'Shrek' director helming 'The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe' for Miramax

[MovieWes]

NEW YORK -- Andrew Adamson, the director of the hit movie "Shrek," has signed on to helm a film version of C.S. Lewis' beloved fantasy novel "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe" for Walden Media, a subsidiary of Miramax Films. Emmy-winning writer Ann Peacock (A Lesson Before Dying) will write the screenplay for this, the first of a seven-picture deal that also includes "The Magician's Nephew," "The Horse and His Boy," "Prince Caspian," "The Voyage of the 'Dawn Treader'," "The Silver Chair," and "The Last Battle."

"The Lion, the Witch, and The Wardrobe," the second book of the series, is set in the fantasy world of Narnia and tells the story of four children who are separated from their parents during a German air raid in World War II London. The four children, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, discover a magical wardrobe that transports them to the magical world of Narnia.

"As we've seen with 'Lord of the Rings' and 'Harry Potter,' bringing to the screen a literary fantasy classic, beloved by millions of readers, requires both a reverence for the original material and a rich imagination to create a realistic fictional world," said Walden Media's chief executive Cary Granat, "Andrew Adamson knows better than anyone how to create magic on-screen and tell a story which touches the heart of an audience. His expertise in visual effects, animation and live action will be critical to a fantasy work of this magnitude."

[Oj]

Wow, I had no idea they were doing these books. I can't wait :D.

[Amanda]

I wondered how long it was going to be before they got around to these and I'm pleased they have.

The Chronicles of Narnia are my absolute favourite books and I just hope they are true them when they make the films. I am not anti-American at all, but I hope they don't move the stories to an American location. The thought of an American Peter, Edmund, Susan and Lucy or, even worse, a "Dick van Dyke" English accent is just too much to bear. :nono:

Having said that, I think that Christoper Lloyd would make an eccellent professor! (OK, I know it's a role he's played before, but he's perfect for it!)

BTW. The BBC did a version of 3 of them (LWW, Prince Caspian and Dawn Treader) in the late 80s, which were very good, but the special effects were very "BBC- Dr Who", if you know what I mean :D

[JustinCredible]

Screw LOTR and Harry Potter... this is what I have been waiting for.

Me, I really really don't want it to be Americanized... the books are gold and should be 'tinkered' with minimally!

[diasyjazz]

Oh My

This just made my day

I think I am going to have to go out and buy the books and read them again...you can never be too old for Narnia.

I hope he does a good job.

Can't wait.

[Heavenllee]

I used to love these books as a child.

[Radiohead]

CS Lewis rules.

[MovieWes]

Wow, this movie must really be rolling. The main site is already up.

http://www.narnia.com/

[Amanda]

Originally posted by Radiohead
CS Lewis rules.

He was mates with Tolkein, or so I'm told 'cause he's a bit before my time.

I'm a little apprehensive about how they will treat the books, but I'm sure it will be OK :clapper:

[Iben]

Wow this is really fantastic news, I've read the books many times, seen both the animated version of The Lion, the witch and the wardrobe plus the British TV series they made for some of the books.
Wow! after LOTR and Harry Potter this is the series of books that I've been most anxious to see made into film.
Anyone know when they're gonna begin this project?

[ckenwng]

I'm so excited to find out they're making "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe". I LOVE that story. I hope they don't muck it up though.

[legolas_lass]

does anyone know if it's a live-action film or a shrek-style one?!!?

i personnaly hope its live action...

and ppl...dnt forget, BBC did a Drama adaption of it int eh 80's..it was pretty good for its time...but the beavers..lmao

[Longshanks]

Originally posted by Amanda
He was mates with Tolkein, or so I'm told 'cause he's a bit before my time.

I'm a little apprehensive about how they will treat the books, but I'm sure it will be OK :clapper:

Yup - "The group known as 'The Inklings' began to form itself in the early nineteen-thirties when the group called The Coalbiters (The Kolbiters - those who sit so close to the fire when telling stories that they 'bite the coal'), an informal reading club founded by Tolkien in Leeds, ceased to meet having fulfilled their aim of reading all the principle Icelandic sagas.
Originally 'The Inklings' was the name of a literary society founded in 1931 by a University College undergraduate named Tangye Lean. CS Lewis and Tolkien both attended its meetings, at which unpublished compositions were read and criticized. After Lean left, the club lived on, or rather, it transferred to the circle of friends who gathered regularly for meetings with Lewis."

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Harry Potter has proven this doesn't need to be 'Americanized' and can remain true to it's roots.

Here's hoping.

