After nearly two decades as the voice of Aslan, Liam Neeson is handing the mane over to Meryl Streep — and he couldn’t be happier about it.
The actor, who voiced the great lion in Disney’s three Chronicles of Narnia films between 2005 and 2010, was caught off guard when a ScreenRant reporter asked him about Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew. “I’m sorry, this is news to me,” Neeson admitted.
“Nobody Better Than Meryl”
Once he learned that Streep had stepped into his former role, Neeson gave her his full blessing. In C.S. Lewis’ books, Aslan is the creator of Narnia and a Christ-like figure, which led to a playful response from the actor: “Well, if you’re going to make Christ a lady, nobody better than Meryl.”
The clip of Neeson reacting in real time quickly made the rounds online, with fans delighted by his good-humored approval.
Why Greta Gerwig Chose Meryl Streep
Gerwig, who wrote and directed the new adaptation for Netflix, has said her shortlist for the role was a very short one. Speaking to Empire, she explained that she wanted an actor over 70 who carried real wisdom and gravitas, but who could still bring a childlike sense of wonder and joy to the character — and who ranked among the greatest performers of all time.
Streep, a three-time Oscar winner, became attached to the role last April. The casting sparked plenty of debate when it was first reported, but Neeson’s endorsement may help win over longtime fans of the original films.
What to Know About ‘Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew’
- Release: In theaters February 12, ahead of its Netflix debut.
- Story: Based on the sixth book Lewis published, it is the first chapter chronologically, following Aslan’s creation of Narnia a thousand years before The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
- Behind the camera: Gerwig first confirmed her plans to adapt the Narnia books for Netflix in 2023.
Neeson previously voiced Aslan in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005), Prince Caspian (2008) and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010). Now, with his seal of approval, Streep is ready to roar.
