Netflix’s Narnia Reboot Shows First Official Look at Daniel Craig’s Magician

Willa Rowe·Sep 18, 2026·Source

Craig describes his character as a "scheming sorcerer''

After giving audiences their first look at Aslan (who will be played by Meryl Streep), Netflix is sharing even more insight into its Chronicles of Narnia reboot. This time, it has shown off the first official look at Daniel Craig, confirming that he will be playing Andrew Ketterley.

The photo, which debuted in the UK's Empire magazine, looks like it is straight out of Doctor Who. Craig is dressed in a period outfit with a work apron while standing in a room absolutely overflowing with lenses and light refracting in all directions. Based on just this image, those not familiar with the Narnia books might think Craig is playing some form of the whimsical old man trope.

That's far from the truth. Craig admitted that he'd "like to say that his intentions are good, but I'm not so sure they are." He added that his character "gets overexcited about what could be, and therefore overlooks the people around him and the consequences of what he's doing." Director Greta Gerwig put it more plainly, "He's the stupidest magician in the world who actually made magic."

What else do we know about Netflix's Chronicles of Narnia adaptation?

Unlike Walden Media's previous film adaptations, Netflix is taking a different approach to the order in which it will adapt C.S. Lewis's novels. The seven Narnia books were not written in chronological order. Walden Media adapted the first three books Lewis wrote, but Netflix will instead adapt the series chronologically. That means the first film will be The Magician's Nephew, which is actually the second to last book written.

A woman in a glittery dress with two children walking away from an explosion.

Craig plays the titular magician, integral to setting the events that shape the rest of the series in motion. In addition to Streep, he will be joined by David McKenna (Lord of the Flies), Beatrice Campbell (The Phoenician Scheme), Emma Mackey (Sex Education, Emily), Carey Mulligan, and Ciarán Hinds (Game of Thrones, Silence)

Gerwig is directing, writing, and co-producing the movie following the hot streak of Lady Bird, Little Women, and Barbie. She shared that she "wanted a rock opera" when describing her creative vision for the movie, "I wanted it to be big and transporting." Netflix will also produce and has set the film for the company's first-ever wide theatrical release on Feb. 12, 2027. It will be available to stream on Netflix on Apr. 2, 2027.