Film industry veterans are on their mission to stop Netflix from “destroying” CS Lewis’s “destroying.”
Dr. Ted Baehr, founder of MovieGuide, wants to persuade CBN News to “abide by all Lewis’ Bible stories,” and does not change to other interpretations or attitudes when releasing the sixth novel film, The Magician’s Ne, in the Louis Narnia series.
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Baehr has prepared an open letter hoping to persuade the “Barbie” fame executive and director Greta Gerwig to accurately portray the characters and themes of upcoming Narnia films.
Outlets like Deadline reported earlier this year that actress Meryl Streep was in talks to portray Aslan The Great Lion, a character Lewis created to represent Jesus. The claim that Streep, a woman, was happening for the role, prompted anger and surprise immediately.
Gerwig previously vowed that the film is “rooted in faith,” but little is known about what the final product will look like.
Due to a lot of uncertainty, Baehr stands up in his open letter to the producer of the “Narnia” film. He encourages others to do the same.
“The Christian community is not a niche,” he wrote. “It’s a vast, value-driven audience who are hunger for stories that reflect worldviews, respect their beliefs, and stir spirits. In 2025, over 62% of American adults identified themselves as Christians each month, and this is not just a spiritual demographic.
Baehr went on to warn that too many films will alienate faith-based audiences. He told Netflix that he would personally promote “The Magician’s Ne.” if the film meets important benchmarks.
Among other feelings, Baehr asked that the Christian theme from the book is “moral integrity” in the story, and that it is not distorted or distorted due to the “respectful portrayal of Aslan.”
In this latter respect, he asked Gerwig’s portrayal of Aslan with respect, not triviality as a Christ form. And, among other points, the film demanded that it remain family-friendly.
Ultimately, Baehr said protecting these feelings would bring “fanatic support” from Christians, theologians and faith-based media.
“Potential pathways to take advantage of these opportunities and further tweak for the greatest possible appeal to the biggest target audience include careful and thoughtful reflections by directors, screenwriters or producers, allowing us to better understand Lewis’s view of Christian world.
We will leave you a complete letter:
Open letter to producers of new Narnian films
Dear Netflix producers and creative team,
As someone who speaks every day to millions of Christians across America – through sermons, social
Media, Broadcast Platform – I want to expand both challenges and invitations.
The Christian community is not a niche. It’s a starving, value-driven audience
A story that reflects their worldview, respects their beliefs, and stirs their souls. Over 62%
33% of American adults identified as Christians in 2025 participate in religious services each month.
This is not just a spiritual demographic, it is a scary market segment.Faith-based films designed for a wide audience like Lord of the Rings: Resurrection
King ($382 million), Christ’s Passion ($370 million), House Only ($286)
Million), Grinch ($272 million) and Blindside ($256 million) proved it
When Christians see the Christian worldview expressed in respect and credibility, they
Appears in large numbers and becomes an important element of such a film’s marketing campaign. flat
Secular titles such as Top Gun: Maverick or Avengers: Endgame, Note
Not including content hostile to Christian sensibility tends to do much better than that
Please ignore the promotion of this review in favor of peers’ praise.Too often, adaptations of spiritually rich works such as the magician’s nephew
A tone that feels sarcastic, profane or canky. These choices may appeal to critics, but they alienate
defending the film, and
Unprecedented success if it celebrates the sacred theme embedded in the story.If the adaptation of the magician ne meets the following criteria widely,
I personally want to be able to find only content that supports my worldview.
It promotes to a subscriber base of over 69 million followers across the platform. This includes
and screenings coordinated through email campaigns, livestream interviews and churches.
Christian schools across the country. Here are the key criteria that seem essential to resonating with a faith-based audience.Lewis’s lore, a chronology of stories, and faithful expressions of Christian themes
With an emphasis on creation, falling, and red-faced motifs (e.g., Aslan’s song creates Narnia), we do not distort Lewis’ theological intentions, but also clearly all-talented similarities with biblical truth, especially in terms of good and evil.
Moral integrity in storytelling
Avoiding the promotion of free violence, sexual content, or blasphemy, such as courage, sacrifice, obedience, and humility;
A depiction of Aslan’s respect
Drawn with respect, dignity and divine authority, Aslan avoids trivial or reinterpreting Aslan’s role as a visual design, as he evokes the preserving adoration and spiritual depth of Christ, as well as Christ-like, Christ-like, and his role as a visual design
The adoring attributes of Aslan as a genuine all-talk of Jesus ChristBiblically resonating themes
Creation of Narnia 1 The forbidden fruits where the mother of Diggory is seduced and the redness and healing of Eden are reflected in the grace of God
High Art and Production Quality
Averting the spiritual tone of the story, reflecting Narnia’s wonder and sacredness, filming, scores and acting that enhances the aesthetic beauty of overstylized, cheesy or overprofitable
Family friendly and enlightening
Suitable for children and adults. Meaningful family discussions about faith and morality provide spiritual nourishment rather than just entertainment.
Avoiding secular reinterpretation
There are no attempts to “modernize” or secularize Lewis’ work from turning it into a general fantasy.
In addition to these suggestions, adherence to these standards can lead to enthusiastic support
From other respected pastors, theologians, or Christian reviewers, and from screenings hosted by
Included in other churches, faith-based organizations, broader Christian media;
You can co-promote with Lewis’ apologies work just like Christianity.Potential pathways to exploit these opportunities and further tweak
The biggest appeal possible to your biggest target audience includes careful and thoughtful
Reflections by director, screenwriter or producer to better understand Lewis
Christian World Views can be achieved through consultations with theologians and Lewis
A scholar in development.Feel free to contact me and my staff to begin this unprecedented journey
Community stakeholders engagement that could easily lead to new standards of marketing
These types of products in the US and around the world.Sincerely,
Ted Bear
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