[MovieWes]

Originally posted by legolas_lass
does anyone know if it's a live-action film or a shrek-style one?!!?

i personnaly hope its live action...

and ppl...dnt forget, BBC did a Drama adaption of it int eh 80's..it was pretty good for its time...but the beavers..lmao

I'm pretty sure it's live-action, considering the quote at the end of the article.

"Andrew Adamson knows better than anyone how to create magic on-screen and tell a story which touches the heart of an audience. His expertise in visual effects, animation and live action will be critical to a fantasy work of this magnitude."

[Rizor]

There's a talking animal in this right? Please say there's a talking animal!:D

[Radiohead]

Originally posted by Rizor
There's a talking animal in this right? Please say there's a talking animal!:D

Aslan the Lion, yes.

[Amanda]

Originally posted by Radiohead
Aslan the Lion, yes.

That's the wonder of Narnia, all the animals can talk, not just Aslan. :)

CS Lewis had a wonderful imagination. There are dwarves, fauns and driads etc, a wicked witch to make the one is Snow White look like a nice old Granny plus an eccentric old English professor, who I think should be played by Anthony Hopkins (who incidentally played Lewis in the film Shaddowlands).

[Fanible]

You guys do know they already made these into film already, right?

Well all I know is I liked the first movie, even though it was cheesy, but it was fun for it's time.... as far as the sequels went following the books, they ended up crappy.

I wouldn't recommend the movies I suppose though. I enjoyed the first because I saw it as a kid, and thought it was great fun. But today's viewer wouldn't accept it most likly.

Oh and it's live-action by the way. I think were made for tv movies.

[Rizor]

How many versions are there? I've only seen an animated version of it but I've seen photos of other versions.

[JustinCredible]

Originally posted by Fanible
You guys do know they already made these into film already, right?

It was the BBC TV series which filmed movies of the books and then cut them each into episodes, so each book is like a season.

I have seen all of them and I disagree... they were excellent and I will agree that most kids won't be able to keep with it... its above them with the crap that they are being fed these days!

[Fanible]

I enjoyed the first book, which was cut up with 'too be continues', still have them on tape. Im not sure what you're disaggreeing with, I said I enjoyed the first one, which is the one they're putting on film right now. The second with the Prince I think got cheesy and silly looking.

And then yes you agreed with me that today's audience probably wouldn't like it as much. Well except I think if i showed it to my kids younger than age 8, they'd probably think it was fun, then rewatch it older appreciating it, but more understanding some keys they missed out when they were even younger. Thats how it was with me, thus also why I like the original cartoon The Hobbit.

Its mainly due to the bad costumes and effects that our spoiled audience wouldn't enjoy them, not necessarily the story.

[Darkness]

I'd love for this movie to be done with the quality of LOTR. C.S. Lewis is one of my favorite authors and I've always loved these books and the older movies.

[Caerlas]

As long as they don't pull a J.K. Rowling and try to stick as literally to the books as possible, then it should be pretty cool. But I think there's a problem with Harry Potter for that reason. They aren't making quality films. The character development is terrible, and the texturing of the visuals could use a lot of work. There are many things that SHOULD be explained WITHOUT words in the movies. And there should be other draws to the story besides that of solving the mystery. Like the relationships of the characters. Anyway. I don't care if they change plot elements to do it. As long as it's a good film.

[Knerys]

This should be good. Can't wait!

[Craig.]

For those who don't know, Andrew Adamson is, like Peter Jackson, a New Zealander :)
For a look at the general mise en scene and feel to the movie, check the website:
http://www.narnia.com/
I'm sure you'll all agree it's very apt.

Sweetas,
"Craig".

[Mat]

I tried to watch the BBC version once with my younger cousin. I fell asleep 30 minutes into it. I read the book once, and it just isn't my cup of tea. The movie might be better, so who knows?

[Maverick]

I have a question... so the press release and the website both say that this guy Andrew Adamson is going to be directing the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, and they say they have the rights to the other stories, but are they going to make the movies in order, or are they making the Lion first, and then going back to the others? And if they do intend to make all of them why say he is only directing the Lion, is there going to be a different director for each? I just find it weird that the only one that has been talked about is the Lion. Or am i just reading things wrong?

[Fanible]

Originally posted by Maverick
I have a question... so the press release and the website both say that this guy Andrew Adamson is going to be directing the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, and they say they have the rights to the other stories, but are they going to make the movies in order, or are they making the Lion first, and then going back to the others? And if they do intend to make all of them why say he is only directing the Lion, is there going to be a different director for each? I just find it weird that the only one that has been talked about is the Lion. Or am i just reading things wrong?

