Do you remember the first time you stepped into Narnia? The thrill of believing a wardrobe could lead to a world of snow, talking animals, and epic battles? For a generation, those feelings were brought to life by a film that, incredibly, just celebrated its 20th anniversary.
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobewasn’t just a movie; it was a portal. It arrived on the heels of fantasy giants likeLord of the RingsandPirates of the Caribbean, but quickly carved its own place in hearts worldwide. At its core were four young, relatively unknown British actors tasked with embodying the beloved Pevensie siblings – Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter.
The casting process was legendary, a year-long search that saw over 3,000 hopefuls vying for the role of Peter alone. Georgie Henley, who captured Lucy’s innocent wonder, recalls a whimsical audition where simply looking out a window secured her the part. William Moseley, cast as Peter, remembers the sheer disbelief of making it to the final two. “The rest is history,” he says, a hint of the magic still lingering in his voice.
For Georgie, stepping onto the set was a baptism by fire. As her first acting role, she nervously kept looking directly into the camera, requiring countless reshoots. “It was definitely a big, big plunge into the deep end,” she admits with a laugh. But the experience was guided by seasoned professionals who offered kindness and mentorship, shaping these young stars without them even fully realizing the magnitude of the fame surrounding them.
The film’s enduring power lies in its heart – the tender friendship between Lucy and Mr. Tumnus, played with remarkable sensitivity by James McAvoy. Georgie remembers McAvoy’s patience and generosity, qualities that struck her even as a young child. “He was 24 at the time, and the maturity he operated with… I realize now how exceptional it is.”
The action sequences were equally breathtaking, a testament to practical effects that feel increasingly rare today. William Moseley vividly recalls the four months of choreography required for his sword fight with Tilda Swinton’s formidable White Witch. He even demonstrates the opening moves over Zoom, two decades later, the muscle memory still intact. “Tilda loved doing it. She’s not a prima donna… she really wants to do all of it, which made it really fun.”
Filming wasn’t without its challenges. Anna Popplewell, who played Susan, reveals a surprising fear during the emotionally powerful scene of Aslan’s resurrection: live mice. “I’m very rational about snakes and spiders, but for some reason, just totally irrational about mice,” she laughs, admitting her terror amidst such a poignant moment.
The film’s release was a global phenomenon. William remembers a surreal moment at the premiere, realizing the film’s reach extended far beyond the Royal Albert Hall. “People in Japan love it, then in Mexico, then in India. It transcends religions and cultures.” Today, Georgie sees its impact in the TikTok edits her friends send, marveling at how little she appears on screen.
The stories from fans are what truly resonate. The actors have heard countless tales of the film providing comfort during difficult times, and being passed down through generations. It’s a legacy they never anticipated, a testament to the enduring power of C.S. Lewis’s story.
The bond forged between the four young actors remains strong. They credit the supportive environment on set with preventing the pitfalls of fame. Georgie recently celebrated her 30th birthday surrounded by both her “real-life and fictional siblings,” a poignant reminder of the adventure that shaped their lives.
Now, a new generation will discover Narnia through Greta Gerwig’s upcoming reboot. The original stars are optimistic, recognizing how fortunate they were to grow up before the age of social media. William’s advice to the new cast is simple: “Never read the comments.”
“Narnia was one of the best things that ever happened in my life,” William says, his voice thick with emotion. “I’d say to any kid, just enjoy it. Life is short, so you have to make the most of these moments.” Georgie echoes this sentiment, thrilled that another young actress will experience the magic she knew. “It’s so special to think about another little girl getting to experience what I experienced… The fact that it’s going to be someone like Greta Gerwig is amazing.”
The story of Narnia continues, a timeless tale of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring power of belief. And for those who first journeyed through the wardrobe twenty years ago, the magic remains as potent as ever.
