British rising star Emma Mackey is stepping into the iconic role of the White Witch in Greta Gerwig’s highly anticipated Narnia adaptation for Netflix, according to an exclusive from TheWrap.
The new Narnia film, directed and written by Gerwig, will begin production later this year and will be shot using cutting-edge IMAX cameras. Based on C.S. Lewis’ sixth novel, The Magician’s Nephew, this Netflix Narnia project will delve into the origins of the magical world, providing a fresh take on the beloved fantasy series.
Emma Mackey to Portray White Witch Jadis in Narnia Reboot
As confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter, Mackey will portray Jadis, better known as the White Witch — the infamous antagonist not only in The Magician’s Nephew but also in the series’ most famous installment, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Mackey’s casting as the White Witch positions her at the heart of the Greta Gerwig Narnia movie, promising a chilling and powerful performance.
Emma Mackey previously collaborated with Gerwig in the blockbuster hit Barbie, which grossed over a billion dollars worldwide. Her experience with Gerwig’s vision makes her an exciting choice for such a crucial role in the Netflix Narnia adaptation.
A Star-Studded Cast for Netflix’s Narnia
Joining Mackey in the fantasy epic is legendary actress Meryl Streep, who is currently in discussions to voice Aslan, the majestic lion and symbolic King of Kings in the Narnia universe.
Fans can expect Greta Gerwig’s The Magician’s Nephew to premiere in IMAX theaters on Thanksgiving Day 2026, before streaming exclusively on Netflix just in time for Christmas.
Emma Mackey’s Rising Career
Beyond her role as the White Witch, Emma Mackey is keeping busy with a number of high-profile projects. She is currently filming J.J. Abrams’ untitled Warner Bros. feature alongside Glen Powell and Jenna Ortega. Mackey will also star as the lead in Ella McCay, James L. Brooks’ upcoming star-studded comedy, scheduled for release on December 12, 2025.
Represented by CAA, Johnson Shapiro, and Ziffren Brittenham, Emma Mackey’s career is on a meteoric rise, and her casting in the Narnia Netflix adaptation cements her place as one of Hollywood’s brightest young talents.
