Is Greta Gerwig’s ‘Narnia’ in Trouble? Netflix Reportedly Worried After a Rough Test Screening

When Netflix landed Greta Gerwig to bring C.S. Lewis’ beloved fantasy world back to the screen, it looked like one of the streamer’s biggest creative wins. Coming off the $1.4 billion success of ‘Barbie’, Gerwig was set to lead ‘Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew’ as Netflix’s most ambitious film event to date.

The film has already gone through some changes. It was originally planned for an IMAX release over Thanksgiving 2026, but Netflix moved it to February 12, 2027, with a 49-day exclusive theatrical window before it streams on April 2. Netflix said only that the film wasn’t ready for its original date.

Now, a new report is raising questions about the film’s progress. According to The InSneider, Jeff Sneider’s newsletter, some people at Netflix are concerned about the reportedly $280 million production, with one source calling it “awful” and “a genuine problem.”

The report says a summer test screening went poorly. One attendee compared it to Disney’s 2018 film ‘A Wrinkle in Time’, which reportedly lost the studio close to $100 million, and said the mood in the room was deflated when the lights came up. The screening reportedly led Netflix to order additional filming.

One complaint focuses on structure: the characters reportedly don’t reach Narnia until the third act. Some fans have responded that this closely follows the plot of Lewis’ original book, so the criticism may be more about faithfulness than a mistake.

A Universe Begins. See how Narnia was created in Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew, a film by Greta Gerwig – only in theaters February 12. https://t.co/jwxksCL0N7

— Netflix (@netflix) October 13, 2026

The report also says Gerwig has clashed with Netflix film chief Dan Lin and that an experienced editor or director was quietly brought in to help. The film officially credits 3 editors: Nick Houy, Wyatt Smith and Andrew Weisblum. Houy previously edited ‘Lady Bird’, ‘Little Women’ and ‘Barbie’ on his own.

These claims haven’t been confirmed by Netflix, and there are reasons to be cautious. The cut shown at the test screening reportedly had only half-finished visual effects, and some reports describe reactions as mixed rather than entirely negative.

There’s also disagreement about the scale of the extra work. A source told NarniaWeb that the extra filming was additional photography, not reshoots, and that it didn’t involve the principal cast. Studio interference in the edit isn’t necessarily a bad sign either, since similar issues were reported during ‘Barbie’.

New poster for #Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew. Official trailer dropping tomorrow. https://t.co/H9RwTcwBSQ

— Fandango (@Fandango) October 12, 2026

The report comes during a turbulent period at the streamer. It reportedly arrived on the same day as Netflix layoffs and claims that executive Doug Belgrad is out. It also says Lin and content chief Bela Bajaria may be at risk as engagement declines.

That context makes the stakes for ‘Narnia’ even higher. With a reported budget of $280 million, and some sources suggesting it’s even higher, the film is one of Netflix’s biggest bets.

The report came just a day after Netflix released the first trailer on October 13. Set to Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven”, the trailer showed off a grainy 1900s London look and large-scale visual effects. It passed 10 million YouTube views, with a noticeable share of dislikes.

The cast includes newcomers David McKenna and Beatrice Campbell as Digory and Polly, Emma Mackey as the White Witch, Daniel Craig as Andrew Ketterley, Carey Mulligan as Mabel, and Ciarán Hinds. Meryl Streep voices Aslan, and Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt are composing the score.

Troubled productions sometimes become hits, and Gerwig has repeatedly shown she can make films that succeed with both critics and audiences. With nearly 4 months until release, there’s still time for editing, effects work, and additional footage to change how the film plays.

For now, the reports add pressure to a film that Netflix clearly hopes will launch a major new franchise. Whether ‘Narnia’ becomes a triumph or a costly misfire will become clear in February.

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