Narnia Chronicles

[debi]

Prince Caspian, the next film in the Narnia series, is set to be made at Britain?s Pinewood Studios.
Shooting would begin in February and post-production would also take place in Britain.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe was shot in New Zealand ? which has established itself as a popular, low-cost filming location over the past few years.
Prince Caspian?s backers had considered New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland as alternative locations for the film, although the story is set initially in wartime Britain, before the four Pevensie children return to Narnia a thousand years after the events in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

Prince Caspian is due to be released in May 2008, under the direction of Andrew Adamson, who directed the previous film.
The producers will be confident of a hit after the strong worldwide box office performance of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe last year.
The first Narnia film grossed $745 million worldwide, with a production budget estimated at $180 million ? opening the door to a lucrative franchise on the scale of Warner Brothers? Harry Potter series.

[bambi]

ooo thats cool! i loved the first one. i just hope that this one coming up is going to be as good.

x~bambi~x

[dancin_kare]

I Can't Wait!!!!

[Jeff]

:StitchBounce: oh boy, oh boy, oh boy........ :StitchBounce: this is going to be another great one for disney...

[imagine]

I haven't seen the first one yet....:redface: :redface: :redface: :redface: :redface:

[DISmick]

Wow it has to be on your "must see list" it is very well done!

[dancin_kare]

I haven't seen the first one yet....:redface: :redface: :redface: :redface: :redface:

we need to change that. pronto.

[EPCOT FAN 781]

I haven't seen the first one yet....:redface: :redface: :redface: :redface: :redface:

:figment: same here:figment:

:Mickeyear: read the book in 6 th grade but forgot most of the story line:Mickeyear:

[Starlight]

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe was a pretty good adap so you should definitely see it, but I'm not so sure about Prince Caspian. It's very talky in places as a book which might be a problem for a film. Still I bet they can do something about that, and at least they had better CGI for the first one than the plasticy loooking stuff that plagues Harry Potter.

Personally I really want to see Voyage of the Dawn Treader done as a film, that was my favourite Narnia book.

[imagine]

I've also never read the Narnia books.....:redface: :redface: :redface: :redface: :redface: :redface: :redface: :redface:

(I was never into Fantasy...please don't hate me....I was more of a "Babysitter's Club" girl :duck: )

[debi]

I've also never read the Narnia books

They are classics. :sad20:

[mickeyspal]

I've read the LW&TW and then passed the book on to my cousin's daughters. It is a very good book and although it's fantasy, Imagine, it's not fantasy like say, 'The Lord of the Rings'. This is lighter fantasy with a great moral line to it. It's a rapid read; you could knock it out in one evening. Definitely worth the time to read . I saw it on tv not the bigscreen; it was good. - Mickey's Pal:Mickeywalk: :Mickeyear:

I'm glad this is going to be a series. I think it's a set of books that are adventurous and interesting with good morals and messages for kids-something that's getting a little too rare these days. - Mickey's Pal:Mickeywalk: :Mickeyear:

[debi]

Update
Due to some crazy new tax rules, it looks like the film could actually end up being filmed in the Czech Republic, but still be classed as a British film.
First New Zealand, then Britain, now the Czech Republic, I wish they would make up their minds. :confused2:

[bambi]

I've also never read the Narnia books.....:redface: :redface: :redface: :redface: :redface: :redface: :redface: :redface:

(I was never into Fantasy...please don't hate me....I was more of a "Babysitter's Club" girl :duck: )

to be honest, i have never read them either :redface: but i think i might now, as everyone says they are really good, and i loved the film so i'll give them a go.

x~bambi~x

[debi]

Disney commits to near-simultaneous Narnia production.

by Paul Davidson
ign.com

Disney and Walden Media are pulling together a second film crew, led by director Michael Apted (The World Is Not Enough), to begin production on the third Narnia adventure as soon as the second one finishes filming. In fact, Disney has just set a release date for The Voyage of the Dawn Treader: May 1st, 2009 ? not even a full year after the May 19th, 2008 premiere of Prince Caspian.

Getting a new effects-laden Narnia picture out to cinemas once every twelve months is a daunting task, but the studio seems committed to this strategy and are already staking a claim to the release date they want. If all goes well, we can also anticipate The Silver Chair around the same time in 2010.

