Flaherty: “Multiple Opinions” On Fourth Narnia Film

This Monday will mark two years since Fox/Walden’s The Voyage of the Dawn Treader hit theaters and ultimately performed below expectations in the United States, but pretty well internationally. At this point, most fans have accepted the fact that we should not expect to see another Narnia film made for some time (view our ‘Narnia 4’ summary page).

One of the reasons for the hold-up is disagreement about what the next step should be. Micheal Flaherty (Walden Media president) would like to make The Magician’s Nephew while Douglas Gresham (co-producer, Lewis’ stepson) favors The Silver Chair. Here is a clip from World Magazine‘s interview with Micheal Flaherty:

Q: So, with revenue going down and production costs remaining high, so what’s next for the Narnia movie series?
MF: There are multiple opinions on all this and a lot of different players: The C.S. Lewis estate, the studio, our company—and we’re not all of one mind. I would love to find a way where the economics work, acknowledging the decline. I’d like to do The Magician’s Nephew. Other people want to do The Silver Chair, and there’s disagreement about the economics and the overall vision of where the franchise should go next. My hope is that we may all become of one mind, but unless something providential happens there, I’m focusing on a number of other stories.

Q: So, at this moment, no deal?
MF: Nope.

Flaherty talks more about Narnia in the full interview.

Back in May, Douglas Gresham indicated there is a seven-year moratorium on producing any Narnia films outside of Walden Media. He also wants to make The Silver Chair next as an independent film.

Discuss!

427 Responses

  1. Farsight-messenger says:

    ok, a report of mine……
    Now that we all know, 2018 isn't the earliest for narnia 4, it can be earlier or later than 2018…. Let's see, Michael Flaherty like The Magician's Nephew to be next; Douglas Gresham wants The Silver to be next…. big disagreements eh. as for me, they should have a really serious negotiations about this… hurry up! they can make both MN and SC at the same time but not at the same release…. they must recruit Will Poulter again for Esuatce's character…. Do MN to save the series…. well, just do another Narnia film….(As Soon As Possible!)

    Further Up! and Further In! 🙂

  2. "Douglas Gresham indicated there is a seven-year moratorium on producing any Narnia films OUTSIDE OF WALDEN MEDIA." (Emphasis mine. I apologize for the all caps.)

    Wait, so… if they get these disagreements ironed out, could they go ahead and make another film if they stay with Walden Media? Or is it that Douglas Gresham and the Estate don't want to work with Walden Media again, so they're going to have to wait seven years for the moratorium to expire?

  3. glumPuddle says:

    The situation is still fuzzy… But as far as we can tell at this point, yes, that seems to be the deal.

  4. LIFE OF PI says:

    Still no any decision. I said just do Silver Chair, if they begin to do MN 1 year ago, then it's fine to do SC about 2014 or 2015, because Will Poulter age still fit for the role.

    If they start doing the next film now, then it should be Silver Chair, because it will be too late if you still choose Magician's Nephew!

    If you really want to make the 4th Narnia film, you should just decide now, and start the production now, don't just talk and enjoy cup of coffee in the aircond room.

  5. Garenex says:

    Hmm…Well I wouldn't like to see another film get made if there's disagreements going on behind the scenes, but I also want to see them actually get through all seven films, especially within Douglas's. lifetime. Personally, not being happy with Voyage, I wouldn't mind a remake of that film (I'm good with the other two, but could probably deal with a complete restart).

  6. Joanne says:

    I have read all the books over and over again to myself, my kid as well as to classrooms I've taught. I like BOTH story lines MN and SC although MN is a bit more exciting. I personally think Voyage of the Dawn Treader is the least of the books….thus the drop off in "sales". I agree with what someone said…to make both at the same time yet release them at separate dates. Is that biting off too much? For once I'd like to see SOMEONE finish the whole Narnia theme. The Last Battle is a GREAT book!! Personally I'd like to see you keep the original order. Narnia fans will go see it as well as buy it when it comes out on dvd (I have all of them so far as well as other versions..animated…BBC version…etc.). What is more concerning is that you won't be able to use the same children is future story lines because these actors/actresses are getting older and won't be able to "carry" it as kids. Whatever you do….DECIDE because the actors/actresses are growing up. It always takes away from a series when you have to replace the people with others because the original ones grew up….so please DECIDE!!

