In November 2026, fans of C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia will get to enjoy the beginning of a brand-new film series directed by Greta Gerwig, who most recently directed Barbie (2023). First published in 1950, this next theatrical phase of the beloved series is supported by a rich, historical foundation of war and friendship.
May 11, 2026, marks 100 years since C.S. Lewis met another renowned author, J.R.R. Tolkien, for the first time – an event which, unbeknownst to them, would change the world of fantasy and literature for decades to come. Introduced at Oxford University through their shared literary society, "The Inklings," the two men were encouraged by the community to share their writing and creative ideas freely.
Known for including political themes in their work, many believe that these authors borrowed from their own experiences of fighting in World War I. Their bold juxtaposition of fantasy and war set the stage for the next century of authors to channel their own perspectives into stories and help shape the social commentary of larger social issues. Before you get seated for the new movie, read on to discover more bold literature that inherently reflects the trailblazing of authors before them.
If you’re a fan of Tolkien or Lewis, you’re no doubt a fan of fantasy, but perhaps you’re also drawn to the underlying tones of political unrest in their work. After all, the higher the stakes, the higher the excitement, at least in the world of fiction. Ursula K. LeGuin’s 1974 science fiction novel The Dispossessed explores themes of anarchy and capitalism in experimental ways that will have you thinking about it long after you’ve finished reading.
Kurt Vonnegut expressed his worldview through satirical dark humor, and his classic anti-war novel Slaughterhouse-five borrows from his own lived experiences as a veteran. Vonnegut's inclusion of political themes is a bit more direct than traditional fantasy stories, and he uses truly unique and unexpected science-fiction elements to depict the personal helplessness felt while at war.
Since Tolkien and Lewis depicted war and conflict through the lens of fantasy, we as readers mainly perceive their experiences metaphorically. If you’re interested in learning more about the overall social and political climate for the average person during World War I, you should read Testament of Youth by Vera Brittain. One of the most prominent resources for our knowledge of the war’s effects, Brittain’s memoir as a war nurse helps paint a realistic picture of the day-to-day life both near the battlefield and beyond.
In 1926, Tolkien and Lewis used fantasy as a tool for hope amid the ruins of war, industrialization, cultural disintegration and skepticism. In 2026, we are left wondering what the next 100 years will hold. What role do artists have in responding to and building social climates? How can fantasy and imagination be used to create better and better realities for future generations? Are you currently reading any books that explore these themes in other ways?
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