The Lion's Share of Controversy: Meryl Streep's Casting as Aslan
Written with AI assistance from the cited sources and reviewed by our team. Editorial policy
The Furry Fury Surrounding Meryl Streep's Casting
Director of the upcoming 'Narnia' film, Greta Gerwig, has faced backlash for casting none other than Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep as Aslan, the Christ-like lion from C.S. Lewis's classic novels.
According to reports, fans and critics alike are divided on the choice, with some hailing it as a bold move and others questioning its relevance to the character's depiction in the original books.
The Context of Casting Controversy
Aslan is often described as a lion with supernatural powers, but not human-like. Meryl Streep's casting raises questions about how her portrayal will align with the original vision of C.S. Lewis.
Some fans feel that Streep's casting detracts from Aslan's true nature, while others see it as an opportunity to bring a fresh perspective to the role. The debate has also sparked discussions on representation and diversity in the entertainment industry.
A Missed Opportunity? A Look Back at Meryl Streep's 1993 Casting Controversy
Interestingly, Meryl Streep herself faced criticism for her casting as a minor character in the 1993 film 'The Pelican Brief'. At the time, she was fired by her agent after receiving negative feedback from fans and critics.
Streep has spoken publicly about the experience, stating that she was 'very upset to be upset' by the backlash. However, this recent casting choice has reignited similar concerns among fans and critics alike.
More than Just a Casting Controversy
The decision to cast Meryl Streep as Aslan also highlights the complex relationship between representation, diversity, and artistic vision in Hollywood.
As author and scholar, Jeffrey Overstreet, notes in an article titled 'Aslan, Meryl Streep, and the Abolition of Man', 'the casting of a white actress to play a lion is a commentary on our societal attitudes towards identity and representation.'
A New Voice for Aslan
Despite the controversy surrounding her casting, Meryl Streep's performance as Aslan has sparked hope among fans that the character will be reimagined in a fresh and exciting way.
As noted by entertainment publication, Empire, 'Meryl Streep's Aslan is a familiar figure, but with a new voice'. This shift in approach may mark a turning point for the franchise, paving the way for more diverse and inclusive storytelling in the future.
Sources
- Director of new ‘Narnia’ movie takes heat over casting of Meryl Streep as Christ-like lion Aslan — foxnews.com
- The missed 1993 role that made Meryl Streep fire her agent: “I was very upset to be upset” — faroutmagazine.co.uk
- Aslan, Meryl Streep, and the Abolition of Man — nationalreview.com
- A familiar figure, a new voice: Meryl Streep's Aslan stirs gender debate over Gerwig's ‘Narnia’ — independent.co.uk
- Greta Gerwig’s Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew hits the cover of Empire – with Meryl Streep as Aslan — empireonline.com
This article summarises and adds context to the original reporting linked above.