  7. mixedfiction says:

    PLEASE Do Silver Chair!!! Poulter's gonna get too old soon. And story wise, it would be more logical to do The Silver Chair. It should be LWW, PC, VDT (as it was done), then SC; then the others should be made as such: MN, HHB, then LB.
    Gresham should, in my opinion, give the Final Decision; and he should stick with his personal choice: SC. 🙂

  8. Just Queen, not High Queen says:

    Silver Chair!!! Silver Chair!!! Silver Chair!!! Silver Chair!!! Silver Chair!!! Silver Chair!!!
    It makes the most sense to do Silver Chair next!!!!!!!
    I mean come on! If they are going to make the decision "logically"(lol) I think they should do Silver Chair and as soon as possible!

    I don't understand why it's taking so long to make a decision. As time goes by people are forgetting about it more and more. I was hoping that The Lion Awakes when increase Narnia buzz again, but I can't even find that movie on IMDB. I think we as Narnians (so to speak) and Narnia fans should help out. We need to not forget Narnia!!!!!!! By word of mouth, merchandise, the internet and simply our fandom, we need to spread the word and get people interested again. Who knows? Maybe Narniaweb should send out a letter to the filmmakers saying that we really really really really want more Narnia movies. I pray that there will be more movies everyday and I still have hope.

    One thing that I think should be improved for the next film is publicity, for I think Fox dropped the ball on promotion.

    It will certainly be hard to forever watch VDT knowing that Aslan's words to Eustace/Will of "Narnia may yet have need of you" will never come true. So they need to come true, for sometimes I think filmmakers only see short term and forget what effect an beautiful, yet incomplete series will have on generations to come, for no future version of Narnia will ever be as good as Disney/Fox/Walden's in my opinion. Yes there is economics involved, but film is more than simply a way to make money.

    For Narnia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  9. glumPuddle says:

    Disagreement is not the only reason for the hold-up. If VDT's box office had met expectations, people would have resolved their differences quickly. That's the reason in a nutshell: A lack of confidence that future films can make money.

  10. tom says:

    as i said a few years ago when dawn treader came out, if USA had supported the film better – we would have def been another film already. Overseas the fans came and supported the film, but the USA numbers really had to be stronger for another film to be made. As its made by a USA film company – they need to break even in there own country before looking at income from else where. Its just a pity the support was not there – thank you usa

  11. Louloudi the Centaur says:

    News at last, even if not really new!

    Let's face it. A majority of fans, and a good handful of critics were not happy with how the film turned out. Even the Lewis Estate was not so thrilled at the turnout. I would much rather wait until I'm out of college for a good, low budget film to be made than a blockbuster budget, mediocre-bland film. I don't want the remaining books of the series filmed and made to look like a cheesy knock off of many modern franchises.

    In other news, it's kind of hard to believe it's already been two years since VDT was released. Let's just say from my perspective, opinions really do change.

  12. Brian in Calgary says:

    Sigh! Ideally, and morally (in my never too humble opinion), Doug Gresham should be given the final decision as to which book is the next one to be translated to the silver screen.

    However, that said, the terms of 'his' contract with Walden Media probably takes that out of his hands, legally speaking. So, I must say – reluctantly, because all along I've thought Silver Chair should be the next one made – that Doug Gresham should agree to disagree with Walden Media, bite the bullet for the sake of getting the movie franchise saved, and do Magician's Nephew next.

    Perhaps Walden Media would agree to film Silver Chair right afterward (kind of like was done with the second and third 'Back to the Future' movies).

  13. Taisia says:

    Yes! Please do! Eustace will be way too old if you don't!

    @mixedfiction: I was going to reply to your question, but then I couldn't comment at all 😛 No, I'm not on any LOTR fansite, but I keep up with theonering.net and thehobbitblog.com 🙂

  14. narniafreak1 says:

    I'm just glad there is still talk going on with the C.s Estate and Walden

  15. Not Of This World says:

    I don't think Gresham wants to make the next film with Walden. I think he wants more control of the script. And personally I would prefer an independent film where Gresham has more control. He knew Lewis personally and I think he can do better with more control. LLW and PC (except for the romance) were great, but VDT was just good (the more I think about it I don't like the Green Mist that much, but it didn't ruin the film. It was still a good film, but not great). I prefer a independent film where Gresham has most if not all control.

  16. The Silver Chair makes the most sense. All the same, I've got two songs written for Magician's Nephew and Last Battle. Still impatiently waiting for the next movie.

