Emma Mackey Freezes Out Competition for Narnia's White Witch Role

Olivia Bennett, 4/26/2025 Darlings, hold onto your wardrobes! Emma Mackey is trading classroom drama for ice-cold glamour as our new White Witch in Netflix's Narnia adaptation. Fresh from their Barbie brilliance, Mackey and Gerwig are reuniting to sprinkle some seriously chic magic over The Magician's Nephew. Simply divine!

The industry's collective jaw hit the floor yesterday afternoon. (And yes, several perfectly good martinis were spilled in the process.) After months of speculation that had everyone from Charli XCX to Margaret Qualley's names floating through the Hollywood ether, it's the Sex Education breakout who'll be stepping into those iconic ice-queen shoes.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this whole delectable affair is the reunion of Mackey with Greta Gerwig, fresh off their billion-dollar Barbie triumph. They're tackling The Magician's Nephew — you know, that absolutely fascinating prequel that explains how that mysterious lamp post wound up in the middle of a magical forest. (Come to think of it, has anyone checked if Gerwig's been secretly hoarding Turkish Delight during pre-production meetings?)

A particularly chatty studio executive — who may or may not have been three glasses deep into a rather lovely Château Margaux — shared that the final casting decision came down to the wire. Qualley apparently gave such a compelling screen test that the crew needed smelling salts afterward. But darling, when you know, you know — and Mackey simply was Jadis.

Now, here's a tidbit that's setting tongues wagging faster than a Hollywood divorce announcement: whispers about Meryl Streep potentially signing on as a gender-flipped Aslan are gaining serious traction. The mere thought of La Streep bringing her incomparable gravitas to Narnia's beloved lion has certain Beverly Hills power lunches buzzing with possibility.

Gerwig, proving yet again why she's become Hollywood's most sought-after director since... well, possibly ever, has managed to secure a two-week IMAX exclusive before the film hits Netflix in late 2026. That's the kind of industry muscle that makes studio executives weak at the knees.

Meanwhile, Mackey's dance card is filling up faster than the Vanity Fair Oscar party guest list. Between a hush-hush project with J.J. Abrams (featuring Glen Powell and Jenna Ortega), her leading role in James L. Brooks' Ella McCay, and that absolutely stunning turn in Julia Ducournau's Alpha at Cannes — she's everywhere, darling. Absolutely everywhere.

Following Tilda Swinton's ethereally chilling portrayal might seem daunting, but something tells me Mackey's got more than a few tricks hidden up those royal sleeves. Production kicks off this July at Shepperton Studios, where countless magical tales have sprung to life before (though perhaps with slightly less Turkish Delight involved).

In an era where Instagram followers often trump actual talent, this casting feels like a refreshing gulp of... well, something considerably stronger than Narnian air. It's a victory for pure, undiluted talent — and isn't that exactly the kind of magic we've been craving?

Hold onto your wardrobes, darlings — Netflix's Narnia universe is about to get a deliciously wicked makeover. In what might be the most thrilling piece of casting news since Margot Robbie donned those pink heels, Emma Mackey has just claimed the crystalline crown of Jadis the White Witch in the streaming giant's upcoming Chronicles adaptation.The industry's collective jaw hit the floor yesterday afternoon. (And yes, several perfectly good martinis were spilled in the process.) After months of speculation that had everyone from Charli XCX to Margaret Qualley's names floating through the Hollywood ether, it's the Sex Education breakout who'll be stepping into those iconic ice-queen shoes.Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this whole delectable affair is the reunion of Mackey with Greta Gerwig, fresh off their billion-dollar Barbie triumph. They're tackling The Magician's Nephew — you know, that absolutely fascinating prequel that explains how that mysterious lamp post wound up in the middle of a magical forest. (Come to think of it, has anyone checked if Gerwig's been secretly hoarding Turkish Delight during pre-production meetings?)A particularly chatty studio executive — who may or may not have been three glasses deep into a rather lovely Château Margaux — shared that the final casting decision came down to the wire. Qualley apparently gave such a compelling screen test that the crew needed smelling salts afterward. But darling, when you know, you know — and Mackey simply was Jadis.Now, here's a tidbit that's setting tongues wagging faster than a Hollywood divorce announcement: whispers about Meryl Streep potentially signing on as a gender-flipped Aslan are gaining serious traction. The mere thought of La Streep bringing her incomparable gravitas to Narnia's beloved lion has certain Beverly Hills power lunches buzzing with possibility.Gerwig, proving yet again why she's become Hollywood's most sought-after director since... well, possibly ever, has managed to secure a two-week IMAX exclusive before the film hits Netflix in late 2026. That's the kind of industry muscle that makes studio executives weak at the knees.Meanwhile, Mackey's dance card is filling up faster than the Vanity Fair Oscar party guest list. Between a hush-hush project with J.J. Abrams (featuring Glen Powell and Jenna Ortega), her leading role in James L. Brooks' Ella McCay, and that absolutely stunning turn in Julia Ducournau's Alpha at Cannes — she's everywhere, darling. Absolutely everywhere.Following Tilda Swinton's ethereally chilling portrayal might seem daunting, but something tells me Mackey's got more than a few tricks hidden up those royal sleeves. Production kicks off this July at Shepperton Studios, where countless magical tales have sprung to life before (though perhaps with slightly less Turkish Delight involved).In an era where Instagram followers often trump actual talent, this casting feels like a refreshing gulp of... well, something considerably stronger than Narnian air. It's a victory for pure, undiluted talent — and isn't that exactly the kind of magic we've been craving?