Greta Gerwig has secured permission to use Led Zeppelin’s legendary rock anthem Stairway to Heaven in the trailer for her upcoming fantasy film, Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew.
According to Billboard, the filmmaker personally approached Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant and guitarist Jimmy Page to obtain approval for the iconic track.
The song features prominently in the newly released trailer, marking a rare licensing decision by the band, which has historically remained selective about allowing filmmakers to use its music.
Gerwig discussed the process during a conversation with television host Stephen Colbert at New York’s AMC Lincoln Square IMAX theatre. She expressed gratitude to the musicians for allowing her to incorporate the song into the film’s promotional material.
The director also explained why she considered Stairway to Heaven a fitting choice for the adaptation.
The song explores themes of spiritual discovery, enlightenment and the dangers of losing one’s way, which complement the film’s exploration of the magical world created by fantasy author C.S. Lewis.
The trailer builds towards a dramatic sequence featuring Aslan, the majestic lion who plays a central role in the Narnia universe.
As the rock anthem intensifies, the visuals offer a glimpse of the character emerging through a striking cosmic display of light, setting the tone for Gerwig’s ambitious fantasy adaptation.
Released in 1971 on Led Zeppelin’s untitled fourth studio album, Stairway to Heaven has become one of the most celebrated songs in rock history.
Its inclusion in the trailer adds a distinctive musical dimension to the film while highlighting the unusual approval granted by the band.
Gerwig’s film adapts Lewis’s The Magician’s Nephew, which explores the origins of Narnia before the events of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
The story follows childhood friends Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer as they discover magical rings that transport them between worlds and eventually lead them to Narnia.
The film features Daniel Craig as Uncle Andrew and Emma Mackey as Jadis, the future White Witch.
Carey Mulligan also appears in a supporting role, while David McKenna and Beatrice Campbell portray Digory and Polly, respectively. Meryl Streep lends her voice to Aslan.
Netflix plans to release Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew in cinemas on 12 February 2027, followed by its streaming premiere on 2 April 2027.
The theatrical release marks a significant step for the streaming platform as it continues to expand its approach to major film releases.