Dawn Treader will feature many of the same actors currently performing their parts for Prince Caspian; however, most of the crew and creative talent are different, and the change may lend the picture a look distinct from the first two. In addition to Apted as director, the studio has hired Jan Roelfs as production designer. Roelfs' credits included impressive sci-fi and historical films likeAlexander, Gattaca, and Orlando; the latter two earned him Academy Award nominations.

[debi]

The third film in The Chronicles of Narnia movie franchise, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, has been pushed back a year to 2010.

Film bosses at Walt Disney had wanted to release one Narnia film per year but this will now not be the case as the third installment is forced from a May 2009 release to May the following year.

Although a reason has not been given for the date change, it is suspected that it is due to the possible actors' strike due to hit the movie industry next June.

[DisneyOnMyMind]

Are there no plans to make the Magician's Nephew into a movie? That one was one of my favorites, as it explains how Narnia came to be.

As for those who haven't read the books, I highly recommend them. They are a quick read and once you start you cannot put them down. But you know, everyone has their own tastes. The Chronicles are my cup of tea!

Last year I was teaching a pond study class at a nature center and we were discussing beavers. I asked the group of kids (probably about 3rd grade age) what beavers use their big, flat tails for. One little girl gave me a very detailed description of how beavers use their tails to pat the ice to test how solid it is!

[debi]

Are there no plans to make the Magician's Nephew into a movie? That one was one of my favorites, as it explains how Narnia came to be.

Who knows?
There are 7 books in the Chronicles and all of them could potentially be made into a movie.

[bambi]

Wow all just one year apart would have been stressfull for the film makers. i can't wait for the next one to come out though. Reading this thread again has made me really want to actually read the books, so i'm off to the library this week to pick one up.

x~bambi~x

[DisneyOnMyMind]

Wow all just one year apart would have been stressfull for the film makers. i can't wait for the next one to come out though. Reading this thread again has made me really want to actually read the books, so i'm off to the library this week to pick one up.

x~bambi~x

You can get all of the stories in one book. I reccomend that, because they are short stories. After you read one, you will want to read them all. Most people start with TLTW&TW, but really the first story is the Magician's Nephew.

Have fun reading! Let us know what you think!

[Disney Dreamin']

Disney delays 3rd 'Narnia'
By Carolyn Giardina
The Hollywood Reporter
9/21/2007


Disney and Walden Media have postponed the start of production on "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader," the third "Narnia" movie, from January until summer 2008.

As a result, the film's release has been pushed back one year to May 7, 2010. Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer Films' "G-Force" is moving into "Dawn Treader's" original May 1, 2009, release date.

The companies blamed the delay on "the challenging schedules for our young actors."

Michael Apted is helming "Dawn Treader."

The second film in the franchise, "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian," is scheduled to open May 16. "Caspian" originally was set for release in December, but the companies postponed its original release date by five months after Sony decided to release "The Water Horse," in which Walden is also involved, in that month (HR 5/17/06).

[debi]

Trailers, video and pictures are available on the official website.
Narnia - Prince Caspian (http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/narnia/).

[TinkloverCB]

I've also never read the Narnia books.....:redface: :redface: :redface: :redface: :redface: :redface: :redface: :redface:

(I was never into Fantasy...please don't hate me....I was more of a "Babysitter's Club" girl :duck: )

It's okay imagine. I have seen the movie but not read the book. And imagine, i know you said that you are not really into fantasy, but a REALLY Good movie is Bridge to Teribitia! Don't worry imagine we don't hate you! We love you! We are one community, one family, one WDW lover family!!

[mickeyspal]

Well, I just saw Narnia for the very first time on TV tonight. (I have read the book.) It was a little hard keeping track because of news info. coming on and off, as we've had yet another Police Officer murdered where I live. :sad20: :angryfire: (It would be nice if some of us would remember all cops in our prayers.) But, I could follow enough of the show to see that it was a visually beautiful movie and I really appreciated the imagination that went into it. I must be honest, I was very upset when the wicked Queen killed the Lion. She was such a ...well, a witch, that I wanted to tear her lips right off the front of her face every time she spoke. I was elated and felt empowered when Asland came back roaring at the top of the rocks. That's what makes a great movie; it really elicited emotions in me. The actors were very good, especially the little girl. It was probably a visual spectacle to see it on the big screen in the theaters. I give it a big thumbs up :yes:and I'm now looking forward to checking out whatever they have in MGM, that is based on this movie.:yes: - MP:Mickeywalk: :Mickeyear:

[debi]

Disneyland has added Prince Caspian to the beginning of the Parade of Dreams.

http://www.srsounds.com/photoplog/images/3/large/1_48.jpg

http://www.srsounds.com/photoplog/images/3/large/1_46.jpg



I wonder if they will add an all-singing/ all-dancing version to the Block Party Bash over at the Studio's?

