What Greta Gerwig Must Pursue Post-Narnia That She Hasn’t Done Since Lady Bird

Greta Gerwig, acclaimed for her innovative storytelling, has primarily focused on adaptations since her breakout film, Lady Bird. With her upcoming project, a reboot of The Chronicles of Narnia, she will further extend her adaptation portfolio. Following the extraordinary success of Lady Bird, Gerwig seized the opportunity to bring to life another beloved novel, Little Women, a film that resonated with both audiences and critics alike. Its triumph at the box office paved the way for her involvement in the blockbuster Barbie, a film that has since become a cultural phenomenon.

The commercial success of Barbie, which emerged as the highest-grossing film of 2023, solidified Gerwig’s position as one of Hollywood’s most in-demand directors. Currently, she is preparing to adapt yet another favorite literary work into a cinematic franchise for Netflix, centering on the magical world of The Chronicles of Narnia. Gerwig has committed to writing and directing at least two films in this reboot, raising excitement among fans. However, this trajectory means that out of the five films she will have directed, only a single project—Lady Bird—will be an original work. Thus, it is essential that after concluding her venture with Narnia, Gerwig returns to crafting original narratives.

After Rebooting Narnia, Gerwig Should Embrace Original Storytelling

The Pattern of Adaptation: Gerwig’s Recent Works

Aslan standing with the Pevensie children as they become kings and queens in The Chronicles of Narnia.

As Greta Gerwig wraps up her work on the Chronicles of Narnia reboot, it would be a timely moment for her to shift focus back to original storytelling. The last film where she established her own characters and narratives was Lady Bird. Since then, her films—including Little Women and the upcoming Narnia films—have been adaptations, which, while reflecting her passion for the original material, do not originate from her own creative vision.

There’s an ongoing discussion around whether Barbie qualifies as an adaptation. Although it was submitted for Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars, the film is based on a well-established intellectual property. Despite the iconic status of Barbie and Ken, Gerwig breathed new life into these characters by injecting them with fresh personalities and motivations. Moving forward, after her venture into Narnia, it would be refreshing for Gerwig to create a film that is entirely original, devoid of previous source material.

Lady Bird Remains Gerwig’s Quintessential Work

A Personal and Idiosyncratic Masterpiece

While Gerwig’s filmography showcases excellence across the board, Lady Bird is still regarded as her most impactful work. This film not only elevated her career but also immediately showcased her distinct voice as a filmmaker. It strikingly portrays the complexities of mother-daughter dynamics, articulating genuine emotional depth more effectively than many mainstream productions.

This film serves as Gerwig’s most intimate creation. Set in her hometown, it reflects characters reminiscent of those from her own life, infused with her distinctive style. This delicate balance between humor and poignancy is a hallmark of her early work; Lady Bird remains a quintessential coming-of-age story, unparalleled in its execution.

A Potential Spiritual Sequel to Lady Bird

A Vision for “A Quartet of Sacramento Films”

Saoirse Ronan driving through Sacramento in Lady Bird

Should Gerwig return to her roots for original storytelling, it’s plausible she may explore a spiritual sequel to Lady Bird, potentially revisiting Sacramento. In an interview on The A24 Podcast with director Barry Jenkins, she expressed a desire to create “a quartet of Sacramento films” as thematic successors to Lady Bird. This envisioned series draws inspiration from the Neapolitan Novels of Elena Ferrante, emphasizing the significance of a place close to the creator’s heart.

These films wouldn’t be direct continuations of Christine McPherson’s story, but instead feature separate narratives maintaining a similar emotional and stylistic tone. This concept would allow Gerwig to explore Sacramento from different perspectives; for example, the next film might follow a successful artist returning home after years of pursuit elsewhere.

For further information, visit: The A24 Podcast.

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