First Look at Emma Mackey as Jadis in ‘Narnia’: White Witch’s Glam-Rock Costume Divides Fans

Empire magazine has revealed the first look at Emma Mackey’s costume in “Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew”, Greta Gerwig’s new film. Mackey, 30, plays Jadis — the woman who will later become the White Witch, one of the most iconic figures in fantasy literature.

The British actress described her character to the magazine in strong terms: “In the script she is described as ‘all chaos and evil plans’. She is this larger-than-life creature,” Mackey said — a warning that this is not the cold winter queen we know from the earlier films.

The costume’s glam-rock aesthetic drew divided reactions on social media. Some fans were openly disappointed: “I’ve lost all hope for this film,” one commenter wrote. Others welcomed the visual boldness: “Emma Mackey screaming in that metallic dress looks so good, I’m watching.”

Some commenters recalled that this is Jadis of Charn — not yet the queen of eternal winter. “The Magician’s Nephew” brings her first to London, where she brings chaos, not ice — so, in their view, the glam-rock armor suits an empress who has already destroyed her own world.

The film’s cast is star-studded: Meryl Streep voices the lion Aslan, while Daniel Craig, Carey Mulligan, Ciarán Hinds, Denise Gough, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, David McKenna and Beatrice Campbell also star. Of the choice of Streep as Aslan, Gerwig said: “I wanted someone who was deep but not pompous, who had gravity but not gloomy seriousness. Someone who communicates depth and pathos, but also joy and delight.” Gerwig is both director and producer; producing are Mark Gordon, Amy Pascal, Douglas Gresham and Vincent Sieber.