For me, the choice was between Meryl Streep and the expanded English plot line.

The expanded English plot line looks like it will need to take liberties with the characters (Digory most of all - given he is riding with Jadis, rather than trying to transport her back to Charn.) It may have a reasonable explanation, but it feels like it could change the heart of the story. Is Digory working with Jadis? Has Digory lost his ring? Is Jadis’ scene in London going to be a big, action spectacle? It’s really the only thing we know anything concrete about and it is going in a different direction from the book.

but I had to go for Meryl Streep as Aslan. I’d love to see Meryl in several other roles, but it’s really hard to imagine Aslan - who is the heart of all of the stories - faithfully portrayed by Meryl. Unless Meryl does a miraculous job of portraying a male lion with a deep, wild voice, I feel like this decision would sink the credibility of the project.