  17. Farsight-messenger says:

    I think Gresham should have the final say, for he is the stepson of CSL, as for Walden, I think they need to consider Gresham's decision… We all know that Gresham wants SC next, so they need to focus on that, just like what they did in LWW, they should do it again in the fourth one….. As for the release date, 2018 is too late. LWW was released 2005, PC in 2008 and VDT in 2010. 7 years ago when LWW was released. So do SC next and recruit Poulter again….

    -This December, Return to Narnia-
    click on the link, watch the preview of Narnia Best Scenes and read the description as well….
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CJOtYELh9g

  18. LIFE OF PI says:

    Yes, they need to decide as soon as possible!

  19. LIFE OF PI says:

    But that will have to wait until 2018, I can't wait that long, if this happen, then I'll just let it go, I'll give up Narnia series.

  20. mixedfiction says:

    Yup, that's okay; I think there's some sort of expiration in the span of time that people can post a comment. And yay! I'm on TheOneRing.net too! 🙂 Although recently I couldn't post a comment there anymore 🙁 Thanks!

  21. Interestingly, I view the Narnia films' ultimate failure with VDT as a problem of too much oversight and too much attempting at making the film Christian-friendly and family-friendly.

    Gresham had too much oversight, IMO, because it turned into a checklist of 'you must have this, this, and this from the book' instead of an actual adaptation.

    At the same time, I believe that Walden Media is not the best match for the Narnia franchise. Yet there are NO indie companies I would trust any more. Independent filmmaking is a difficult, difficult world.

    My solution to this is to pitch it to a larger company as a classic British fantasy-adventure story that needs a faithful big-screen adaptation, not an update. (I feel like LWW was updated) Capitalize on the Anglophilia going around. Push the classic elements of high storytelling. Get it into the hands of a director who loves a good story over a good message.

    Oh yes, and keep Douglas Gresham off-set. Remember, Lewis died when Gresham was only 18. All this talk of "Gresham knew him best" is pretty rubbish in that perspective. What we're really getting is Gresham's interpretation of Lewis' work heralded as the end-all because he is related to Lewis by marriage. His perspective is fine. But if you're going to have a Narnia film, I'd rather have the director's perspective – the director has a hard enough job without keeping a creative advisor from the Estate happy. =P No wonder VDT was such a mess.

  22. I'll point out that Douglas Gresham was only 18 when Lewis died… and he's not a filmmaker or an author (besides his own autobiography). He's not qualified to be a director.

    And the alternative? As a filmmaker myself, I would hate to have a creative advisor hanging over my shoulder all the time. Especially as the impression I'm getting is that he's encouraged faithfulness to the letter of the books over faithfulness to the spirit of the books… Narnia was more than just a bunch of moments and Christian themes. It was a *story* and that's why it mattered so much.

  23. glumPuddle says:

    This is a wonderful post.

    I think that Gresham's presence did a lot of good. I shudder to think what Hollywood would have done with LWW and PC without him there… But I do agree that one unfortunate side effect was the "checklist" mentality it created.

    I also agree that Gresham's opinion is given to much weight by fans. Yes, he is Lewis' stepson, but there are plenty of people who know far more about Lewis than Gresham, and he is not an author or director.

  24. LIFE OF PI says:

    Hmm… I think I'm going to agree your point you have made, I think the same as you about Douglas Gresham, but I'm too coward to point out this. Thanks! 😛

  25. J. G. Heck says:

    I believe they need to let the time pass 10 or so years and then Reboot the series with "The Magicians Nephew". I know it will be long to see a new one but I think it would be for the best. I want to see a new Narnia movie insanely bad but, this allows change for the mistakes they made in the previous movies (Voyage of the Dawn Treader) and the already to old actors.
    There are several reasons to Reboot the series, or continue them in the same track. But rebooting the series should be best.

  26. LIFE OF PI says:

    I can accept the reboot with better filmmaker and director.
    But that mean we have to wait more longer to see Silver Chair, Magician's Nephew, The Horse and His boy and The Last Battle.

    And we still have to take risk that the reboot doesn't mean it must be better than previous, that will causes there are no more chance for us to see SC, MN, HHB and TLB.

  27. nic says:

    Sounds just like a Narnia Web talk back thread then 🙂

    Seriously, if they could just put together a creative team who makes the movie they want to see as a take of whatever Narnia story it is, that would be enough. At least that way, any creative mis-steps of the vision are all going in the same direction all the same.

