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. ("Who asked for this?" is a common sentiment among those who are less excited about the film.)

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.

“Well, I’m grateful to be the one to break it to you,” ScreenRant’s interviewer said.

“Oh. Great,” Neeson replied in a tone that can only be described as forced enthusiasm.

“Meryl Streep is taking on Aslan this time around,” the interviewer added.

Source link