Narnia Star Ben Barnes Excited to See Greta Gerwig’s Netflix Adaptation

During the premiere of Stephen King’s “The Institute” in Los Angeles, actor Ben Barnes spoke about the excitement he has for Greta Gerwig’s new adaptation of the “Narnia” book series for Netflix. 

 “With classic literature, there’s no end to the ways they can be adapted as long as it’s being fresh and it’s speaking to a new generation,” Barnes, whose breakout role was Prince Caspian in the 2008 and 2010 “The Chronicles of Narnia” films, told Variety. “I think that those stories have this one, some fantasy really allows you to tell beautifully allegorical stories about hope and goodness and faith. I think that it’d be really interesting to see her take on that. I’m thrilled that [“Narnia”] is getting retold.”

Gerwig is writing and directing the fantasy adventure, which reportedly follows “The Magician’s Nephew” — the sixth novel in the series by author C.S. Lewis. The cast will include Daniel Craig, Meryl Streep and Emma Mackey. Carey Mulligan is also said to be in talks to join the project.

Barnes drew a parallel between his characters in “The Institute” and “Narnia,” and how both characters have similarities on saving the day for a younger cast of characters.  “When I was in my early twenties, I was involved in telling those stories for the next generation,” he said. “So, to get back to playing a man with a real firm grasp on his moral compass, who is fighting to stand up for what’s right. It was something that I was really interested in.”

“The Institute” follows Luke Ellis (Joe Freeman) as he is taken as a captive into an undisclosed facility, where he finds himself and other children and teenagers with the same mysterious abilities such as telekinesis and telepathy. The MGM+ series features a cast of Gen Z actors.

“’I’m really excited for people to just see that resilience and reflect it in Gen Z as well because we have such a strong…