It has been over two decades since Andrew Adamson’s adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s masterpiece hit theaters. We all remember that snowy lamppost. The cast of Narnia Lion Witch and the Wardrobe didn't just play characters; for a generation of kids, they were those characters. Honestly, it’s rare for a child-led ensemble to feel so grounded, especially when they’re acting against a tennis ball on a stick that’s supposed to be a majestic lion voiced by Liam Neeson.
But Hollywood is a strange place. One minute you're the High King of a magical realm, and the next, you're trying to figure out if you even want to be an actor anymore. Most people don’t realize how much the Pevensie siblings' real lives mirrored their on-screen counterparts. The transition from the snowy forests of New Zealand (where they filmed) back to ordinary life wasn't always a straight line.
The Pevensies: From High Kings to Real Life
William Moseley was the oldest, the leader, Peter Pevensie. He had this classic, old-school movie star look that made you think he’d be the next James Bond. He didn't stop acting, though he's mostly pivoted to television and indie films. You probably saw him in The Royals on E!, playing Prince Liam. It’s kinda funny—he went from playing a fictional king to a fictional modern royal. He’s stuck with the "noble" archetype. Moseley has often spoken about the intense physical training he did for the battle scenes, something he carried over into later roles like Slayers or the 2018 Little Mermaid live-action film.
Then there’s Anna Popplewell. She played Susan, the sister who was "no longer a friend of Narnia" in the books, which always felt a bit harsh. In real life, Anna is incredibly sharp. While she continued acting—most notably as Lady Lola in the CW’s Reign—she also stepped away to study English Literature at Oxford. Imagine sitting in a lecture hall next to Queen Susan the Gentle. She’s one of those rare child stars who navigated the industry with zero scandals, basically maintaining a very private, professional life while still popping up in projects like The Nun II.
The Rebel and the Believer
Skandar Keynes, who played Edmund, is the one who truly left it all behind. It’s sort of poetic. Edmund was the character who struggled the most with temptation and identity. After the third movie, Skandar basically said "I'm done" with the limelight. He went to Cambridge, studied Arabic and Middle Eastern History, and transitioned into a career in politics. He worked as a parliamentary adviser. If you're looking for him on Instagram or at red carpet premieres, you won't find him. He chose a life of service and policy over the Turkish Delight of fame.
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Georgie Henley, our Lucy, was the heart of the movie. That scene where she first walks into the wardrobe? That was her real reaction to the set. Adamson kept her blindfolded until the cameras were rolling. Georgie has stayed very active in the arts, but in a much more "cool, indie" way. She’s a published poet, a director, and appeared in The Spanish Princess. She also went to Cambridge. There’s a pattern here—the cast of Narnia Lion Witch and the Wardrobe was surprisingly academic.
Tilda Swinton and the Power of the White Witch
You can’t talk about this cast without mentioning Tilda Swinton. She wasn't just a villain; she was a force of nature. Swinton is an Oscar winner who treats a blockbuster like Narnia with the same artistic intensity as a weird European art house film. She famously insisted that the White Witch shouldn't have a typical "evil" look with black hair and dark makeup. Instead, she wanted her to look icy, blonde, and detached. It made her infinitely scarier.
Swinton’s career since 2005 has been, frankly, legendary. From the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the Ancient One to her collaborations with Wes Anderson, she remains the gold standard for versatility. She’s the anchor that gave the 2005 film its weight. Without her terrifying presence, the stakes for the children wouldn't have felt real.
The Supporting Players: Satyrs, Beavers, and Lions
James McAvoy was Mr. Tumnus. Let that sink in. Before he was Professor X or the terrifying lead in Split, he was a faun in scarves and fake ears. McAvoy has often joked about how uncomfortable the prosthetics were, but that role was a massive springboard for him. It showed he could bring immense empathy to a non-human character.
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- Liam Neeson: He provided the voice of Aslan. He never set foot on set with the kids, but his gravelly, paternal tone defined the character.
- Ray Winstone and Dawn French: They voiced Mr. and Mrs. Beaver. They brought a very British, working-class warmth to the CGI animals that could have otherwise felt stiff.
- Jim Broadbent: As Professor Kirke, he was the brief but essential bridge between our world and Lewis's.
The chemistry worked because it wasn't just "kids and effects." It was a group of highly trained British actors treating the source material with absolute reverence.
Why This Specific Cast Worked Where Others Failed
In the early 2000s, everyone was trying to find the next Harry Potter. Most of those movies—Eragon, The Golden Compass—sorta flopped. Why did the cast of Narnia Lion Witch and the Wardrobe succeed?
It comes down to the "four-sibling" dynamic. The casting directors looked at over 2,000 kids. They weren't looking for the "best actors" in a traditional sense; they were looking for a family. They spent months together in New Zealand before filming even started. By the time they were shooting the scene where they meet the Beavers, they actually bickered like real brothers and sisters. That authenticity is what makes the movie hold up today. You can't fake that kind of rapport.
The Legacy of the Wardrobe
Interestingly, the franchise stalled after The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Rights issues and shifting studio interests meant we never saw The Silver Chair with this crew. Netflix now owns the rights to the entire Narnia catalog, with Greta Gerwig set to direct new versions. It’ll be a tough act to follow. Replacing the original cast is going to be the biggest hurdle for the new production. People are attached to the 2005 faces.
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What You Should Do Next
If you’re feeling nostalgic, there are a few things you can do to see what the cast is up to now beyond just re-watching the DVD.
First, check out Georgie Henley’s poetry book, Amphibian. It’s a great window into the mind of someone who grew up in the public eye. Second, if you want to see William Moseley in a completely different light, watch The Royals—just be prepared, it’s definitely not PG-rated Narnia. Finally, keep an eye on the news regarding the Netflix reboot. While the original cast is too old to play the Pevensies, there have been rumors and fan hopes for "legacy cameos." Seeing James McAvoy return as an older character or Tilda Swinton in a different role would be a massive nod to the fans who grew up with the 2005 film.
Narnia was a moment in time. The cast has moved on to politics, literature, and high-fashion cinema, but to us, they’ll always be the kids who stepped through a wardrobe and found a kingdom.
Actionable Insights:
- Follow the Careers: If you enjoyed Skandar Keynes' performance, look into his work in international relations; it’s a fascinating pivot from acting.
- Compare the Adaptations: Watch the 1988 BBC version of Narnia alongside the 2005 version to see how the casting choices changed the tone of the characters.
- Support Indie Projects: Many of these actors (especially Henley and Popplewell) work in smaller theater and indie film circles now—supporting those projects is the best way to see their growth as artists.