You are talking about Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe, right?

You keep calling it the Lion. And in which case, I thought Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe WAS the first one.

[Jason_HBK]

I assume I have the BBC version and I loved it. All of the characters were casted awesome and it was very entertaining. I am glad they are making the movies so that today's kids can experience them but I hope the movie doesn't ruin it for me by being badly done.

[Maverick]

Originally posted by Fanible
You are talking about Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe, right?

You keep calling it the Lion. And in which case, I thought Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe WAS the first one.

Yeah, i just got sick of having to type the whole thing. And it is actually the second book in the series, which is why I thought it was weird that are only talking about that one.

1) The Magician's Nephew
2) The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe
3) The Boy and His Horse
4) Prince Caspian
5) Voyage of The Dawn Treader
6) The Silver Chair
7) The Final Battle

[IdahoMR2man]

I thought The Magician's Nephew was the fifth in the series but it was a prequel. It took place before The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. I should get these books and read them again. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader was my favorite.

[Stands Alone]

I never acually "read" the books, but at least I know what they are about.

A movie that I think would be good like the "Narnia" cronicles, would be: "A Wrinkle in Time".

[IdahoMR2man]

I just can't wait to see the first pictures.

[Fanible]

Yeah, technicly Lion With and the Wardrobe is the first, and thats the one their doing. If they were doing The Magician's Nephew they would be calling it that, not Lion Witch and the Wardrobe.

[FVD]

I remember watching The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe animated film when I was little. To have these films adapted to the silver screen would be awesome.

Currently reading through Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire. Once I've finished that, I'm definitely gonna start reading the Chronicles Of Narnia books. Wow what next? Terry Pratchett's Discworld? I know I need to read The Hobbit again and also The Silmarillion. And then there is the upcoming Harry Potter's Order Of The Phoenix next month. Wow so many books to read.

FVD.

[Maverick]

Originally posted by Fanible
Yeah, technicly Lion With and the Wardrobe is the first, and thats the one their doing. If they were doing The Magician's Nephew they would be calling it that, not Lion Witch and the Wardrobe.

Yeah, i guess i was just thinking it would make more sense to take the stories chronologically, rather than throwing in the Magician's Nephew, in the middle of the rest. Maybe its just cause that was the order i read them in.

[IdahoMR2man]

I think the Magician's Nephew was my least favorite. Man, I can hardly remember these books. We need someone to give a synopsis of each book that has read them lately....

[Luke]

I hope they are true to the book, just like Harry Potter and LOTRS.
Because it will just be crap otherwise.

[MovieWes]

An update on production: Grant Major, the man who did the sets for "The Lord of the Rings," has signed on to design the sets for "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe." I think this is the first sign that this project is in good hands.

[IdahoMR2man]

Good news.....

[Maverick]

sweet!

[IdahoMR2man]

Does anyone remember the Chronicles of Prydain books? Disney did a movie about one called "The Black Cauldron" There was only five of these books but I was reading them about the same time I read Narnia books. Anyone remember these?

[KayTang999]

Wow, this is exciting!!!

[belcherboy]

I wonder if they will film these movies all at once like the LOTR movies? I'm sure they would have to split up the filming times (can't imagine how long it would take to film 7 movies in a row), but I could see them filming them 3 or 4 at a time. It would be AWESOME if they were released once a year like the Lord of the Rings.

Unfortunately I got a feeling we won't see the first of these movies till probably 3-4 years from now :( !!! That wouldn't bother me too much if they put them out every year thereafter though!

[KayTang999]

I hope it will be out in like 2005 cause after 2003 LOTR will be over but then there is The Last Unicorn in 2004 so I hope I get to see this in 2005. Something to live for, year by year!!! LOL

[IdahoMR2man]

It seems to me that the quality that these fantasy movies are putting out is SO much more than other movie genres currently being made. I mean think about the best films in each genre lately. Action - Spiderman Great movie but no where near par with LOTR Comedy - A million junkers Drama - What'd we have? 8 Mile? Blech. I hope that the other companies get the hint and that they need to step it up a little. LOTR and others that are coming out are the way movies are supposed to be. Sit in a theater and just be dazzled. Not something that's happening alot lately.....

[Phil Parma]

I heard that Weta Digital is doing the effects for these movies. Has anybody else heard that?

[KayTang999]

Yeah, I did heard that too. If Weta do it then I don't even need to worry, I will just prepare my money for the tickets!!!

