I think it really comes down to Greta Gerwig as the draw for so many of these creatives. The eagerness among actors underscores her reputation for crafting compelling narratives and fostering meaningful collaborations. Her ability to attract such talent speaks to a broader confidence in her vision, not just for reimagining Narnia, but across the board. Whatever each of us make of the Meryl Streep rumours, whether we're supportive of the idea or not, it’s clear we’re seeing just how much people want to work with her, and how much they want to be a part of this.

And honestly, beyond Gerwig herself, the script must be something special. You don’t get this kind of energy around a project unless what’s on the page is really resonating with people. That just makes everything about this even more exciting, especially with actors like Carey and Daniel (if the rumours are true).

Mod Note: This thread is for discussing Carey Mulligan as Mabel. Please do not discuss other actors or roles unless you are discussing how they will work with Carey/Mabel. If you would like to discuss Meryl Streep as Aslan please use this thread.

Another mod note (so sorry!)  

I went and reread through the news story and this news is not official yet. She's still "in talks", so I pulled "official" out of the title. If they choose to confirm it, we can add it back in. But as far as I'm aware the only truly official casting announcement is Emma Mackey as Jadis.

My own personal reaction (and I've seen many of you had the same reaction) this certainly implies the role of Digory's mother will be expanded.

Posted by: @fantasia

I went and reread through the news story and this news is not official yet. She's still "in talks", so I pulled "official" out of the title.

I was also quite intrigued by the wording of THR's reporting on this.

On the one hand they put a fairly definitive "joins" in the headline, and yet in the very first sentence of the article they clarify that as "in negotiations".

Perhaps its just the case that they preferred the snappier headline, but i was also wondering whether they have enough confidence to say "joins" even if technically she hasn't yet signed on the dotted line. Like its a done deal in practice, just not in the strictest legal sense.

I also thought it was curious that they didn't even reveal the role name until paragraph 6 of their story - perhaps they realised that "Digory's Mother" wasn't a mainstream headline grabber!

Overall, though, i'm definitely excited to see what Carey Mulligan can do with the role - perhaps with some added flashbacks to see her in better days to flesh things out? It would perhaps raise the stakes for Digory's need to save her if we've already seen her in the prime of her life, rather than just as a bed-ridden patient the entire time.

So, like I've done on other pages, I thought I'd share some clips of Carey Mulligan's work for those who maybe haven't see much of her stuff;

• An Education (Clip)
• Saltburn (Clip)
• Maestro (Clip)

I think Carey Mulligan is an excellent choice for Digory’s mother. She’s the right age, she resembles the way Mabel Kirke looks in the Pauline Baynes illustration of the character, and she’s an great actress who will be able to effectively personify the grace, moral inspiration, and maternal love that she needs to convey. Also, even if the role is not expanded— and I hope it is— and all of her scenes are filmed while she’s lying sick in bed, Mulligan has repeatedly demonstrated, most recently in Maestro, that she is great at communicating emotion in her facial expressions.

Posted by: @rachel

Also, even if the role is not expanded— and I hope it is— and all of her scenes are filmed while she’s lying sick in bed[...]

I'm glad you brought this up. I've always felt that a MN adaptation would expand Mabel's role in the story, and this casting choice confirms for me that Gerwig is likely heading in that direction. Every time I reread the book, I'm surprised that she doesn’t appear until the very end.

I think introducing and meeting her earlier in the story will only strengthen Digory's emotional arc and help connect audiences with his motivations. 

Posted by: @silverchair

I have to admit, I'm feeling a little embarrassed to post such an optimistic and positive comment about this upcoming production. I've seen a lot of pessimism on the boards – particularly regarding the Meryl Streep rumor.

No need to feel embarrassed, I'm glad you're feeling so positive about the production! There's still things I'm looking forward to about the movie, but for now, I can't quite get to your level of optimism/positivity overall. I shall remain hopeful though! 

NOW it's official. 🙂 Congrats to Carey Mulligan!

Thanks for starting the original thread @rilianix.

Posted by: @rilianix

“Mulligan will play the very sick mother of Digory, one of the two kids in the adventure.”

Digory is described as one of the two kids. This may be a mistake or lack of knowledge on the part of Hollywood reporter, but it maybe helps clear up that issue with the third child actor. It suggests, at least, that the third actor is not so high profile (though still important possibly). What about a Streep Mrs. Lafey with an young Uncle Andrew. Anyways, that would take care of all three children, and give Streep something wholesome to do. Boy, I'm hoping!