British Actress Emma Mackey Cast as White Witch in Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Adaptation
In a significant casting announcement, British actress Emma Mackey has been confirmed to play the role of the White Witch in Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ fantasy novels, The Chronicles of Narnia. According to a report from The Hollywood Reporter, Mackey will bring to life the character of Jadis, the primary antagonist of the series, in the upcoming Netflix-backed film.
The adaptation, which is currently in the early stages of production, is expected to tackle the sixth novel of the series, The Magician’s Nephew. Gerwig, who is directing and writing the script, has previously collaborated with Mackey on the billion-dollar-grossing film Barbie. This new project marks a reunion between the two, with Mackey set to play one of the most iconic villains in literature.
The role of the White Witch has been the subject of much speculation, with several actresses rumored to be in contention for the part. Charli XCX was previously tipped for the role, but it ultimately went to Mackey, who beat out The Substance star Margaret Qualley for the coveted part. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix declined to comment on the casting.
Jadis, the White Witch, is a central character in The Chronicles of Narnia series, and is best known for her appearance in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. She is a powerful spellcaster who plunges Narnia into an endless winter, turning her enemies into statues. The character is a complex and intriguing one, and Mackey is expected to bring a new level of depth to the role.
The project is still in the early stages of casting, with several other key roles yet to be filled. One notable exception is Meryl Streep, who is reportedly in talks to play Aslan, the talking lion who is the King of Kings in the series. As The Hollywood Reporter notes, the film is expected to receive a two-week theatrical Imax run in late 2026, a rare move for Netflix.
For Mackey, this role represents a significant milestone in her career. The actress, who was previously best known for her work in Netflix’s Sex Education, has enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent years. She has appeared in a range of high-profile films, including Death on the Nile and Barbie, and has earned critical acclaim for her performances. Her portrayal of Emily Brontë in Emily earned her two British Independent Film Awards nominations.
In addition to her work on Narnia, Mackey is also set to appear in several other upcoming films, including J.J. Abrams’ untitled feature for Warners, and Alpha, the latest movie from Titane director Julia Ducournau. She is also expected to make an appearance at the Cannes Film Festival.
Repped by CAA, Johnson Shapiro, and Ziffren Brittenham, Mackey is one of the most exciting young talents in the industry. Her casting as the White Witch in Narnia is sure to generate significant buzz, and fans of the series will be eagerly anticipating her performance.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Mackey’s casting marks a significant coup for Gerwig and Netflix, and is a testament to the actress’s growing status as a leading lady in Hollywood. With production on Narnia set to get underway in the coming months, fans can expect to see Mackey bring the White Witch to life in a way that will be both faithful to the source material and freshly imagined for a new generation of audiences.
