A film industry veteran is sounding the alarm over Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia, urging the streaming giant not to water down or distort the Christian themes that have made the series beloved for generations.
Dr. Ted Baehr, founder of the faith-based review site Movieguide, told CBN News he hopes to convince Netflix executives and director Greta Gerwig (Barbie) to honor Lewis’ biblical allegories in The Magician’s Nephew, the planned film based on the sixth novel in the series. To that end, he has penned an open letter calling for faithfulness to Lewis’ vision.
Speculation about the adaptation intensified earlier this year when reports surfaced that legendary actress Meryl Streep was being considered to voice Aslan, the Great Lion. Because Lewis designed Aslan as a Christ figure, the rumor that a woman might portray him immediately sparked controversy among fans and Christian leaders.
Gerwig previously assured fans that the film would be “rooted in faith,” but little else is known about how the final project will look. With uncertainty swirling, Baehr is rallying the Christian community to speak up.
“The Christian community is not a niche,” Baehr wrote in his letter. “It is a vast, values-driven audience that is hungry for stories that reflect their worldview, honor their convictions, and stir their souls. With over 62% of American adults identifying as Christian in 2025, and 33% attending religious services monthly, this is not just a spiritual demographic — it’s a formidable market segment.”
Baehr emphasized that too many films alienate faith-based audiences when they drift away from moral and biblical integrity. He promised that if Netflix preserves Lewis’ Christian worldview, he would personally champion the film among Christian audiences, theologians, and faith-based media.
In his appeal, Baehr outlined specific benchmarks for Netflix:
- Preserve the Christian themes without distortion.
- Ensure “moral integrity” remains at the heart of the story.
- Portray Aslan with reverence and avoid trivializing his role as a Christ figure.
- Keep the film family-friendly and accessible.
He went on to suggest that Gerwig and her team consult theologians or Lewis scholars during development to ensure the adaptation stays true to Lewis’ intentions.
“Potential pathways towards capitalizing on these opportunities and further fine-tuning for the greatest possible appeal to the largest target audience would include careful and thoughtful reflection by the director, screenwriter, or producers for a better understanding of Lewis’s Christian worldview,” Baehr explained.
Ultimately, Baehr’s message is simple: Honor Lewis’ legacy and the millions who treasure The Chronicles of Narnia as more than just fantasy. For Christians, these stories carry eternal significance.
If Netflix embraces that vision, Baehr believes the result could unite mainstream and faith audiences alike. But if not, he warns the studio risks “destroying” one of the most cherished allegories of the Christian faith.
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