*Courtesy of Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images.*

British actress and BAFTA winner Emma Mackey has landed the highly sought-after role as the White Witch in Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia, based on C.S. Lewis’ beloved fantasy series.

Netflix is producing the film, with Gerwig adapting the sixth book in the series, ‘The Magician’s Nephew.’ Gerwig, who both wrote the screenplay and is directing, reunites with Mackey after their collaboration on ‘Barbie,’ the blockbuster that crossed the billion-dollar mark at the box office.

For months, casting rumors have swirled around this high-profile project. At one point, Charli XCX was rumored to be in the running to play the White Witch, though those reports turned out to be premature. Ultimately, the decision came down to Mackey and ‘The Substance’ star Margaret Qualley.

The White Witch, whose real name is Jadis, is not only the central antagonist of ‘The Magician’s Nephew’ but also the iconic villain of the most famous Narnia installment; ‘The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.’ The character is infamous for casting Narnia into a perpetual winter where Christmas never arrives and for turning her adversaries into stone statues.

Mackey may join Meryl Streep, who is currently in talks to voice Aslan, the noble lion who is the “King above all High Kings” throughout the series. The film is still early in its casting process.

Netflix plans to release the film with a two-week IMAX theatrical window in late 2026, a rare decision for the streamer and something Gerwig specifically pushed for.

For Mackey, this new role marks another major milestone in her career. After gaining fame through Netflix’s ‘Sex Education,’ she went on to appear in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Death on the Nile’ and as part of the ensemble cast in ‘Barbie.’ She also starred as the lead in ‘Emily,’ a reimagining of Emily Brontë’s life, earning two British Independent Film Award nominations.

Currently, Mackey is filming an untitled Warner Bros. feature directed by J.J. Abrams, co-starring Glen Powell and Jenna Ortega. She’s also set to appear at the Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of ‘Alpha,’ the latest film from Titane director Julia Ducournau, where she has a supporting role.

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