Warning! This article contains spoilers for The Chronicles of Narnia book series.The original book series,The Chronicles of Narnia, written by C.S. Lewis in the 1950s, is an enduring classic for a reason. However, some of the older themes and darker elements make it difficult to adapt to the screen.Greta Gerwig is set to direct the first two movies in the upcoming adaptation for Netflix,but the first film iterations from Disney ran into thematic problems in the early 2000s. While Lewis kept his plot developments consistent and adhered to the rules he created for Narnia, this doesn’t mean that every choice will connect with modern audiences.
There are plenty ofproblems withThe Chronicles of Narniathat Gerwig’s movies must fix, butthe ultimate ending of the final book in the series,The Last Battle, would be divisiveif the movies don’t alter it. It remains to be seen if the newNarniafilms will be a success and adapt all seven novels in the series. However, if the movies reachThe Last Battle, the creative team will have to decide if they want to change Lewis' vision or risk upsetting audiences. Though the ending ofThe Chronicles of Narniaisn’t exactly sad, it’s a complex and bittersweet conclusion that would polarize viewers unfamiliar with the books.
The Chronicles Of Narnia’s Ending Sees Aslan Destroying C.S. Lewis' World
It’s a decisive conclusion that ties into the series' religious themes.
It’s easy to questionwhy Aslan destroys Narnia in the books, but much of this connects to the Christian influence that pervades theNarniabooks. Aslan is characterized as Jesus Christ, andat the end ofThe Last Battle, he determines that the land of Narnia is flawedand needs to face judgment. He creates a new Narnia for the creatures and humans to journey to after being judged. This connects to the new Narnia being considered Heaven and is a metaphor for the characters, including the Pevensies, dying and ascending to Heaven.
Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Remake Can Bring Justice To 1 Character After 68 Years
While there are many aspects of the Narnia books and movies that have stood the test of time, certain characters were never given enough depth.
One of the worst parts of this ending is the fact thatSusan Pevensie is excluded from the new Narniaand essentially barred from entering heaven. In the book, Lewis explains this by saying that Susan has become concerned with “frivolous” things and has aged out of being part of Narnia, unlike the other children who have also become adults but are allowed to enter the “true” Narnia. Unfortunately, this can easily be interpreted as a sexist aspect of theNarniabooks and demonstrates some of the major problems that Gerwig and the creative team face.
C.S. Lewis' Ending Fits With The Themes Of His Fantasy Series
Though it’s a dark conclusion, it algins with Lewis' narrative
It’s eventually revealed at the end ofThe Last Battlethatnot only have the Pevensies gone to the true Narnia, but they’ve also died in a train accident on Earth.While this is an intense ending, it isn’t surprising for readers who have been withNarniasince the beginning. Lewis has never been afraid to put his characters through their paces and make definitive comments and moral judgments about them. Additionally, since theNarnianovels are so in conversation with Christianity, they could only end with the destruction of the first Narnia and the creation of Heaven.
Bringing the Pevensies back and making their story come full circle was fitting.
The Chronicles of Narniahas many great redemption stories, like Edmund’s inThe Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. In a sense, the Pevensies and the other worthyNarniacharactersjourneying to the new Narnia is the ultimate redemption arc,even though it leaves out Susan. Both the more serious religious elements combined with the escapism of the early books in the series make it easy to understand why Lewis would choose to end his books this way. Bringing the Pevensies back and making their story come full circle was fitting.
The Chronicles Of Narnia’s Final Book Makes The Whole Series Harder To Adapt
The end of The Last Battle could throw off the rest of the Narnia movies
After spending so many years with the Pevensies and watching them grow up, it’s difficult to witness them dying, even if it is to enter Heaven. Though they’re older,they’re still just young adults when they enter the new Narnia,and it would be slightly shocking to see such young people die at the end of a series meant for younger audiences. Though plenty ofchildren’s fantasy moviesgrapple with darker themes and death, ending the newNarniamovies with all the main characters passing away might be tough for some audiences.
There is no confirmed release date for the newChronicles of Narniamovies.
The Chronicles of Narniaadaptation doesn’t necessarily need a happy ending, but the legacy of the new films is of the utmost importance. For audiences who haven’t read all of Lewis' books, the sudden deaths of so many beloved characters would undermine the development and growth of the Pevensies and the other individuals that the later books focus on. Based on the way recent fantasy movie series have been adapted and received by viewers, it would be best forThe Chronicles of Narniato find a way to stay true to Lewis' vision while providing a satisfying end.
The Chronicles of Narnia
The Chronicles of Narniais a fantasy franchise based on the seven-book series written by C.S. Lewis between 1950 and 1956. The series is set in the magical world of Narnia, where children from our world are transported to fulfill prophecies, battle evil forces, and restore peace under the guidance of Aslan, a mystical lion. The franchise has seen multiple adaptations, including a BBC television series in the late 1980s, three major Hollywood films between 2005 and 2010, and an upcoming reboot by Netflix, which has generated significant anticipation. The franchise is beloved for its rich allegorical storytelling, blending Christian themes with epic fantasy elements.
