The White Witch has been unveiled, with British actress Emma Mackey securing the much-coveted portrayal of the malevolent sorceress in Greta Gerwig's adaptation of C.S. Lewis's beloved fantasy novels, The Chronicles of Narnia. Netflix is spearheading this cinematic endeavor, with Gerwig's film reportedly delving into the sixth installment of the series, The Magician’s Nephew. Gerwig, who penned the screenplay, will also take the director's chair. This casting marks a reunion for Gerwig and Mackey, who previously collaborated in the billion-dollar box office hit, Barbie.
For months, speculation regarding the high-profile casting of the White Witch has swirled like whispers in the wind. Charli XCX was once rumored to don the icy crown, but those rumors proved to be premature. Numerous actresses eagerly vied for the role, ultimately narrowing down to a fierce duel between Mackey and The Substance's star, Margaret Qualley. Netflix remained tight-lipped regarding the casting decision.
Jadis, the White Witch, stands as the archnemesis not only in Magician’s Nephew but also in the most renowned of all Narnia tales, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. She is the one who cast a perpetual winter's spell over Narnia (a realm where Christmas is but a distant dream), transforming her foes into frozen statues.
The project is still in its nascent stages of casting. Mackey will join the esteemed company of Meryl Streep, who is currently in negotiations to embody Aslan, the regal, talking lion who reigns supreme as the King of Kings in the enchanting narratives.
In an unprecedented decision for Netflix, the streaming giant has granted "Narnia" a highly anticipated two-week cinematic engagement in Imax theaters towards the end of 2026, a battle fiercely championed by Gerwig. This move marks a significant milestone in Mackey's meteoric rise to fame, with her portrayal of The White Witch further cementing her status.
Mackey, who garnered widespread recognition through her stellar performance in Netflix's "Sex Education," has since diversified her portfolio with notable appearances. She starred in 20th Century Studios' all-star whodunit "Death on the Nile" and was part of the high-profile "Barbie" ensemble. Among her recent endeavors, Mackey shone brightly as the titular character in "Emily," a riveting reinterpretation of Emily Brontë's life that earned her two British Independent Film Awards nominations, underscoring her remarkable versatility and depth as an actress.
Currently, Mackey is in the midst of production for J.J. Abrams' upcoming, untitled feature film for Warner Bros., where she shares the screen with Glen Powell and Jenna Ortega. Additionally, she is poised to make a graceful entrance at the Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of "Alpha," the latest cinematic offering from "Titane" director Julia Ducournau, in which she delivers a compelling supporting performance. Mackey also headlines "Ella McKay," James L. Brooks' star-studded comedy set to grace theaters on December 12th, solidifying her reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the film industry.
Represented by CAA, Johnson Shapiro, and Ziffren Brittenham, Mackey continues to soar, leaving an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape with each of her captivating performances.
