Evangelicals Roar Over Streep Voicing Aslan

Meryl Streep has been confirmed to voice Aslan in Greta Gerwig's upcoming adaptation of C.S. Lewis's "The Magician's Nephew." This casting decision has ignited a strong backlash from some conservative Christian commentators in the United States.

Commentators like Jenna Ellis and David Fairchild have voiced strong opposition, with Ellis accusing Gerwig of "profaning Christ with the divine feminine" and Fairchild labeling the casting "creative vandalism." Isabel Brown of The Daily Wire finds the decision offensive, arguing that Aslan is intended as a Christ-like figure and casting Streep is a "deliberate mockery of Christianity."

Director Greta Gerwig stated she chose Streep for her ability to convey profound wisdom and childlike wonder, seeking an actor with gravitas but without self-seriousness. Despite the controversy, there has been no official confirmation that the Aslan character will be female. Christian writer Mary Pezzulo highlighted the perceived hypocrisy of those who accept an animalistic portrayal of Christ but object to a woman's voice.

The film's artistic direction includes a rock opera style, with Aslan's eyes depicted in a David Bowie-esque manner and Narnia's creation drawing parallels to the Spiders from Mars. Daniel Craig will play the sorcerer, and Emma Mackey will portray the White Witch, Jadis. However, the focus of public discussion remains on Streep's casting.