Love the royal dung scooper :wink:

http://www.srsounds.com/photoplog/images/3/large/1_44.jpg

[mickeyspal]

Now that's a classy pooper scooper. Boy, they have two lead attendents with that Belgian. Those horses generally weigh at least 1 ton, but are usually gentle. I rode one once at a gallop and his hooves sounded like thunder against the ground. We couldn't figure out why he galloped so easily for me, as they are often extremely laid back horses....then we realized-it was feeding time back at the barn! - MP:Mickeywalk: :Mickeyear:

[Disney Dreamin']

'Narnia' director feeling confident
By Jeff Vice
Deseret News
5/12/2008

Andrew Adamson finally has some confidence in his filmmaking abilities. That's a really big career step for him.

The 41-year-old New Zealand native has had considerable experience in both visual effects and in animation.

And he did direct the first two "Shrek" animated hits before his work on "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe."

And yet even he admits that he was an unlikely choice of director for the first film in what Walt Disney Pictures was planning to be a successful movie franchise.

As he recalled, "I'm sure there were a lot of people wondering who this Andrew Adamson guy was and why Disney allowed him of all people to make this movie."

"And I was chief among them," Adamson added with a laugh.

But he must have done something right. That film wound up grossing nearly $300 million in the United States alone. That obviously helps explain why he's returned to direct and co-write the screenplay for its sequel, "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian," which opens Friday.

"I'm back! And so are the Pevensie children," Adamson said from New York City. He was there helping to promote the new film.

The movies, based on author C.S. Lewis's seven-volume "Chronicles of Narnia" series, were long in development at Walt Disney Pictures, but none of those projects had gotten off the ground until the start of the 21st century.

According to Adamson, a few screenwriters and filmmakers had suggested they update the tale or make even more drastic changes in the story content.

"I think everyone was getting pretty frustrated and disheartened at that stage," he said.

Fortunately, Adamson was coming off the first "Shrek" success at the time and had his own pitch, which showed the producers how much he loved the material.

"They were the first really 'big' books that I ever read. To me they were perfect and needed no changes whatsoever," he said, suggesting that the clincher may have been his "nearly encyclopedia knowledge" of the books' events and characters.

Still, Adamson said he "was convinced that I had scared them off at first, because I was so obsessive."

Yet he wound up having a "blast" making the first movie and says he felt more "assured" making the follow-up, "Prince Caspian."

He also feels a "parental" affection for young actors William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes and Georgie Henley, who play the heroic Pevensie children.

"I've really grown attached to all of them, especially Georgie, who was 8 when the first film was shot. She's my girl," Adamson said.

So, he wanted to "be there with them every step of the way of this amazing adventure."

Not to give anything away about "Prince Caspian," but not all of the Pevensies return for the next adventure, "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader." And while Adamson will be serving as a producer for the movie adaptation, Michael Apted ("Amazing Grace") will be taking the directing reins this time.

"It's a bit of a relief, because this 'Narnia' movie world has gotten to be a bit of a beast," he said. "It's very difficult to juggle this huge production, this ever-growing cast of characters and keep your sanity. So, it's time for me to let it go."

And in the future, he'd like to do something "more modest" in scope.

"I'd really like to do something intimate, or something that's just completely different and crazy," Adamson explained. "When I figure out exactly what that is, you'll hear from me again."

[debi]

Paul Martin
Narnia Fans

Walt Disney Records will release the original soundtrack for Walt Disney Pictures/Walden Media's The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian on May 13, 2008.
The recording features score written by award-winning composer Harry Gregson-Williams and songs performed by Switchfoot ("This Is Home"), Regina Spektor ("The Call"), Oren Lavie ("A Dance 'Round The Memory Tree"), and Hanne Hukkelberg ("Lucy").

