Liam Neeson Had a Priceless Reaction to Learning Meryl Streep Is Voicing Aslan in Narnia: The Magician's Nephew

Liam Neeson was apparently unaware that Meryl Streep is voicing Aslan in Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of The Magician’s Nephew—and his reaction to the news was priceless.

Greta Gerwig, who famously directed the Barbie movie, is turning C.S. Lewis’ vibrant fantasy world into a rock opera-style production. This unexpected and wildly different take on the source material has left audiences split; some are welcoming Gerwig’s quirky approach to the Narnia prequel with open arms, while others are left scratching their heads.

Of the many notable choices Gerwig has made in her adaptation was the eyebrow-raising decision to cast Meryl Streep as the voice of the lion Aslan, a Christ-like figure in the books who sacrifices himself and is later reincarnated. In the original movie trilogy, Aslan was brought to life by Liam Neeson, who, up until recently, was totally unaware of who was inheriting the role in Gerwig’s movie—or, indeed, that another movie was being made, at all.

Neeson was informed about the film, as well as Streep’s casting, in a November 3 interview with ScreenRant, where he appeared completely blindsided by the news. “I’m sorry — this is news to me,” Neeson said, visibly surprised. When told that Meryl Streep was taking on Aslan, he asked in clear disbelief, “Meryl is playing Jesus Christ?” The interviewer responded, “Well, if you’re gonna make Christ a lady, nobody better than Meryl.”

Neeson’s remarks have gone viral, leading to varying opinions from audiences. Some viewed his response as feigned excitement, while others praised him for his diplomatic reaction. While some viewers criticized his smile, others pointed out the comedic parallels, noting that if a woman is playing C.S. Lewis’ furry Christ allegory, Meryl Streep is an undeniable choice.

Greta Gerwig’s The Magician’s Nephew comes to theaters on February 12, 2027.