Is Meryl streep playing Aslan?

1. What the major trades actually reported

Deadline first reported that Streep was in talks to play Aslan and said its reporting was confirmed with sources; Deadline’s item is the basis for most follow‑ups ^[1]. The Guardian echoed Deadline’s account that Streep is in talks for the role in Greta Gerwig’s Narnia film and noted previous Aslan voices include Liam Neeson and BBC productions ^[2].

2. Disagreement over whether Aslan would be gender‑swapped

Some outlets — and a number of commentary pieces — present the casting as a clear gender swap of Aslan, saying the Netflix/Gerwig adaptation would make Aslan female and that Streep would fill that role ^{[3] [4]}. Others report only that Streep is in talks to voice Aslan and do not confirm a change in Aslan’s canonical gender; for example Deadline’s initial reporting confirmed talks but did not publish a definitive studio statement about changing the character’s gender in the story ^[1].

3. How secondary and fan sites framed the story

Entertainment websites and fan communities amplified the rumor, sometimes adding speculation (e.g., Streep might voice a male Aslan or play a female version) and noting other rumored cast members like Daniel Craig and Charli XCX ^{[5] [6]}. NarniaWeb and fan forums expressed skepticism and explored which parts of the rumor were substantiated, flagging Nexus Point News as an original smaller source for some versions of the scoop ^{[7] [8]}.

4. Why this is controversial and how coverage highlights that

Commentators quickly framed the notion of a female Aslan as potentially divisive because Aslan is widely read as a Christ figure in Lewis’s books; conservative and faith‑oriented outlets urged against gender‑swapping, arguing it would alter the allegory ^[9]. Conversely, some op‑eds and columns argued a high‑profile actor like Streep could bring gravitas and that gender‑swaps are a way contemporary filmmakers reinvent familiar franchises ^{[10] [4]}.

5. What’s confirmed, what’s rumor, and what’s missing

Confirmed in multiple trade pieces: outlets report Streep is "in talks" with Netflix/Gerwig to portray Aslan ^{[1] [2]}. Not confirmed by studio or by Streep’s reps in the cited reporting: a finalized deal, the character’s final gender in the film, or whether Streep would voice a male or female lion ^{[1] [2]}. Available sources do not mention an official Netflix or Gerwig statement confirming the gender‑swap or completed casting ^{[1] [2]}.

6. How to interpret the reporting and next steps to watch for

Trades like Deadline and mainstream outlets repeating that report lend it credibility, but jockeying among smaller sources and fan sites has produced mixed details ^{[1] [7]}. The clearest next confirmations will be a studio casting announcement, a representative statement from Streep, or inclusion of Aslan in official promotional materials/trailers — until then coverage remains reported negotiations and rumor ^[1].

7. Broader context: creators, previous portrayals, and stakes

Greta Gerwig is attached to direct a multi‑film Netflix Narnia project and the first film is widely reported to be The Magician’s Nephew; Liam Neeson voiced Aslan in the 2000s films and other actors voiced the role in BBC adaptations, so any new casting invites direct comparisons ^{[2] [5]}. The choice to recast or reimagine Aslan carries theological and fan‑culture implications because the character is central to the books’ symbolism ^{[2] [9]}.

Bottom line: credible reporting says Meryl Streep has been in talks to play/voice Aslan, but sources differ on whether the role will be gender‑swapped and no studio confirmation of final casting or character changes appears in current reporting ^{[1] [2]}. Watch for an official Netflix or production announcement to move this from reported negotiations to confirmed casting ^[1].