the rest of the narrative or draw attention from the Pevensies.

A downfall of Disney’s The Chronicles of Narnia movies is that only the first few novels were adapted, leaving the conclusion of the story open-ended. Since only the first two movies have been confirmed, the franchise potential of Gerwig’s movies rests on the popularity of the upcoming adaptations. I feel that the new movies must stand apart and be their own adaptation, but Gerwig touching upon the first films and playing up the nostalgia for them by casting Neeson would be a great way to bridge the gap between the iterations.

The Chronicles of Narnia

The Chronicles of Narnia is a fantasy franchise based on the seven-book series written by C.S. Lewis between 1950 and 1956. The series is set in the magical world of Narnia, where children from our world are transported to fulfill prophecies, battle evil forces, and restore peace under the guidance of Aslan, a mystical lion. The franchise has seen multiple adaptations, including a BBC television series in the late 1980s, three major Hollywood films between 2005 and 2010, and an upcoming reboot by Netflix, which has generated significant anticipation. The franchise is beloved for its rich allegorical storytelling, blending Christian themes with epic fantasy elements.