[Maverick]

Originally posted by KayTang999
then there is The Last Unicorn in 2004

What is that about?, i havent heard of it.

[KayTang999]

It is based on a book of the same title.

I had thread up for it here http://www.comingsoon.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12655

[IdahoMR2man]

HAHA!!!! I just bought all seven books PLUS all the Prydain Chronicles PLUS The Lord of the Rings for only $16.00 on Amazon.com. Sweet. So ok does anyone remember the Prydain Chronicles? They were the books by Lloyd Alexander that had Taran as the hero? I think they were made in the 80s. There was Taran Wanderer, The Black Cauldron, The Book of Three, The Castle Llyr and the High King.

[KayTang999]

What is "The Prydain Chronicles" about???

[MovieWes]

Another update: James Horner is rumored to be composing the score. If this is true, I am so excited!!!

[KayTang999]

Wow, really that great!!! Now that is the start of the good movie production.

[IdahoMR2man]

Originally posted by KayTang999
What is "The Prydain Chronicles" about???


About this kid named Taran that was like an apprentice for a blacksmith or something and he ends up becoming king or something....Can't really remember....Great books though....

[KayTang999]

Interesting, I think I have to read it sometime.

[IdahoMR2man]

I found a synopsis for each book.

The Book of Three. Taran, an orphan being raised by a wizard (who farms on the side), has a chronic identity crisis. He wants to be a hero - but when the opportunity for valor presents itself he discovers that the hero business isn't what he thought it would be.

The Black Cauldron. The threats to Prydain become more apparent as Arawn, the evil lord, creates an army of deathless warriors. Taran and his friends have the seemingly hopeless task of beating unbeatable enemies.

The Castle of Llyr. Taran's friend, the Princess Eilonwy, is to begin her "princess training," but instead of going to the proper castle she ends up at Llyr, the castle of the enchantress Achren. She and her friends - including her betrothed husband - deal with magic turned to evil purposes.

Taran Wanderer. Taran sets out on a journey to seek his identity. He hopes he will find that he's from a line of nobility; instead, he finds something better.

The High King. In the climax to the series, Arawn makes a terrifying move against Prydain; he steals the sword of Drnwyn, the most powerful weapon in the kingdom. Taran and all his friends must make a do-or-die attempt to rescue it, which involves a treacherous winter march and adventures that may move you to tears.


Here's a pic of how I remember the books. http://home.earthlink.net/~cheriham/books5/DSCN0068.JPG

[KayTang999]

Thank man, I will probably read them one day.

[IdahoMR2man]

Finally got my books today. Started reading L, W, and W. Still really great. It's funny, I remember the books taking me forever to finish. I guess my reading skills have improved or something.....
There is alot of kidiness in the books. I'm wondering how they will cross this over into a live action without looking to kiddy...

[KayTang999]

A lot of book to be read, I just wish that I have time to read this one too.

[IdahoMR2man]

Ok. Finished the second one. Prince Caspian. This is going to be THE movie. All the kidiness of the first one is gone. There is a lots of battles and the dialogue is great. If this one is done right it will equal the quality of the LOTR series.

[KayTang999]

I love fantasy and sci-fi but I just hope that they don't kill it by releasing new fantasy or sci-fi movies series every year like they are doing now. This will numb the market.

[IdahoMR2man]

Nother review for ya. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Third book.

Should be a very stunning movie visually. There is a LARGE amount of religious themes in this book that will be interesting to see if they keep in the movies. There is lots of travelling in this book and if the movie does it right there will be lots of beautiful sets and dazzling scenes.

[IdahoMR2man]

Ya know, I'm starting to think that they are going to have a tough time filming this. I dont' think it can be done like LOTR where it was filmed all at once. Each book takes place about a year after the last so they have to show the age of each character. So they'll have to be filming for about 5 years. I guess they could do part 6 during the others, but the rest they can't do that way...

[Fanible]

Originally posted by IdahoMR2man
Ya know, I'm starting to think that they are going to have a tough time filming this. I dont' think it can be done like LOTR where it was filmed all at once. Each book takes place about a year after the last so they have to show the age of each character. So they'll have to be filming for about 5 years. I guess they could do part 6 during the others, but the rest they can't do that way...

A year doesn't show much age on someone, especially an adult. And i don't think many people would notice. They would naturally age over a 2-3 year period of filming anyways, which would make the kids look older sure. LOTR didn't have that problem cause it had no children in the films.

But even if they released the movies once every 2-3 years, it wouldn't be terribly bad, although I'd rather have a year space release like LOTR.