    I too, think MN would be best half-way mark movie to make of the series, but as long as above creative consideration was sorted, it wouldn't matter too much as that is main thing i would guess by some stretch, & i can see the POV that if Mr Gresham will be happiest with SC next, he has the background that surpasses probably anyone else in that his wishes should come first.

  28. Farsight-messenger says:

    Reboot is not so good… first of all, if they'll reboot the series, 1) of course new cast, and production team, (and it can mean that Gresham will not be in the reboot; 2) new title, how can you say Narnia without the chronicles of? (because every film reboot has new titles); 3) new cgi of Aslan; 4)it can start in MN or LWW (again) meaning, that we will see SC, HHB and LB the longer than we thought……

    Now, Douglas Gresham should have the final say….. Just focus on SC and think how to make a blockbuster film just like what LWW did to continue the series. Re-recruit Adamson as the director and Harry Gregson Williams as the score composer…..

    I say, that the final decisions should be made not later than feb 2013 and start filming Narnia 4 not later than march 2013…..

  29. Taisia says:

    Welcome 😀 I've got a different name on there, though…

  30. mixedfiction says:

    Really? What? I'm also mixedfiction there, but as I said, I couldn't post a comment anymore. Do you have any idea about the Disqus accounts?

  31. LIFE OF PI says:

    I have been thinking for a while, I want to say…. just let them do what they want to do.

    I don't really care now, although I'll still happy if there is 4th Narnia movie, now I don't care that we have to wait until 2018 or earlier, I don't want to care.

    Anyone seen LIFE OF PI? It was a great movie, I'll see LIFE OF PI as a replacement of Narnia movie.

    If the next Narnia movie is done, I'll see it, if there is no more, then I'm ok with it.

  32. LIFE OF PI says:

    To mixedfiction and Taisia , I'm Son of Adam, nice to meet you here again. (;

  33. david white says:

    Another Narnia would be great.
    The order being the lord of the rings style ie. The Silver Chair followed by the Last Battle then The Magicians Nephew. But come on guys make it soon 🙂

  34. Skilletdude says:

    I no longer trust Michael Flaherty or Walden Media with Narnia. After the Dawn Treader disaster, he failed to owe up to the boatload of mistakes they made which means he and the company cares nothing for the original stories. Narnia in moratorium is a good thing. As much as I wanted The Silver Chair, I don't want Walden Media messing another one up.

  35. mixedfiction says:

    Oh! I see, nice to meet you too again! 😀 I find it strange, new, and fascinating that you should change your username. However, good to be back here! Thanks for telling us. 🙂

  36. mixedfiction says:

    Yes; they talk and talk about what's next and nothing is ever decided. Soon it will be too late to make any film.

  37. mixedfiction says:

    You've got a good point there. And I agree. A reboot would be good.

  38. mixedfiction says:

    And nope, I haven't seen LIFE OF PI. But for now, I'm extremely excited to see The Hobbit! Less than a week of waiting left! Hooray!!! 😛

  39. LIFE OF PI says:

    Yes, if they want to do MN, they should do it 1 year ago, now it is too late, now they should do SC 1st, because the actor can't wait anymore, unless they are already gave up Will Poulter, and looking for new guy to replace him.

  40. LIFE OF PI says:

    I saw Gladiator again few weeks ago, and it make me hope Ridley Scott will direct them. I think he is very good for making movie which about knight, I'm wondering how Narnia movies will look like if he direct it. 🙂

  41. LIFE OF PI says:

    I think you should see LIFE OF PI, I think this movie should not be miss. This movie help me clear up many thing in my life, and I doubt it change some of the way I'm thinking.

    You know, LOTR was my no.1 movie of all-time, and before I saw LIFE OF PI, I thought there are no more movies will make me love it equally as LOTR, but LIFE OF PI did it! I spoke about this everywhere I can reach in internet.

    And yes, yeah! The Hobbit is coming, I'll see it this Thursday! I'll see it atleast 3 times, 1st time was in 2D(normal), 3D for 2nd times, and 3rd times 2D again. 🙂 I have already promised this when I signed the online petition few years ago, "I have made a promise", like Samwise Gamgee! 😛

    Hahaha!

  42. Just Queen, not High Queen says:

    I can't believe it's been two years!

  43. Not Of This World says:

    So 11 years isn't enough time to know a guy? He met him in 1952. Lewis died in 1964. Name one person still alive who was closer to Lewis (other then Douglas's brother – not sure if he's still alive). And after producing three movies don't you think he has experience? And Gresham even said he wanted to hire a director (Andrew Adamson – though he thinks he might be to expensive). He didn't say anything about directing.

