An open letter from Dr. Ted Baehr, founder and publisher of MOVIEGUIDE and chairman of the Christian Film & Television Commission, is making waves in the Christian community for its direct appeal to Netflix. In the letter, reported by LifeSiteNews, Dr. Baehr called on the streaming giant to treat C.S. Lewis’ The Magician’s Nephew with theological faithfulness and artistic reverence in its upcoming adaptation.
“As someone who speaks daily to millions of Christians across America – through sermons, social media, and broadcast platforms – I want to extend both a challenge and an invitation,” Baehr wrote, according to LifeSiteNews. He emphasized that Christians are not a marginal audience but “a vast, values-driven audience that is hungry for stories that reflect their worldview, honor their convictions, and stir their souls.”
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The Case for a Faithful Adaptation
Baehr argued that Hollywood has repeatedly underestimated the influence of faith-filled audiences, even though history has shown their impact at the box office. He pointed to The Passion of the Christ, The Blind Side, and even family favorites like Home Alone and The Grinch, noting that films which “honor the sacred themes embedded in the story” resonate deeply with Christians and often achieve both critical and commercial success.
By contrast, he warned that works which veer into irreverence or campiness alienate the very audience that could make such films enduring cultural milestones. Specifically referencing Lewis’ Narnia universe, Baehr urged producers to avoid “tones that feel ironic, irreverent, or campy” because they undercut the biblical allegories that made the stories beloved in the first place.
What Makes a Faithful Adaptation
In his appeal, Baehr urged Netflix to preserve the spirit of C.S. Lewis’ work by holding fast to several guiding principles. At the heart of his request is a commitment to presenting the story’s Christian foundations clearly, creation, sin, and redemption, with moments like Aslan singing Narnia into being shown as reflections of biblical truth.
He also stressed that the story must carry moral weight, where choices have consequences and virtue is uplifted, without being undercut by unnecessary violence, profanity, or adult content.
For Catholics and other Christians, the portrayal of Aslan is especially important. Baehr asked that the lion be shown not as a mere character in a fantasy tale but as a figure radiating reverence, majesty, and Christlike authority.
Beyond the themes, he emphasized the need for excellence in artistry. The visual design, performances, and music should elevate the story’s sacred undertones, rather than falling into parody, over-stylization, or commercial gimmicks.
Finally, he encouraged the adaptation to remain welcoming for all ages, crafted in a way that families can enjoy together and that sparks real conversations about faith, courage, sacrifice, and grace.
An Invitation to Collaboration
Significantly, Baehr didn’t only challenge Netflix, he extended a promise. If the production honors Lewis’ Christian worldview, he pledged to mobilize his platform of over 69 million followers to promote the film. This would include “email campaigns, livestream interviews, and coordinated screenings through churches and Christian schools nationwide,” according to LifeSiteNews.
He also recommended that Netflix consult theologians and Lewis scholars during production to safeguard the integrity of the story. Such collaboration, Baehr suggested, could set “a new standard for marketing these types of products across America and the world.”
Why It Matters for Catholics
For Catholics, Baehr’s appeal is especially significant. The Narnia stories, though written by a Protestant author, contain deeply Catholic-compatible allegories: the creation of Narnia reflecting Genesis, the forbidden fruit recalling Eden, and Aslan as a Christ figure who lays down his life for others. These themes echo truths central to the Gospel and the Church’s catechesis.
As Catholic families look for stories that inspire faith while captivating imagination, the future of The Magician’s Nephew on Netflix could either deepen Christian witness in media, or risk diluting it. Baehr’s letter is both a warning and an opportunity: if producers heed his call, this adaptation could become not just entertainment, but an evangelizing moment for millions.
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