In 1950, the scholar, critic and writer C.S. Lewis published The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, the first of his seven-volume series, The Chronicles of Narnia, and established a modern legend. Adults and children alike fell in love with his stirring, action-packed adventure that was set in the middle of World War II bombing raids yet transported readers into an alternate and far more enchanted universe of mythological creatures waging an epic battle between good and evil.

Harry Gregson-Williams reunites with director Andrew Adamson for the 5th time after composing the scores for his Academy Award-winning Shrek (co-composed with John Powell), the hit sequels Shrek 2 and Shrek the Third, and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, for which he collected Golden Globe and Grammy nominations for his score. He is one of Hollywood's most sought after composers, working on a variety of high-profile projects, both animated and live-action.

Over the last several years, Gregson-Williams has composed such notable scores for Shrek the Third,Gone Baby Gone, Chicken Run, Man on Fire, Flushed Away, Domino, Spy Game, Déjà vu, Phone Booth, Veronica Guerin, Smilla's Sense Of Snow, The Replacement Killers, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Enemy of the State, Antz and Kingdom of Heaven, among others.

The multi-platinum selling rock band Switchfoot has written and recorded the original song "This Is Home," which is heard in the body of the film and over the end title credits. They shot a video for the song with director Brandon Dickerson, who filmed their most recent video for "Awakening."

"We are so honored to be a part of the Prince Caspian film with 'This Is Home,'" says Switchfoot frontman Jon Foreman. "The Narnia stories have a really special place in my brother Tim and my lives. Our dad used to read these to us at bedtime when we were boys. Our imaginations were shaped on these amazing novels."

The characters of C.S. Lewis' timeless fantasy come to life once again in this newest installment of the Chronicles of Narnia series, in which the Pevensie siblings are magically transported back from England to the world of Narnia, where a thrilling, perilous new adventure and an even greater test of their faith and courage awaits them.

"As [the film's director] Andrew Adamson and I began early discussions about the musical possibilities for The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian," composer Harry Gregson-Williams said, "it became clear that the movie could take a score with plenty of edge and bite to it this time around, supporting the fast moving action and adventure that quickly unfolds."

One year after the incredible events of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the Kings and Queens of Narnia find themselves back in that faraway wondrous realm, only to discover that more than 1300 years have passed in Narnian time. During their absence, the Golden Age of Narnia has become extinct, Narnia has been conquered by the Telmarines and is now under the control of the evil King Miraz, who rules the land without mercy.

The fast forward 1300 years in the future allowed Gregson-Williams to re-address themes from the first film as well as creating new ones. Director Andrew Adamson described, "For Prince Caspian, Harry drew not only on the beloved themes of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, but also developed original, sympathetic themes for Caspian and the Telmarines. Harry has threaded these themes with the same beauty and originality as he has woven all the notes that form his wonderful scores."

The four Pevensie children will soon meet an intriguing new character: Narnia's rightful heir to the throne, the young Prince Caspian, who has been forced into hiding as his uncle Miraz plots to kill him in order to place his own newborn son on the throne.

Gregson-Williams embraced the challenge of composing for these new characters. He described, "The early introduction of a fearful Prince Caspian fleeing for his life from the dangerous Lord Miraz gave me a wonderful opportunity to introduce this new and somewhat darker musical landscape right from the opening."

Also drawing inspiration from C.S. Lewis was Switchfoot. "'This Is Home' was inspired by the book after re-reading it for the opportunity to write for the film," continues the band's frontman, Foreman. "I am always taken by [C. S.] Lewis' ability to write about the bittersweet beauty in this world; this home we aren't really made for but is the place we work out our humanity in the midst of our longing for our true home."

Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media present The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian in theaters on May 16, 2008. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian Original Soundtrack will be in stores on May 13, 2008.

[debi]

I'm a big Switchfoot fan, so I was pretty exited about them being involved in the soundtrack.

Here's the video for This is Home, plus a few clips from the movie.

Gx00kfqFvqg

[stitchnsparrow]

Just got back from seeing Prince Caspian and it was very entertaining...lost of action and from what I can remember it was very close to the book...highly reccomended for a nice night out at the movies!!! :StitchBounce:

[DooDah]

Excellent movie!!! Took the family to see it tonight. From a Christian perspective, the symbolism is awesome. I believe Mr. Lewis would be very happy.