Im guessing they'll probably do a Lion, Witgh, and the Wardrobe seperate though. They would of announced plans of doing all of them in a row if they were going to. But rather release this one, and if it's sucessful they may go onto other ones.

[IdahoMR2man]

I think they did say that they were doing them back to back. All 7 books have a green light I'm pretty sure.

And the main characters of the books are all children. I'm guessing that the oldest one is 12 or so. So I think that 2-3 years would be VERY noticeable.

[KayTang999]

That good, another franchise to look forward too. I love this!!!

[IdahoMR2man]

Ok. Book Four is done. The Silver Chair
I think that the series is going to start to play itself out at this point. It seems to me that people will start to go, "Man, this thing shoulda stopped at three." And there are still 3 more to go!!! So once again I'm still nervous about these. As for this book, it has lots of giants in it which might be interesting and a good portion of it takes place under the earth. Could be the darker movie in the series.

[KayTang999]

How long are they for each books???

[IdahoMR2man]

Like how many pages?

[KayTang999]

Yeah, pages and chapters.

[IdahoMR2man]

Each book has about 215 pages. About 20 chapters. But the text is about 6th grader size so they go by pretty quick..

[KayTang999]

Oh, ok. So this is like Narnia right, I mean lenght wise???

[IdahoMR2man]

I have no clue what you mean.

(when is this thread going to get to page 4???)

[KayTang999]

Well I think that the lenght of Chronicle of Narnia and that one that you are reading are probably about the same.

[IdahoMR2man]

Oh. I'm reading the Chronicles of Narnia. I'm not reading the other one!!!!

[KayTang999]

OMG!!! For all this time I thought you were reading Prydian not Narnia!!!

Sorry!!!

[IdahoMR2man]

Quite alright. Maybe I should read back and see if I ever stated that. Maybe I just assumed everyone would know....

[KayTang999]

I haven't start read Narnia yet but I will soon.

[Omega Supreme]

I've read all the books heaps of times as a kid and i loved them all. CS Lewis was a marvellous writer both of fiction and non-fiction. Such a gra thinker.

Yeah, the Silver Chair would make a dark movie, but The Last Battle was always my favourite of the series. It's the end of the world!! It's very dark, but very emotional as well - sad, triumphant, longing, all those types of emotions. Excellent book. Good to ehar James Horner is on board for the score. I usually like his work and could see him doing some beautiful pieces for this.

The official website said all seven books were going to be filmed didn't it? I hope they do film all of them and do it properly. I'm prepared to wait a couple of years in between each film if it means they'll all be done properly and no corners are cut.

I just hope the studio does it's homework and makes sure that the general public knows its a seven film series, that all their questions might not be answered int he first film and that we're in for the long haul to make sure these films are done right.

Very much looking forward to seeing these films. Are any actors names attachced to parts yet??

[IdahoMR2man]

Finished book 5 this weekend. The Horse and His Boy. I think that this is going to be a good one. Not much magic or stuff that people will think is cheesy. It takes place during the first book so people might have a little problem with that. But a great book and a good story.

Started book 6 last night.....

[KayTang999]

Wow, you are going really fast. It must be a really fast reading. Man I wish I didn't have summer classes.

[Omega Supreme]

Do many people on here know how deeply religious Lewis was? He was a devout Christian and wrote many books on different Christian topics. The Narnia series is one big allegorical tale of Jesus, salvation and other similar topics. Aslan for one always represents Jesus. I don't think many people realise that, same as they don't realise that Tolkien was a very devout Catholic.

Has anyone else read Lewis' other works??

[KayTang999]

But isn't all sci-fi and fantasy novels have some religious elements in them. Even in the movie like Matrix and Star Wars, they both have religious ideas in them too.

[IdahoMR2man]

I haven't read his other stuff, but I have always picked up on the religious themes in the books. Even when I was a kid. At the end of the first one, Aslan does the same thing Jesus did. I can't really say anything without spoiling anything. And at the end of the third book Aslan appears in the form of a Lamb. Duh? So yeah, but I don't think that the religious undertones detrack from the fantasy of the books. I think that his use of religion is really well done. And I'm atheist!

Finished 6 last night. This one is going to be PRICEY to make. It goes into the whole creation of Narnia. Going to have to spend some big bucks for this. But a good book overall. Like I said, It's a prequel so I'm not sure how fans are going to feel about that. But this one is missing a plot. It really doesnt' have any sort of goal to be reached. Hopefully it will be dazzling enough so that no one notices that...

