LOS GATOS, CA — In a move celebrated by casual viewers but criticized by longtime fans of C.S. Lewis's children's book series The Chronicles Of Narnia, Netflix has released marketing materials confirming that The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe will feature the first-ever black White Witch.
"We wanted a more sympathetic approach to the famously white villain, and believe us – you're going to love the changes in store for each of Lewis's most beloved characters, which reflect the world we live in today." Showrunner Matthew Alrich wrote in a series of Tweets announcing the move. "We hope that sassy black girls everywhere will be able to see themselves in this powerful, sympathetic, and feminist take on a misunderstood character."
Details have also emerged confirming that Aslan would be reimagined as an atheist, Mx. Tumnus would explore his new identity as an oppressed trans-fawn, and Susan Pevensie will be in a queer polyamorous relationship with several Narnian misfits.
While much of the chatter around the production has centered around whether Netflix would make Narnia "the new Game Of Thrones," few anticipated the development of a race-reversed witch, presented as a misunderstood anti-hero. Filmmaker Rian Johnson voiced his support in a comment: "It's all about subversion, baby! Just look at my groundbreaking movie that reinvented Star Wars: The Last Jedi!"
At publishing time, Netflix announced they had bought the rights for Lewis's Surprised By Joy, a reflective memoir about Lewis grappling with his faith in the wake of his wife's death from cancer. Netflix says audiences will love their "fresh, modern take," and their story will follow Lewis as he abandons his dying wife to live his truth. The Year of Me will star Idris Elba as C.S. Lewis and is slated for release on the platform in 2024.
Citing concerns about stiff competition from Amazon and an impossible-to-please Gen Z, Santa has announced he's hanging up the hat for good.