[dancin_kare]

I'm going tonight, I can't wait!!! I loved the first one so I've been looking forward to this for a while. (more to come, I'm sure!)

[DooDah]

I can't wait to hear how you liked it.

[Ginbob90]

Good Morning Everyone,:wave:

I'm gald to heard good things about the new Narnia movie. This is all my 8 year old has talked :love:about "lets go see Narnia", "Are we going to see Narnia today?", "You said we would going today." , well we were not able to go yesterday (a friend of our his sister passed way). Zac was a little upset, but think he understands. So we said we would take him today and would you believe he woke up this morning thowing up(sorry if you just had breakfast). Just not his Narnia weekend.:sad:
Hopefully he will feel better later today and can go to the movies.
I told his about the attraction Journey into Narnia at Disney studios he was happy about that and on that note we have 89 more days to go until we are disney bond. For our Anniversary I was able to get reservations at Le Celliers I could not believe it.
Hoping everyone has a great Disney day :magic:

ginny

[d_glass_slipper]

We're going today for my Mom's birthday, it was our gift to her. :) Can't wait!

[BriarRose]

We saw the movie today and thought it was really good. There was some dialog that was repeated from the first movie. Overall, really good. I'll probably go see it again just to pick up on things I missed the first time.

[Disney Dreamin']

Disney throws open Narnia premiere to fans
By Aislinn Simpson
Telegraph.co.uk
6/2/2008

For years the red carpet has been the domain of celebrities and film executives but one Hollywood studio has decided to buck the trend. Walt Disney will create what it describes as "the largest cinema in history" when it opens up the Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian premiere to 10,000 fans.

The event will be held in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital's redevelopment appeal and will allow fans to rub shoulders with the show's stars such as Ben Barnes, the young British actor playing Prince Caspian, Liam Neeson, the voice of Aslan the lion, and director Andrew Adamson, who also made the Oscar-winning Shrek.

The film also sees the introduction of new characters including swashbuckling mouse Reepicheep, voiced by Eddie Izzard, and the faithful badger Trufflehunter, voiced by veteran TV actor Ken Stott.

Technicians will install a giant cinema screen into The O2 arena in London to screen the follow-up of the 2005 film The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Prince Caspian is the second of seven planned films based on the work of CS Lewis.

Tickets for the premiere on June 19th cost £12.50.

The film is released in cinemas across the country on June 26.

[Disney Dreamin']

From: screamscape
06/12/08

A special Prince Caspian event will take place at Disneyland Paris on June 20th that will include the actor who plays Prince Caspian and various medieval style performers on the Castle Stage at 5pm. This will be followed by a viewing of the film at the theater in the Disney Village at 8:30pm.

[Uncle Sorcerer]

Jim Hill shares the latest news on the third installment of "The Chronicles of Narnia" film series which has yet to officially be greenlit by Walt Disney Studios...

More... (http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?i=6632fa69879f1473f45c466ae7e2341b)

[debi]

The studio has decided not to co-finance 'The Voyage of the Dawn Treader' for budgetary reasons, a spokeswoman says.

By Claudia Eller
Los Angeles Times

As Hollywood grapples with the difficult economics of its business, Walt Disney Studios has canceled plans to partner on the next film in the "Chronicles of Narnia" series, "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader."

A Disney spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday that the Burbank studio decided not to exercise its option to co- finance the third movie in the franchise based on C.S. Lewis' classic children's books because of "budgetary considerations."

Though the budget of the movie came in significantly below the $200-million cost of "Prince Caspian," the second film in the "Narnia" series, it could still escalate during production, and that made Disney wary, according to a person close to the movie. Disney was partner with Walden Media, which owns the rights to the books, on the first two "Narnia" films.

Disney's decision not to proceed with "Dawn Treader" shows how it is being more selective in the number of pictures it releases. Studios are scrutinizing costs more carefully and in many instances passing on expensive pictures that until recently might have been given an automatic green light.

Disney was also uneasy that the budget of "Dawn Treader" was subject to other uncontrollable factors, such as uncertainty about the tax breaks and rebates, a weak U.S. dollar and the high cost of visual effects.

One person close to the matter said there were also "creative" differences between Disney and Walden, and that the two disagreed on when to release the film in 2010.

Walden said Wednesday that it hoped to find a new financial partner and proceed with plans to shoot the film in the first quarter of next year with director Michael Apted.

