Original Aslan Star Liam Neeson Gives Stamp of Approval to Meryl Streep's Narnia Casting

• Primary Subject: Liam Neeson's reaction to Meryl Streep taking over the role as the voice of Aslan in Netflix's The Chronicles of Narnia reboot.
• Key Update: During a press tour interview, original Aslan voice actor Liam Neeson revealed he was completely unaware of Netflix's Narnia reboot before hilariously giving Meryl Streep his stamp of approval to play the divine lion.
• Status: Confirmed
• Last Verified: November 6, 2026
• Quick Answer: Liam Neeson praised Meryl Streep for taking over as Aslan in Greta Gerwig's Narnia reboot, humorously approving the legend voicing the famous Christ allegory.

Before Netflix set its sights on reviving C.S. Lewis' iconic fantasy universe, action star Liam Neeson originally brought Aslan's voice to life across The Chronicles of Narnia trilogy.

Now, with director Greta Gerwig taking the reins of the realm for a brand-new theatrical and streaming saga, the Great Lion mantle has been passed down to fellow Hollywood giant Meryl Streep, with The Naked Gun star learning it in real time.

Original Aslan Star Liam Neeson Breaks Silence on Meryl Streep Replacing Him

Credit: Walt Disney Pictures | 20th Century Studios

In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Liam Neeson was caught off guard when informed that a new Narnia movie was in the works and that Meryl Streep had been cast as the Great Lion, Aslan.

When told that Streep would be voicing Aslan, Neeson deadpanned, "I'm sorry, this is news to me," before letting the news settle, "Meryl is playing Jesus Christ? Well, if you're gonna make Christ a lady, nobody is better than Meryl."

Greta Gerwig previously told Empire the standards she looked for in casting the new Aslan. The actor would have had to be "profound but not pretentious", someone who "could communicate depth", who was "older than 70" but would have the "capacity of fresh wonder, like a child."

Gerwig added, "And also to be one of the greatest actors to ever do it. That list is not a long one."

What Fans Can Expect From Netflix's Narnia Reboot: The Magician's Nephew

Greta Gerwig's fresh adaptation does not retread The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Instead, Netflix's flagship entry adapts The Magician's Nephew, which would explore the magical creation of Narnia, Digory Kirke, and the origins of Jadis, the White Witch.

Serving as the true prequel in C.S. Lewis' lore, The Magician's Nephew tracks young Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer as they travel across worlds, accidentally unleashing evil into a newly birthed fantasy realm created by Aslan's song.

Alongside Streep's Aslan, Gerwig has assembled a massive cast including Daniel Craig as Uncle Andrew, Emma Mackey as Jadis (the White Witch), Carey Mulligan as Flora Kirke, and Ciaran Hinds as the elder Digory Kirke.

Rising stars Beatrice Campbell and David McKenna will anchor the story as Polly and young Digory.

In the meantime, fans can catch Narnia: The Magician's Nephew in theaters on February 12, 2027, before streaming on Netflix on April 2, 2027. Stay tuned for more updates right here on Epicstream!