  44. Fireflower says:

    I would prefer them to do SC next, but at this point, I would take anything Narnia! 🙂

  45. Taisia says:

    I use "Siliverien" there. Disqus? Sounds familiar…what is it?

  46. Michael says:

    I think I agree pretty well with this post. At this point, I think for the Narnia series to be saved, it has to be started over with someone different. After 7 years, it will be a lot harder to use some of the current actors. Also, different hands would be better. Someone like Peter Jackson who can stay close to the books, bring out the lessons, make an excellent quality movie, and keep it engaging for everybody.

  47. mixedfiction says:

    Siliverien… that's beautiful 🙂 Actually, I don't know what Disqus is; all I know is when I enter my username and email to post a comment, a grey-box appears saying "That email address is already registered with a Disqus account. Log in or enter another email." 🙁 I gave up trying to solve it.

  48. Farsight-messenger says:

    what they did in LWW: spectacular!; in PC: wrong release date, suspian? ( is that in the book?); VDT: what happened to the island timeline? (re-shuffled?), where's the love story of Ramandu's daughter and King Caspian? Eustace the dragon for half an hour?
    okay walden, JUST STICK TO THE ORIGINAL BOOK STORIES AND MAKE IT LIVE!

  49. Farsight-messenger says:

    Return to the magical world of Narnia and discover the top 10 best scenes of the Chronicles!
    here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIuc9XGX2kM
    happy holidays Narnians!

  50. mixedfiction says:

    Well, I saw some of his films, but not Gladiator. I don't think I want to see him directing Narnia movies, No offense though! 🙂

  51. mixedfiction says:

    I don't know about Life of Pi…sorry, but I don't think I'm gonna see it. 😐
    Yay! I'm going to see it on Thursday too, if possible! 😀

  52. mixedfiction says:

    I hope Taisia saw this.

  53. LIFE OF PI says:

    That's ok, everyone have their own thought and opinion. Because I want Narnia to be a true epic, and I'm thinking if Ridley Scott was in the top form again when doing Narnia film, what if he done it as great as Gladiator again. Just can't stop to wondering. ^^

  54. LIFE OF PI says:

    Hehehe…. 😛

  55. LIFE OF PI says:

    That's too bad, you are going to miss something great, this might be this year's Oscar Best Picture, it's so beautiful.

    Yes, that's great! Haha!
    Have you signed any The Hobbit movie online petition before they greenlit The Hobbit movie?

    I have a t-shirt of LOTR, one badge which I won from lucky draw 8 years ago, and 1 DIY badge which I made it myself when 2003, the year of Return of the King, I think I'm going to wear these to the theatre this Thursday, Haha! And yes! I got tattoo stickers, also won it 8 years ago, but I don't think I'm going to use it, others will thought that you are just like "gangster", hahaha!

  56. LIFE OF PI says:

    Me too.

  57. LIFE OF PI says:

    But I don't think PJ will do it, he is too busy, unless he love Narnia as much as he love Middle Earth.

  58. LIFE OF PI says:

    I heard some people said if you could get hurt by something so badly, it is because you really love it, how much you get hurt is how much you love it.

    Why I love Narnia? Sometime I just want to say to everyone that I don't love Narnia anymore. And it make feel like I have betray all Narnian….

    No more negative is allow, good or bad it's just an entertainment, don't be too serious about this, enjoy the true life was the most important! This is an entertainment, don't let this influence your live/life!

    Hahaha!!! 😛

  59. mixedfiction says:

    That is why — like he said "Someone like PJ"— we need someone who loves Narnia wholeheartedly but is a great moviemaker too.

  60. LIFE OF PI says:

    Andrew Adamson was the only director I can think about, and these were great director to me, but were these people love Narnia or Fans of Narnia?

    1) Matthew Vaughn, have you heard about Disney's Star Wars news? This guy maybe director of Star Wars VII.

    2) Andrew Stanton, have you seen John Carter movie? I think not everyone will agree with this, but I do think he is a great director, I love John Carter movie! 😀

    3) Ang Lee, I love LIFE OF PI, so automatically he is my favourite director now. 😛

    4) Ridley Scott, I want to see another epic like Gladiator. 😛

    5) Martin Scorsese?

    Anyone else do you think good enough for making Narnia? And honestly sometime I don't trust Andrew Adamson as well, I don't like LWW very much, I like it, but not very much, not as much as LOTR.