"We're disappointed that Disney has decided not to go forward," said David Weil, chief executive of Walden's parent company, Anschutz Film Group. "But we regard 'Dawn Treader' as an extremely valuable property and remain committed to the franchise."

Getting a new partner to take on half the risk could prove a challenge for Walden given that "Prince Caspian" fell below expectations when it was released in May. The film generated $419 million in worldwide ticket sales, far less than the first "Narnia" movie, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," which grossed $745 million in 2005.

As in the case of many films, "Prince Caspian" did not earn its money back from ticket sales. But Disney and Walden hope it will become profitable as the result of DVD sales.

[Uncle Sorcerer]

So why exactly did The Walt Disney Company opt out of co-producing a third installment of "The Chronicles of Narnia" film series last week? To be honest, this was just a case of Hollywood's newest financial realities trumping fantasy.

Mind you, there have been signs for months now that the Mouse was getting cold feet when it came to this co-production. Dick Cook failing to mention the third "Narnia" movie at all during Disney Studios' big promo event at the Kodak Theater earlier this year was considered by many in the industry to be a huge red flag. As was Disney's sudden backing away from its 2006 promise to produce film versions of all seven of these C.S. Lewis fantasy novels. Opting instead to start off with a trilogy (i.e. "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," "Prince Caspian" and "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader") and then taking a wait-and-see approach to producing film versions of the other four books in the series.

But in the end, it was the numbers that did the "Narnia" film franchise in. At least as far as The Walt Disney Company is concerned. The fact that "Prince Caspian" earned less than half of what "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" did during its initial domestic release back in 2005. No to mention that the DVD version of this Andrew Adamson film didn't exactly fly off store shelves this holiday season (Back in 2006, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" sold 4 million units during its first day in release. It took the DVD version of "Prince Caspian" more than 10 days to sell a similar number of units).

Given "Prince Caspian" 's worldwide box office as well as the number of DVDs of this film that had been sold since December 2nd, it was obvious that there weren't as many consumers out there eager to see additional "Narnia" movies as Disney had hoped. And given the enormous costs involved with producing big screen versions of these C.S. Lewis books ("The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" reportedly cost $150 million to produce, "Prince Caspian" $175 million), it just didn't make financial sense for Disney to continue its association with this film franchise. Especially in the face of what the Studio felt were sure-to-be further diminished returns once "Dawn Treader" was released to theaters in 2010.

http://sss.jimhillmedia.com/mb/images/upload/chronicles-narnia-prince-we.jpg
Copyright 2008 Disney/Walden Media. All rights reserved.


So after doing the math, Mouse House officials decided to pull the plug on this co-production. Opting instead to fund films that it felt had a far better chance of making a strong financial return. Projects like "Pirates of the Caribbean 4" and "Tr2n."

Still -- understanding that an announcement like this would cause considerable PR problems for its "Narnia" co-production partner, Walden Media (Not to mention angering billionaire Phil Anschutz. Who -- in addition to be the co-founder of Walden Media -- is also the owner of the Regal Entertainment Group, the largest movie theater chain in the world) -- Disney did what it could to mitigate the damage. Deliberately holding back this information until just before the holidays. With the hope that -- by the time everyone gets back into town after the Christmas break -- that Disney-dumps-"Dawn-Treader" story would be old news and long since forgotten.

For its part, Walden Media is trying to put the best possible face on this whole unfortunate situation. Late last week, Claudia Eller of the Los Angeles Times spoke with David Weil, chief executive of Walden's parent company, Anschutz Film Group. And he was quoted as saying:

"We're disappointed that Disney has decided not to go forward (with this project). But we regard 'Dawn Treader' as an extremely valuable property and remain committed to the ('Narnia' film) franchise."


http://www.jimhillmedia.com/mb/images/upload/narnia-poster-web.jpg
Copyright 2008 Disney/Walden Media. All rights reserved.


"So who will pick up where Disney left off?," you ask. Well, Walden Media currently has a deal with 20th Century Fox to market & distribute that company's films under the Fox Walden banner. So it's assumed that Fox may soon step in and become Walden's new production partner on "Dawn Treader."

But given that Disney reportedly opted out of producing any more "Narnia" movies because it felt that there just wasn't enough profit potential left in this film franchise to warrant laying out any additional cash ... In these tough financial times, what studio exec is going to risk his or her neck and/or reputation trying to prove that the Mouse was wrong about the "Narnia" franchise?

