Meryl Streep Cast as Aslan in Greta Gerwig's Narnia and the Internet Is Divided

Greta Gerwig has confirmed what the rumors were teasing: Meryl Streep will voice Aslan in her upcoming adaptation of“The Chronicles of Narnia.”The announcement landed in an interview with Empire, and the reaction was instant. Aslan is widely interpreted as a representation of Jesus Christ in C.S. Lewis’beloved books, so putting a woman behind that voice has sparked a fierce debate about faithfulness to the source material and how Hollywood handles religious themes.

Gerwig defended the casting by describing exactly what she wanted: someone profound but not pretentious, with gravitas but without morose self-seriousness, someone over 70 with the wisdom of experience and the fresh wonder of a child. Whether or not you agree with the choice, it’s hard to argue that Streep doesn’t fit that description. Things got even louder when reports surfaced that Aslan’s design is partly inspired by David Bowie, fueling accusations of gender-bending and speculation that the controversy itself is intentional marketing.

So where does that leave fans? Some are furious, some are fascinated, and plenty are just curious to see how it all plays out on screen. Narnia has been adapted before, but never quite like this.

What do you think: is Streep a brilliant pick for Aslan, or should this role have stayed true to the books?