[KayTang999]

Hmmm, so the book 6 is the prequel, so should it be made first???

[IdahoMR2man]

I don't know. I was thinking that the whole time I was reading it. It depends on how they make it. If they do it EXACTLY like the book, then no. There are too many things that people would think are stupid if it was the first movie. But depending on how they do things, it could be. Although I've heard that The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe will be the first movie.... It's just going to be rough on people to have to travel WAY back in time for this book and then WAY into the future for the final one.

What I'm also curious about is if they keep the characters British. All of the time when anything happens here, it is in Englad. And also around the 1940s. Will they move it to America and in the future? Or keep it the same....

[KayTang999]

Wait, I thought the whole thing is British so why would want to film it in US or use American actors??? Look at how HP and LOTR did their.

[IdahoMR2man]

Good point. I don't know. Production company's make weird decisions based on money....

[KayTang999]

I don't think they would do that and since LOTR and HP are so successfull without having a big name to their bills, the maker of Narnia should follow that, create the new faces.

[IdahoMR2man]

Ok last book is done. The Last Battle

Wow, talk about MAJOR religious undertones in this one. It's practically like reading Revelations. The whole book is symbolic of Armageddon. A false god, the rejection of god by the masses, the final judgement, a false prophet, the end of the world, the meek inheriting the earth, blah, blah, blah. The only thing missing was the AntiChrist, unless I missed him. Maybe he was Ginger the Cat of the Calormene captain. Either way this book is VERY symbolic of modern Christianity. But it's done SO well. You can't really pick up on it unless you really know the Christian religion. I think the producers of the movie could keep the movie the same as the book and most people won't even pick up on the symbolism. Even most Christians. It's just a story. And a good one. The final scene will be amazing. Very magical indeed.
After reading the last book I noticed somethings that show that book 6 HAS to be released before this one. There is too much explained in the last one that will be missed if The Magician's Nephew is released first. It will be a new theme for a sequel but I dont' think it can be done any other way.
Great series on the whole. Some very kiddyish scenes at first but I think everyone will enjoy these movies. I am exstatic for them.

[KayTang999]

Well, I can see controvercial issue coming like the way many churches bashed LOTR and HP. They have to do it right.

[IdahoMR2man]

I've never heard that before. What churches blast them? And why?

[spiderman_2k]

Some churches in USA say that Harry Potter invokes evil, some entire towns have banned the books.

[KayTang999]

It was even mention by the Pope. It was when the first HP came out.

[IdahoMR2man]

But why? Because he practices magic???

[spiderman_2k]

Yeah and apparently all forms of witchcraft is work of the devil :rolleyes:

[IdahoMR2man]

That's ridiculous. Like kids didn't try to use the force when Star Wars came out....

[spiderman_2k]

Some people are very sad and insecure about certain things.

[KayTang999]

Originally posted by IdahoMR2man
That's ridiculous. Like kids didn't try to use the force when Star Wars came out....

:lol:

Yeah, but I think they are a bit backward. There is no such thing as magic or witchcraft, at least I don't believe it. That is why I enjoy sci-fi and fantasy so much!!!

[linearsoulchild]

GANDALF VS ASLAN

Who would win? place your bets here....

[KayTang999]

I can't pick since I didn't read Narnia yet but I think I will pick Gandalf anyway because I like Gandalf.

[Parrish]

they made it on video in the uk and it was rubbish

[IdahoMR2man]

"rubbish" Nice word usage.

[KayTang999]

Originally posted by Parrish
they made it on video in the uk and it was rubbish

Which one are you talking about??? Narnia or LOTR???

[MovieWes]

I have just got through reading some casting rumors for this film and thought you might like to hear who's in the running.

For the role of the White Witch, Miranda Richardson is being considered.

For the voice of Aslan, Patrick Stewart is the top choice so far.

Keep in mind that these are only rumors and therefore should be taken with a grain of salt.

[KayTang999]

Sound good to me!!! One second, this is live action, not animation, is it???

[Omega Supreme]

Originally posted by linearsoulchild
GANDALF VS ASLAN

Who would win? place your bets here....

Well, since Aslan represent Jesus in the Narnia books, I should think Aslan would do some serious damage to poor old Gandalf :)

[KayTang999]

Well Gandalf is wizard and he is immortal. Nothing beat that. IMO

[Omega Supreme]

Yeah, but Jesus is God. Gods are always better off than humans, even if they are immortal.

Bu Gandalf isn't immortal is he? I thought the Istari just lived for an incredibly long time?