Speaking of tough financial times ... The "Narnia" movies weren't the only projects to have recently been put under Mickey's financial microscope. From what I hear, Mouse House managers have ordered an across-the-board 20% cut in production costs. So if you expect to get a greenlight from Disney these days, you'd best make sure that your new project comes across as being lean & mean.

Beyond that ... Mickey hopes that opting out of co-producing "Dawn Treader" doesn't wind up hurting the Studio on the exhibition end of things. Given that Phil Anschutz controls 6000 screens through his Regal Entertainment Group, the worry in Burbank right now is that the co-founder of Walden Media (Who is already having a tough year, what with the failure of "City of Ember." Not to mention Walden Media having to scale back its once ambitious plans to produce 3-to-5 new family-friendly films each year to just a single release for 2009, "Bandslam") may use his clout as the world's biggest exhibitor in an effort to punish the Mouse.

http://www.jimhillmedia.com/mb/images/upload/prince-caspian-6-web.jpg
Copyright 2008 Disney/Walden Media. All rights reserved.


Of course, the suits in the Michael Eisner Building are hoping that this doesn't actually happen. After all, were Anschutz to order that Regal Entertainment Group suddenly stop showing Disney films, this billionaire would just wind up punishing himself. Denying his theaters the revenue that is sure to be generated from screening Pixar's next film.

So, sure. There are some hurt feelings right now. But let's remember that -- in the phrase "Show Business" -- the most important word is business. And -- in the end -- it was the business side of the equation that eventually drove Disney to opt out of co-producing "Dawn Treader." After carefully considering "Prince Caspian" 's numbers, it just didn't make good business sense for the Studio to continue with the "Narnia" film franchise. Which is why Mickey did what he did last week.

This is also why -- as angry as Phil Anschutz may be with Mouse House execs right now -- this billionaire will continue to do business (via his Regal Entertainment Group) with the boys in Burbank. Because there's profit to be had here.

Which -- I know -- is kind of bleak news for all of you C.S. Lewis fans out there. But as I said at the start of today's article, particularly in today's Hollywood, financial reality trumps fantasy.

Your thoughts?

More... (http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?i=55f196cadb8b99a161e0774f94df3ab0)

[debi]

Fox agrees to step in on next "Narnia" movie

By Claudia Eller
Los Angeles Times

Twentieth Century Fox has agreed to co-finance the third movie in the “Chronicles of Narnia” series, pending approval of the final script and shooting budget. If all goes as planned, Fox and Walden Media, which controls the movie rights to C.S. Lewis’ classic children's books, hope to be begin production on "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" by late summer so it will be ready for holiday 2010 release.

First, however, Fox and Walden have to hire a screenwriter to do another pass on the script that was last rewritten by Richard LaGravenese, whose credits include "Freedom Writers" and "The Horse Whisperer." The movie companies are looking to make the film for about $140 million. Michael Apted, who made "Amazing Grace" and the 1999 Bond flick "The World Is Not Enough," is on board to direct.

Fox is taking a financial gamble that Disney was unwilling to wage despite helping bankroll the first two films in the "Narnia" family franchise. Walden, owned by entrepreneur Phil Anschutz, was forced to seek a new financial partner on “Dawn Treader” after Disney balked at the cost and opted out.

Fox was the most likely partner because the studio already markets and distributes Walden movies under its Fox Walden label.

Over the last few weeks, Walden chief David Weil and “Narnia” producer Mark Johnson have held a series of meetings with top Fox executives, including movie chiefs Tom Rothman and Jim Gianopulos, to discuss script revisions and the movie's cost.

While the targeted budget of “Dawn Treader” is much lower than that of the last Narnia movie, “Prince Caspian,” which cost $225 million to produce, it's still a big gamble. Released by Disney last year, the sequel was much less popular than the first "Narnia" movie, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” The sequel grossed $419 million worldwide compared with its 2005 predecessor, which generated $745 million in ticket sales.

Disney and Walden hope that DVD sales of "Prince Caspian" will help pull the movie out of the red.

[WDWFan123]

That's kind of unfortunate, but I never really saw Disney as the one who made Narnia. It almost kind of fits that Fox will the next one and they do a good job anyway.