Filming Progress and New Locations
Initial Filming in London
Netflix’s adaptation of The Magician’s Nephew began filming key scenes at the iconic Tower of London, featuring Jadis (the White Witch) and Digory Kirke, played by David McKenna. To authentically capture the 1950s London aesthetic, stunt doubles were brought in and meticulous set dressing transformed the location.
Rumors have been swirling about Emma Mackey playing Jadis, with on-set glimpses of her stunt double supporting these exciting whispers.
Transition to Manchester
Filming has now shifted to Manchester’s historic Castlefield area, creatively transformed to resemble 1950s London streets. Fans are getting their first look through photos by photographer Mark Campbell, showcasing David McKenna along with numerous extras bustling on set.
The production has plans to continue shooting street scenes across various parts of England throughout September, promising more authentic backdrops.
Victoria Baths Filming Details
One of the confirmed filming locations is the beautifully preserved Victoria Baths, with shooting scheduled from August 26 to 30, 2025. Casting calls have been put out specifically for 40 boys aged 11 to 14, sporting 1950s-style haircuts, for a scene set in this bathhouse.
Speculation runs high about the nature of this scene, with many guessing it represents a boarding school or a gender-segregated environment integral to Digory’s storyline.
Cast Updates and Rumored Roles
Confirmed Main Cast
- David McKenna as Digory Kirke
- Beatrice Campbell as Polly Plummer
Rumored Cast Members
- Emma Mackey as The White Witch (Jadis)
- Meryl Streep as Aslan
- Daniel Craig as Uncle Andrew
- Carey Mulligan (role yet unspecified)
New Addition
Tom Bonington recently joined the cast as Mr. Potts, an original character created specifically for the film and not found in the books. Bonington brings a wealth of experience from previous roles in shows such as Hijack, Andor, and Black Ops.
Production Insights and Working Title
Working Title: “Ordinary Time”
The production is currently filming under the secretive working title “Ordinary Time”. This codename is derived from a line spoken by Digory in the original novel and helps keep filming and casting under wraps during the early stages.
Filming Locations and Schedule
- Filming is expected to span multiple locations including Southern and Eastern parts of the UK.
- Shepperton Studios serves as the production’s home base, providing extensive facilities and sound stages.
- The film aims for a targeted release window in late 2026, with plans for a grand IMAX release to bring the magical world to life on the big screen.
Audience Reception and Anticipation
Early fan reactions to Netflix’s Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew are a blend of excitement and curiosity. The updated 1950s setting and Jadis’ costume design have sparked discussions, especially given the deviation from the book’s original timeline.
Greta Gerwig’s adaptation team has clearly taken creative liberties that promise a fresh take on this beloved Narnia origin story.
Keeperfact invites all readers and Narnia fans to share their thoughts and excitement in the comments below as we eagerly await the arrival of this new magic on Netflix.
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