[KayTang999]

Yeah but they go back and do service for the Valor (SP). I think, I am not sure but they don't died as far as I know.

[Omega Supreme]

Gandalf at least heads into The West with Frodo and the Elves, so he lives forever in that respect, but I don't think he could live forever if he stayed on Middle-earth.

[KayTang999]

Yeah, I don't think he could live in Middle Earth forever either.

[MovieWes]

Govt to back 'Land of Narnia' with sweetner
01 July 2003
By COLIN ESPINER

The Government is hoping to transform the "Home of Middle Earth" into the "Land of Narnia" with a multi-million dollar cash subsidy scheme for overseas films shot in New Zealand.

The bright lights of the movie business have persuaded the Government to spend up to $40 million a year offering subsidies to film-makers who shoot most or all of their film in New Zealand.

The Cabinet has agreed to allow film-makers spending more than $50m on a film or television production in New Zealand to claim 12.5 per cent of their costs back as a grant at the completion of filming.

Those who spend between $15m and $50m in New Zealand can also qualify, provided the New Zealand production costs amount to 70 per cent or more of the total production cost of the film.

Regional Development Minister and Wigram MP Jim Anderton said yesterday the grants would create jobs and could bring $300m to New Zealand in the next year alone. Mr Anderton has been trying to lure the makers of the children's classic The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to Canterbury after the film's director, Kiwi-born Andrew Adamson, expressed an interest in shooting the movie in New Zealand.

Walden Media has bought the rights to all seven books in the C. S. Lewis series, known as the Narnia novels. It plans to serialise them into up to five movies at a production cost of about $200m per film.

But the company has said New Zealand is up against several other countries bidding for the film, including Canada and Australia, both of which offer financial incentives and tax breaks.

Film South chairman David Rycroft described the scheme as "the biggest news for Canterbury since I can't think when".

"It has major potential to bring in a lot of film business over the next few years.

"The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe has a much higher likelihood now of being made in the region and (so do) other films that might not have considered the region or might have been wooed by other nations offering incentives."

Mr Rycroft said stunning scenery and a favourable exchange rate meant the playing field was now tilted in New Zealand's favour when it competed with Australia, Canada, Europe, and the United States for big film projects.

"Lord of the Rings gave us a good introduction to the sort of benefits that can flow out of these things.

Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce chief executive Peter Townsend criticised the move.

"This Government should preoccupy itself with creating a business-friendly environment, not offering short-term cash incentives to particular industries," he said.

"I have 3000 members in Canterbury who would all like a 12.5 per cent tax rebate and they all deserve one.

"There are plenty of people with unique propositions who will probably start knocking on the Government's door tomorrow saying: why not me?"

Lord of the Rings production sound mixer Hammond Peek said he had already been approached about working on the Narnia project and on two other big overseas films likely to start filming in New Zealand this year – Emperor Zehnder, starring Richard Gere, and Without a Paddle, a Paramount Pictures comedy.

"Three projects have been waiting to see which way the Government was going to jump. All three would have gone elsewhere if the Government had gone the other way.

"Now the Government has made their announcement I am imagining these projects will firm up."

Mr Peek said the Narnia project was likely to involve three months of location and studio filming out of Christchurch.

Christchurch and Canterbury Marketing chief executive Ian Bougen said Lord of the Rings had clearly enhanced New Zealand's image overseas and that future projects, such as the Narnia films, had the potential to do the same.

[thebtskink]

I loved these books as a child. The only thing I didn't really like was the constant renumbering in the series. The version I had, I thought Lion Witch and the Wardrobe was the first.

[KayTang999]

Wow, it seems like LOTR literally open New Zealand to the world of Cinema or something. This is great!!!

[MovieWes]

Narnia may deliver Rings-like riches
30 June 2003
By TOM CARDY

New Zealand's doubling as the fantasy world of Narnia would boost our film industry and tourism in the way that The Lord of the Rings has, its director says.


Andrew Adamson, a New Zealander who won the best animated film Oscar for Shrek, which he co-directed, wants to shoot some of his next film in New Zealand.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, with a reported budget of $170 million, is based on the second book, published in 1950, of C S Lewis' seven-part Chronicles of Narnia.

But live-action shooting will not go ahead here unless it gets a tax incentive or other support. The Government's decision on whether to support the film is expected next week.

Adamson, who lives in Los Angeles, said the project would provide more work for New Zealand's film industry. Weta Workshop in Wellington was already making props, including swords and armour, while New Zealander Grant Major, The Lord of the Rings production designer, is the film's producer and design director.

