Netflix’s forthcoming adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s *The Magician’s Nephew*, directed by Greta Gerwig, has secured a rare licensing agreement to feature Led Zeppelin’s iconic song “Stairway to Heaven” in its promotional trailer. This marks one of the few occasions the legendary rock track, which has never previously been licensed for film use, will be publicly associated with a cinematic project.

Gerwig described the Narnia story as a spiritual journey, a theme she said aligned well with the tone of “Stairway to Heaven.” To obtain permission, the producer personally met with Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, the song’s original writers, both of whom reportedly supported the inclusion due to their admiration for Lewis’s work. Gerwig remarked that Plant and Page “saw the heart in the story” and share her appreciation for Lewis’s literary legacy.

The song, first released in 1971 on Led Zeppelin’s untitled fourth album, is regarded as one of rock music’s most enduring and valuable compositions, with its publishing rights estimated to be worth around $500 million. Historically, the band is known for being highly selective and demanding considerable fees—often in the seven-figure range—for licensing their music. Estimates suggest a typical licensing fee for “Stairway to Heaven” might reach $10 million. However, sources indicate Gerwig was granted use of the track without a fee, a decision Page celebrated publicly on social media.

The film, one of Netflix’s most expensive projects to date with a reported production budget of $280 million (about A$401 million), adapts the sixth book in the Narnia series rather than the more familiar first installment, *The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe*. *The Magician’s Nephew*, published in 1955, serves as a prequel exploring the creation of Narnia through the adventures of two children transported from Edwardian London into a magical realm by a mystical ring.

Gerwig shared that she began work on the screenplay between 2020 and 2021, inspired by a suggestion from Netflix chief executive Ted Sarandos to embrace the scope and scale befitting a theatrical release. The film’s trailer, which features the tagline, “Have you ever seen a world born?,” draws attention to Narnia’s genesis, a narrative direction that diverges from typical fantasy epics often focused on destruction.

The portrayal of Aslan—the lion figure symbolizing a Christ-like presence in Lewis’s allegory—remains a point of discussion. In this adaptation, Aslan is voiced by Meryl Streep and depicted as a cosmic outline who roars but does not speak. The casting has sparked criticism from conservative commentators who questioned Streep’s role voicing a traditionally male character. Gerwig has not publicly responded to this controversy, but she acknowledged the support of Lewis’s family and estate, who have endorsed the project. The film’s cast also includes Daniel Craig, known for his role as James Bond.

Overall, Netflix’s *The Magician’s Nephew* marks an ambitious reimagining of a classic literary work, underpinned by high-profile creative collaborations and a groundbreaking musical partnership.