How Greta Gerwig Convinced Led Zeppelin To Approve 'Stairway to Heaven' in New 'Narnia' Trailer

Greta Gerwig has persuaded Led Zeppelin to approve the use of their legendary song 'Stairway to Heaven' in the first trailer for Netflix's upcoming fantasy film, Narnia: The Magician's Nephew. The rare music licensing decision came after the filmmaker personally approached band members Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, explaining how the classic rock anthem connected with the themes of C.S. Lewis's beloved fantasy story.

The trailer, unveiled on 13 October 2026, offers the first glimpse of Gerwig's adaptation of the Chronicles of Narnia universe. The inclusion of 'Stairway to Heaven' is particularly notable because Plant and Page have reportedly frequently declined requests to license the song for film and television projects.

Why Did Led Zeppelin Approve 'Stairway to Heaven' for Greta Gerwig's 'Narnia' Film?

Speaking at a New York event introducing the trailer, Gerwig explained that she discussed the film's themes with the musicians before they agreed to the request.

'I talked to them about a lot of the themes of the film,' Gerwig said. 'They saw the heart and the story and the drama in it.'

Gerwig believes the song's spiritual themes make it a natural fit for the story she wants to tell. Rather than choosing the track simply because of its iconic status, she saw a connection between its exploration of good and evil and the fantastical journey at the centre of the film.

'It's an epic song,' she explained. 'It's about the two paths of good and evil ... It is a spiritual quest and a spiritual journey. So to me, this was a song that made sense to introduce the film to the world.'

The director's personal appeal appears to have resonated with Plant and Page, who have been reported to be familiar with Lewis's writing and the Chronicles of Narnia series. After all, 'Stairway to Heaven' has a history of being difficult to license for film and television. Director Cameron Crowe famously failed to secure permission to use 'Stairway to Heaven' in Almost Famous (2000), despite obtaining approval for other Led Zeppelin tracks.

The decision also gives the trailer a distinctive identity, pairing one of rock music's most recognisable tracks with a fantasy world that has captivated readers for generations.

What Is 'Narnia: The Magician's Nephew' About?

Gerwig's film adapts The Magician's Nephew, the sixth book published in Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia series. Although it appeared later in publication order, the novel serves as an origin story, revealing how the magical world of Narnia came into existence.

The story follows Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer, two children living in Edwardian England who discover magical rings through Digory's eccentric uncle, Andrew Ketterley. Their adventures take them into the mysterious Wood Between Worlds, a place filled with portals to other realms. During their journey, they witness the creation of Narnia and encounter forces that will shape the world's future.

The first trailer introduces several major characters, including Daniel Craig as Andrew Ketterley, Emma Mackey as Jadis — the woman who will become the White Witch — and Meryl Streep as the voice of Aslan, the great lion associated with Narnia's creation. Newcomers David McKenna and Beatrice Campbell play Digory and Polly, respectively.

When Will 'Narnia: The Magician's Nephew' Be Released?

The film marks Gerwig's first feature since the global success of Barbie, and she has indicated that she wants the Narnia adaptation to be experienced on the biggest screen possible.

Netflix is planning a theatrical release beginning on 12 February 2027, followed by its streaming debut on 2 April 2027. The release strategy represents a major theatrical commitment for the streaming company, which has increasingly explored cinema releases for selected productions.

Gerwig's adaptation offers a new entry point into Lewis's fantasy universe by starting with the creation of Narnia rather than revisiting the more familiar events of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

With the approval of Plant and Page, 'Stairway to Heaven' now provides a dramatic musical introduction to the film's themes of wonder, choice and the struggle between good and evil. The trailer suggests that Gerwig is aiming for an ambitious, visually expansive adaptation that honours the spirit of Lewis's story while introducing Narnia to a new generation.