For viewers who first entered Narnia through The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, Jadis already carries a clear warning. At that point in the story, she is the White Witch ruling the fantasy kingdom. The Magician’s Nephew shifts the action to the opening entry in Narnia’s internal timeline, showing her before she becomes the figure audiences recognize.
Jadis before the familiar White Witch
In Greta Gerwig’s adaptation, Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew, Emma Mackey takes on Jadis. Mackey had previously appeared in Barbie as one of its many Barbies, specifically Physicist Barbie. The new version places Jadis in a different physical and emotional position from the later ruler, while tracing the direction in which she is heading.
Fresh anarchy after Charn
Charn kept Jadis confined for a long period. Her path crosses that of young Digory, played by David McKenna, and Polly, played by Beatrice Campbell, as she gets ready to release a new wave of anarchy. The meeting brings that threat into the children’s world instead of presenting her as an already established sovereign.
Mackey said Gerwig’s approach to the character caught her attention immediately. She cited a script description that labels Jadis “all chaos and bad plans.” Mackey also portrayed her as an outsized presence who enters Digory and Polly’s world and leaves them surprised.
A shiny look with a dangerous edge
The costume reinforces how the children experience Jadis. Its design draws on Gerwig’s glam-rock cultural inspirations, making the character look unlike anything they would have encountered in London’s post-war wreckage during the 1950s. The clothing is not merely decorative; it communicates both appeal and menace.
Mackey described the desired effect as a mix of fun and unease. Digory and Polly can see Jadis as shiny and exciting, yet also feel unsure because she is a little frightening and they cannot predict how to act around her. Her outfit is comfortable and prepared for war, so the glamour is paired with an obvious readiness for battle.
Issue and release dates
The November 2026 issue goes on sale Thursday, September 24. It includes an on-set cover feature with Greta Gerwig and members of her cast, including Daniel Craig, Emma Mackey, and Meryl Streep, along with an early look at the epic fantasy adaptation. Copies can be ordered online.
Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew is scheduled to reach cinemas on February 12, 2027. Netflix follows on April 2, 2027, creating a theatrical window before the streaming release.
