Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Officially Sets Record With Trailer 4 Months Before Release

The first official trailer for Greta Gerwig’s Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew was released on October 13, featuring David McKenna, Beatrice Campbell, Daniel Craig, Emma Mackey, and Carey Mulligan as the lead stars. The trailer features Led Zeppelin‘s classic hit, Stairway to Heaven. Notably, this marks the first time a movie has been able to license the track, which remains one of the most celebrated rock songs ever.

Before Gerwig managed to secure the rights, setting a new record, the band had famously refused previous licensing requests. Rolling Stone notes that Director Cameron Crowe wanted to use Stairway to Heaven in Kate Hudson’s Almost Famous (2000). However, at that time, Led Zeppelin refused, explaining that the track was too iconic to be licensed for commercial use. After watching the film, the band’s guitarist, Jimmy Page, instead offered Bron-Yr-Aur for free as a replacement.

Greta Gerwig Reveals How She Secured Led Zeppelin’s Classic Hit for Narnia

Emma Mackey in Greta Gerwig’s Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew | Credit: Netflix

On October 13, during a Q&A at an exclusive IMAX sneak peek of Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew, at AMC Lincoln Square in New York City, Greta Gerwig explained how she managed to secure the rights to Stairway to Heaven for the movie. “It’s this epic song,” she said before elaborating that she chose the track because “it’s about a spiritual journey, the path of enlightenment.”

“They had not let it be used for anything. I was so moved that they allowed me to use this song,” said Gerwig. She explained that she met with Led Zeppelin’s vocalist Robert Plant and guitarist Jimmy Page, who understood “the heart” of the movie. The Oscar-nominated filmmaker also noted that the musicians “love C.J. Lewis.”

Based on C.J. Lewis’ The Magician’s Nephew, Greta Gerwig’s Narnia is set to hit theaters on February 12, 2027. The story follows Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer, who discover magical worlds through enchanted rings created by Digory’s uncle, Andrew. As the two children embark on a thrilling adevnture, they witness Aslan creating Narnia and the White Witch’s arrival in the newly formed world.

The movie features David McKenna as Digory Kirke, Beatrice Campbell as Polly Plummer, Daniel Craig as Uncle Andrew, Emma Mackey as the White Witch, and Carey Mulligan as Mabel Kirke. In addition, Meryl Streep voices Aslan.

Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew is slated to arrive on Netflix on April 2, 2027, following the theatrical release.