Liam Neeson Backs Meryl Streep as Aslan: Here Is What He Said and Where the Christian Debate Stands

Liam Neeson, the voice of Aslan in the earlier Narnia films, has backed Meryl Streep as his successor in Greta Gerwig's new adaptation. Here is what he said and where the debate stands.

In an interview with ScreenRant, Neeson said he had no idea Netflix was rebooting Narnia, then learned on camera that Streep would voice Aslan. He asked, "Meryl is playing Jesus Christ?" and, after confirming the character is still Aslan, said no one could be better than Streep. His full line was a lighthearted one about making Christ a lady.

Why did he mention Jesus? C.S. Lewis described Aslan, who sacrifices himself and rises from the dead, as another form of Jesus in Narnia. Neeson voiced the lion in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005), Prince Caspian (2008) and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010). 

Where does the Christian debate stand? Some critics, including Movieguide founder Ted Baehr, have raised theological concerns about a female voice for Aslan. The families of Lewis' stepsons, David and Douglas Gresham, have publicly praised Gerwig's commitment to the books. Gerwig has said she wanted a voice that was "profound but not pretentious." Neeson's remark is a joke and not a theological ruling, and no one has yet heard Streep's finished performance.

When does the film open? Narnia: The Magician's Nephew is set to open in theaters Feb. 12.

Related Article: Meryl Streep's Aslan Casting Sparked Christian Backlash-Now C.S. Lewis' Family Has Entered The Debate