[MOVIE] Casting The Chronicles of Narnia: The Magician's Nephew

Anyone who loves fantasy books, would be familiar with C.S. Lewis' children-friendly series, The Chronicles of Narnia. The 7 book series carry a wonderful and bizarre journey of the magical world, Narnia, from its very beginning of creation, until its destruction or final day. Most of the stories are led by our various characters who are earth human protagonist. Beautifully illustrated and full of daydreaming scenes, personally I love to read them. Until today, the story itself has been adapted to many tv series, stages, and film. In the new millennia, we have at least 3 of the series, has been brought to big screen. And although there is a rumor or more like plan of Netflix adapt Narnia into its own tv series, there has been no confirmation of its casts. 

Even we all know that they already has a casting department, it's still fun to get to choose our own choices of actors. Disclaimer: I mean no disrespect to previous actors/actresses who portrayed Narnia series characters, this is just for fun.

Let's get started with the prequel of the series, The Magician's Nephew. Here we go!

credit: The Bodley Head publisher

Book Resume

The story begins in London at 1900 with our two main protagonists, Diggory and Polly. While playing in Diggory's house, they accidentally opened a door to Diggory's uncle room, Uncle Andrew's. In short, Uncle Andrew was a magician himself, and tricked both of them to wear yellow rings that brough them to other worlds, as his objects of observation (he's always been eccentric and manipulative person). 

Diggory and Polly, now entering a strange deserted world called Charn, unwillingly woke one of the ancient kings and queen statues, Jadis, which was described as the most beautiful (but also has that cruel look) woman they've ever seen. She revealed that she's last remaining survivor of the tiring world and put herself into sleep and only can be woken up by ringing the bell (which Diggory did). Realized that the new woman is evil, Diggory and Polly fleed back to London by wearing green rings. Unfortunately Jadis clutched them and began her insane colonialism attempt in London, started with Uncle Andrew himself.

When Jadis created a chaos on the road, Diggory and Polly then had an idea to stop this madness by bringing her back to the other world. But in this effort, they accidentally pull other people (the cab driver, Frank and his horse, Strawberry, Uncle Andrew, and also the legendary steel rod - which then grew as the popular lamp-post).

Arriving in the black pitched world, they witnessed a magical event, as Aslan the Lion woke the new world and named it as Narnia. Triggered, Jadis tried to fight him but failed and fleed to North. In sum, Aslan put animals into talking-animals and gave Frank and his wife (yes Aslan even invited Frank's wife to the Narnia) king and queen title and both of them ruled in peace with other magical creatures.

Aslan then gave a magical apple to Diggory for his dying mother. As Diggory and Polly returned to London, they remained a good friend to each another. He planted the seeds and magical rings in his backyard, it grew into apple trees which after a blowdown, its woods were made into cupboard (which is the center of second book story). At his middle-aged time, Diggory became a professor and later a host for the Pevensies children during the war.

Main Casts

Diggory Kirke

Harry Collett in Dolittle (2020)

Described as having dark hair and in his early teenage years, Harry Collett resembles the look (though the age is slightly older). The young British actor also stars in Dolittle movie and Dunkirk.

Polly Plummer

Austyn Johnson in The Greatest Showman (2017)

I know that Narnia is English books, which should be played by British actors/actresses, but one can imagine by the look only right? Austyn Johnson has a fair spirit and long sand-blonde hair, which fits Polly appearance.

Andrew Ketterley

source: pinterest

Now coming to this eccentric middle aged man, I can say that Ben Whishaw fits the best. Uncle Andrew always described as medium tall and thin person, with wild hair. He's not the bravest man in the story, and clearly he always up to something.

Jadis

Emily Blunt in Young Victoria (2009)

First illustrated as a tall beautiful woman with dark or maybe auburn hair, Jadis is certainly enchanted everyone who sees her. Emily Blunt is obviously has that look, and she proved herself as a qualified actress with various movies. Above picture itself is a proof she will be a fit Jadis.

Aslan

credit: Rolling Stone

When it comes to Aslan, I will keep in original voice of Liam Neeson, since I don't have any idea whose voice best to replace him.

King Frank

Dan Stevens in Downtown Abbey

For the first King of Narnia, King Frank is supposedly having a wise face-line and is told as a calm and just man. Dan Stevens has the look and a handsome British folk too.

Queen Helen

credit: roselesliesource

Described as British folk's beauty, Queen Helen is a shy and kind woman. The impression feels the same when you look at Rose Leslie.

Fledge

credit: Hollywood Reporter

A former cab horse turned to winged pegasus, Fledge (previously known as Strawberry in London), had a power of speech. He's also described as a tough male horse as accompanied Diggory to the North. Now Josh Gad has an experience acting in animated movie. Surely acts as a pegasus  voice won't be a problem, no?

Alright, that would be all. Tell me if you have a better performer to fill the place in Narnia series. See you in the next recasting episode!