Two decades have passed since Disney and Walden Media brought C.S. Lewis's beloved magical realm to life in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Released in December 2005, the film grossed over $745 million worldwide and captured the imaginations of millions. If you've ever wondered what happened to the Pevensie siblings, the White Witch, and the rest of the magical inhabitants after the wardrobe doors closed, here is the complete update on where the cast is today.
The primary keyword for this topic targets what happened to the actors who brought these characters to screen, tracking their career trajectories from child stars and established veterans to their current projects. While the 2005 blockbuster catapulted several young unknowns into global stardom, others chose a quieter path away from the Hollywood spotlight.
The Pevensie Children
Casting the four siblings was the most critical hurdle for director Andrew Adamson. The production needed young actors who could carry a massive studio franchise without any prior blockbuster experience.
William Moseley as Peter Pevensie
As the eldest sibling and High King of Narnia, William Moseley portrayed Peter's journey from a reluctant older brother to a fierce military leader. After Narnia, Moseley didn't vanish from screens, though he avoided major studio blockbusters for a quieter indie and television route.
He starred as Prince Liam in the E! television series The Royals from 2015 to 2018, which ran for four seasons. He has since appeared in various action and thriller films, including Extraction (2020) and Medieval (2022). He continues to act regularly while maintaining a low profile in his personal life.
Anna Popplewell as Susan Pevensie
Anna Popplewell played the practical, skeptical Susan Pevensie. Unlike some child stars who completely left the industry, Popplewell balanced her education with steady acting work.
She attended Oxford University, graduating in 2010 with a degree in English Language and Literature. On screen, she starred as Lola in the historical drama series Reign from 2013 to 2016. More recently, she appeared in the horror sequel The Nun II (2023).
Skandar Keynes as Edmund Pevensie
Skandar Keynes played Edmund, the complex sibling whose temptation by Turkish Delight drove the central conflict of the first film. Keynes reprised his role in Prince Caspian and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
However, Keynes decided against a lifelong career in acting after the Narnia trilogy wrapped. He enrolled at Pembroke College, Cambridge, where he graduated in 2014 with a degree in Arabic, Persian, and Middle Eastern History. He subsequently transitioned into political advisory and public policy work in the UK.
Georgie Henley as Lucy Pevensie
Georgie Henley was just nine years old when she was cast as the wide-eyed Lucy Pevensie, discovering Narnia for the first time. Henley received critical praise for her natural performance.
Like her on-screen siblings, Henley prioritized her education, attending Clare College, Cambridge, where she graduated with a BA in English in 2014. She has continued acting on stage and screen, notably starring in the Starz television series The Spanish Princess (2019–2020) and working as a writer and director.
The Rulers and Villains of Narnia
The adult cast brought serious dramatic weight to the fantasy setting, grounding the magical creatures and mythical tyrants in grounded, memorable performances.
Tilda Swinton as Jadis, The White Witch
Tilda Swinton's portrayal of the icy, tyrannical White Witch remains one of modern fantasy cinema's defining villain performances. Swinton was already an acclaimed indie darling when she took the role, and Narnia only broadened her mainstream footprint.
Swinton has continued an extraordinary, genre-defying career. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Michael Clayton (2007) shortly after Narnia. Her extensive filmography includes collaborations with major auteurs like Wes Anderson (The French Dispatch, Asteroid City), Bong Joon-ho (Snowpiercer), and Guillermo del Toro (Pinocchio).
James Cosmo as Mr. Tumnus
Scottish actor James Cosmo played the gentle faun who risks his life to save young Lucy. Cosmo brought decades of veteran screen experience to the role.
Already a respected face in British cinema, Cosmo's career experienced a massive resurgence later in life. He famously played Jeor Mormont, the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, in HBO's Game of Thrones (2011–2013). He continues to work prolifically in television and film.
Liam Neeson as Aslan
While a CGI creation brought the great lion to life, legendary actor Liam Neeson provided the booming, resonant voice and motion reference for Aslan.
Neeson was already an established A-list star when he voiced the character, but the mid-2000s marked a major pivot in his career. Just three years after Narnia, Neeson starred in Taken (2008), transforming himself into an unexpected box office action hero. He continues to headline action thrillers and dramatic projects annually.
Supporting Characters and Behind-the-Scenes Talent
Beyond the main quartet and the magical royalty, several notable British character actors filled out the supporting cast.
- Ray Winstone as Mr. Beaver: The iconic British hardman provided the gritty, working-class voice for Mr. Beaver. Winstone has maintained a steady presence in British and international cinema, appearing in films like The Departed (2006), Black Widow (2021), and television projects across the BBC and ITV.
- Dawn French as Mrs. Beaver: Comedian and actress Dawn French voiced the warm, practical Mrs. Beaver. French remains a towering figure in British television comedy, known best for her work in The Vicar of Dibley and various stage productions.
- Jim Broadbent as Professor Kirke: The Oscar-winning actor played the eccentric professor whose wardrobe conceals a magical world. Broadbent remains one of Britain's most beloved character actors, with notable appearances in the Harry Potter series, Game of Thrones, and Paddington.
Common Mistakes When Tracking the Narnia Cast
Fans looking back at the 2005 film often run into a few common misconceptions regarding the cast and production history:
- Confusing the trilogy actors with the reboot cast: Netflix acquired the rights to produce new Narnia films and series under Greta Gerwig. The original 2005–2010 cast will not be reprising their roles in the upcoming Netflix adaptations.
- Assuming all child actors quit: While Skandar Keynes left acting for politics, William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, and Georgie Henley all continued working in film, television, or theater after completing their university degrees.
- Overlooking voice and motion work: Many viewers forget that Liam Neeson did not wear a physical lion suit; his performance was captured via early digital performance capture technology alongside vocal sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the original cast return for the Netflix Narnia reboot?
No. Netflix is developing an entirely new cinematic universe and television series spearheaded by writer and director Greta Gerwig, which will feature a completely fresh cast of actors.
How old were the Pevensie actors when filming started?
Principal photography began in June 2004. Georgie Henley was 9 years old, Skandar Keynes was 12, Anna Popplewell was 15, and William Moseley was 17 years old.
Why didn't Skandar Keynes continue acting?
After completing the three Walden Media Narnia films, Keynes chose to step away from the entertainment industry entirely to pursue higher education, earning a degree in Middle Eastern History from Cambridge University.
Where was The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe filmed?
While the story takes place in England and Narnia, the majority of the film was shot on location in New Zealand, alongside studio work in Auckland and exterior location shoots in the Czech Republic and Poland. You can read more about film preservation and media history via the British Film Institute.