"The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe offers some of what The Lord of the Rings offers as far as being a classic story, having a big appeal to a huge audience.

"But also being a very location-based film, as Wellington became Middle-earth, there's a good possibility that locations in New Zealand will become Narnia," Adamson said.

"The Lord of the Rings ended up being a huge commercial for New Zealand. I have lived (in Los Angeles) now for 12 years, I've always been an advocate of encouraging people to go to New Zealand. Over the years maybe one person I knew actually made the trip. The last couple of years since The Lord of the Rings came out, I know four or five that have made the trip."

Adamson said despite Hollywood films such as The Last Samurai being shot in New Zealand, there was no guarantee the country would attract overseas film-makers without more incentives.

"If Peter (Jackson) decides to take two or three years off, the film industry could suddenly drop away. People will end up moving overseas to get work and you'll lose them and then you don't have the talent base there to attract other things back in."

Adamson said if The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe were shot here, filming was likely to be this summer. While he had considered shooting snow-bound scenes in New Zealand those would be shot in the northern hemisphere.

Adamson scouted from Dunedin to Cape Reinga for suitable locations, much of the time by helicopter. He looked around Wellington, but was not sure if the region would end up in the film.

"Peter Jackson's kind of tapped out a lot of those locations," he said.

[KayTang999]

After I read up to the 3rd one, I think Nicole Kidman would make a really good witch queen.

[MovieWes]

Took me awhile to find this thread, but there's some new news, so I decided to dust it off...

Miramax has handed over the distribution rights to Walt Disney.

There are 52 child finalists for the roles of the kids.

The role for the White Witch is between Miranda Richardson, Rene Russo, and Meryl Streep.

The full title is "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe."

[Lachesis]

Auuugh! They've gotta give it to Miranda Richardson! They've gotta!

[IdahoMR2man]

Here here. She can't just be wacky. She has to be evil incarnate. I hope that Disney can pick up on that and make the movies with the same general ambiance as the books.

[KayTang999]

Should I be less or more concern about this change of studio??? I am not so sure about Miramax from the start and Disney doesn't make me breath any easier either.

[MovieWes]

It's not really much of a studio change.. I mean, Walt Disney owns Miramax, so I guess that the guys in charge felt that the project would be better off in the hands of the family-friendly Disney studio instead of the mostly adult-aimed Miramax studio.

[KayTang999]

Well, Miramax supposed to distributed LOTR and I think Narnia was supposed to be their redemption. Oh well, Disney would be ok as long as they don't mess it up.

[dnash]

Hi, folks. This is perhaps a tad off-topic but I thought I'd provide a point of clarification on the "is Gandalf immortal" question above. He basically is. He is a "maia" which is sort of like a demi-god or an angel, one rank under the Valar themselves who are the gods. (There are two other maiar in Middle Earth - Saruman and Sauron.)

Anyway, I'm also looking forward to the Narnia movies, though I only ever read one of the books (LWW, in fact).

[KayTang999]

Yeah, I have a few book to go for Narnia. I am really look forward to this movie.

[ElysiumFirefly]

This is going to so awesome- i can't wait. My favorite book was the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe- but the Last Battle probably has the most meaning.

[KayTang999]

I thought they were going to change the name for this but they have code name "One Hundred Year Winter" interesting.

[ElysiumFirefly]

I agree KayTang999, very interesting.

[Rocksolidus]

Originally posted by ElysiumFirefly
This is going to so awesome- i can't wait. My favorite book was the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe- but the Last Battle probably has the most meaning.

the lion, the witch and the wardrobe, geese, it's been so long, but yes its my favorite also

[KayTang999]

I wonder if they are going to do the rest of the series.

[The Moose]

as far as i've heard, they are. but i'm not sure about that though

[MovieWes]

There's an update on the main board saying that the title has been changed to "The One Hundred Years' Winter," but apparently that's just the code name for the project, as it has already been pointed out. The main thing that I found interesting about the article is that it names the shooting schedule. Also the producers aren't happy with the screenplay and they're going back to do heavy, heavy re-writes.

Here's the full article if anyone wants to read it...

http://www.comingsoon.net/news.php?id=2333

[Colorado Cajun]

Yeah I've heard that they are planning to do the entire series as well

[IdahoMR2man]

For anyone that is new to this thread and hasn't read the books in a grip, search through the pages of this thread. I read everyone of them a couple months back and gave a review on them.

[KayTang999]

Originally posted by Colorado Cajun
Yeah I've heard that they are planning to do the entire series as well

Yeah, that is good. Now I just have to find a time to finish the series.