MoreChronicles of Narniamovies are on the way, and this could open the door to future adaptations that carefully break C.S. Lewis' biggest rule for this fantasy world. Lewis' novels have been loved for generations, and many have been adapted to the screen several times over. Typically,The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobeis the first to be considered for an adaptation, and Greta Gerwig’s upcoming movie series is sure to include this story as well. However, it might be interesting if futureNarniamovies forged a path all their own.
Gerwig’sThe Chronicles of Narniamoviesare expected to be faithful to Lewis' books, though it’s still unclear precisely how theBarbiedirector will approach these projects. It would be great to see installments likeThe Magician’s Nephewbrought to the screen for the first time, and if all goes well, each of Lewis' books may finally get a day in the sun. Still, it’s interesting to considerwhat reopening the wardrobe door to Narnia could mean for the future of the on-screen franchise. Perhaps it’s time for a brand new story that challenges the idea that adults cannot travel to thefantasy world inThe Chronicles of Narnia.
The Chronicles Of Narnia Franchise Needs To Break C.S. Lewis' No Adults Rule
A New Story Could Take Lewis' Ideas Further
Lewis’Chronicles of Narniacame with a heartbreaking rule—adults cannot travel to Narnia since they no longer possess the innocence of true childlike imagination. EvenSusan Pevensie eventually grew upand stopped believing in Narnia despite all the adventures she had there. There are few exceptions to this lack of belief. The Professor, Digory Kirke, still believes that Narnia exists, but he doesn’t have access to this fantasy world as an adult. This has always been a somewhat bitter reality in the story, especially for those who have grown up since falling in love withNarnia.
While this rule shouldn’t be thrown out entirely, seeing a newNarniastory that finds a way around it would be interesting. Of course, this wouldn’t be an adult version ofThe Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe—it would instead be a brand new story with a fresh perspective. There may even be ways to use Lewis' own canon to support the idea that adults could go to Narnia. After all,while Professor Kirke could never revisit this land as an adult, he went to live there permanently after his death. A similar angle could be taken with a newNarniamovie or TV show with a fresh new perspective.
A Narnia Adaptation About Adults Would Offer A Fresh Perspective On the Story
C.S. Lewis Even Considered A More Adult Story
Narniais all about childlike innocence, but the story also has some darkness. The Professor went to live there after his death, and even some of the Pevensies died in canon and spent eternity in Aslan’s new realm (inThe Last Battle). If a new story saw adult characters explore this afterlife version of Narnia, it would provide a fresh new perspective on the story that has yet to be explored on screen. Sure, it would be a bit darker and a touch more adult, butthe fact that so manyNarniafans are now adults makes this all the more fitting.
Why Can’t Adults Go To Narnia? C.S. Lewis' Rule Explained
When the children get too old to return to Narnia, it’s a big deal in the books and movies, but there’s a deeper reason why this is the case.
Lewis himself set up such a tale. Susan Pevensie stopped returning to Narnia in the books because she got caught up in adulthood and no longer believed in this fantasy world. However,Lewis later explained that there would still have been hope for Susan to one day reunite with her family in Narnia, but that this would have been a more adult-aimed story (which is why it never got fully fleshed out). This could be a perfect launching point for an adult-aimedNarniastory, which could see Susan deal with the tragic death of her family and ultimately find her way back to childlike wonder—but as an adult.
How Breaking Narnia’s Biggest Rule Could Reshape The Series' Themes
Can Adults Reclaim Their Childlike Wonder?
ANarniaproject following an adult, whether Susan or a brand new character, would be aimed more at the struggle of reality, while childlike innocence worked to emerge from the background.
The themes of such a spinoff movie or TV show would obviously be quite different from theNarniabooksthemselves.Lewis' books explore a sort of magic that inherently exists within childrenthat makes accessing new worlds effortless. The darker tones of war, struggle, and death lie in the background, looked at through the innocent lens of children. ANarniaproject following an adult, whether Susan or a brand new character, would be aimed more at the struggle of reality, while childlike innocence worked to emerge from the background. Of course, this story is precisely what many adultNarniafans would need.
The Chronicles of Narnia
The Chronicles of Narniais a fantasy franchise based on the seven-book series written by C.S. Lewis between 1950 and 1956. The series is set in the magical world of Narnia, where children from our world are transported to fulfill prophecies, battle evil forces, and restore peace under the guidance of Aslan, a mystical lion. The franchise has seen multiple adaptations, including a BBC television series in the late 1980s, three major Hollywood films between 2005 and 2010, and an upcoming reboot by Netflix, which has generated significant anticipation. The franchise is beloved for its rich allegorical storytelling, blending Christian themes with epic fantasy elements.
