Emma Mackey, known for her role in Sex Education, is set to portray the infamous character the White Witch in Netflix’s Narnia, under the direction of Barbie filmmaker Greta Gerwig.

Greta Gerwig, who is handling both the writing and directing duties, is bringing to life The Magician’s Nephew, the sixth installment in C.S. Lewis’ beloved fantasy series. This project marks a reunion for Gerwig and Mackey, who previously worked together on the successful movie Barbie.

There has been much speculation surrounding the casting for this project, with various names like Charli XCX being tossed around. In the end, the decision came down to Emma Mackey and Margaret Qualley from The Substance, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

Netflix is keeping quiet—no official comment on the casting.

Jadis, better known as the White Witch, is Narnia’s most infamous foe. She’s the sorceress who cursed Narnia with a never-ending winter—one so bleak it never even reaches Christmas—and freezes her foes into stone. She plays a key role not just in The Magician’s Nephew, but also in the franchise’s flagship title, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

The film is still early in casting, but Mackey may be sharing the screen—or at least the soundscape—with Meryl Streep, who’s in talks to voice Aslan. Aslan is the talking lion who, in the books, is the King of Kings.

In a bold move, Netflix is giving Narnia a two-week theatrical IMAX run in late 2026—something Gerwig fought to secure.

Mackey’s star continues to rise. After her breakout in Sex Education, she’s racked up major credits like Death on the Nile, Emily (which earned her two British Independent Film Award noms), and of course, Barbie.

She’s currently filming an untitled J.J. Abrams movie with Glen Powell and Jenna Ortega, and she’ll hit the Cannes red carpet for Alpha, the latest film from Titane director Julia Ducournau. She also leads James L. Brooks’ ensemble comedy Ella McCay, landing in theaters December 12.

Mackey is repped by CAA, Johnson Shapiro, and Ziffren Brittenham.