Emma Mackey, best known for her role in Sex Education, has secured her next major film role — and it marks a reunion with one of her Barbie collaborators. The actor has been cast as the White Witch, Jadis, in Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia for Netflix, following their previous work together on the billion-dollar Warner Bros’ blockbuster.
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Tilda Swinton famously portrayed the White Witch in the 2005–2010 film trilogy, although her appearances in Prince Caspian and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader were limited. Swinton’s original performance in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe saw her character turning people to stone and ruling Narnia with an iron fist, famously tempting children with Turkish Delight. However, the Netflix-Gerwig film will adapt The Magician’s Nephew rather than revisiting Wardrobe, exploring the origins of Narnia and explaining the presence of the iconic lamppost.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the casting decision came down to Emma Mackey and The Substance star Margaret Qualley, ending earlier speculation that Charli XCX was in consideration for the role. The report also suggests that Meryl Streep is in discussions to voice Aslan, and that Netflix plans a two-week theatrical release, including IMAX screenings, before the film becomes available to stream.
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Mackey continues to expand her career with a range of forthcoming projects, including an LGBTQ+ romance, the political comedy Ella McCay, and a J.J. Abrams production featuring Glen Powell and Jenna Ortega. With a busy schedule ahead, her star is set to shine even brighter in the coming years.
