Apted Thinks ‘Silver Chair’ is Next

Back in September, Producer Mark Johnson suggested that he was not sure if “The Silver Chair” or “The Magician’s Nephew” would be the next Narnia film. In NarniaFans’ recent interview with Michael Apted, the director says he thinks it will be the former:

NF: […] Is there any news regarding directing the next one for you?
Apted: No they have only sort of decided I think to do the Silver Chair, but they haven’t started or hired a writer or anything. This one took a long time from when I was first hired in 2007 and here we are now in 2010.

Read (or listen to) the entire interview here.

That does NOT sound like an official confirmation. For years, most fans have just assumed that “The Silver Chair” would come after “Dawn Treader.” It may be that Apted is simply making the same assumption. But since over 80% of NarniaWebbers think “The Silver Chair” should be made next, most fans should find this encouraging.

The main issue the majority of fans have raised is Will Poulter’s age. “The Silver Chair” takes place less than a year after “Dawn Treader.” Many fans are concerned that if they do not make “The Silver Chair” soon, Will Poulter will be too old to play the part. “The Silver Chair” also seems like the logical follow-up to “Dawn Treader,” as Caspian’s son and Eustace play important roles. It also includes one of the series’ most beloved characters (Puddleglum), and one of its most iconic images (the silver chair).

“The Magician’s Nephew,” however, is probably the more beloved book in the series. And this is just speculation, but commercially speaking, the studios may be more attracted to the idea of making a prequel to “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” which grossed over $700m worldwide.

So far, the films have stuck to the original published order (LWW, PC, VDT, SC, HHB, MN, LB). It will be interesting to see when/if they deviate from that. Where will they fit “The Horse and His Boy” in?

171 Responses

  1. LL says:

    !!!!! This is good news 🙂

  2. Narnian* says:

    As it should be! It will be exciting to see it come to life…especially when it comes to the Giants and Harfang, and, well….everything else!

  3. wolfloversk says:

    It doesn't really matter to me which one is next, as long as they get going and make them… 🙂

  4. glumPuddle says:

    I think it does matter. Will Poulter is not getting any younger. He'll soon be too old to play Eustace in SC.

  5. LL says:

    I know I'm thinking far ahead, but what do you think they'll do for Last Battle (If they decide to make it)? With the kids growing up so quickly they would have to make it BEFORE The Horse and His Boy and The Magician's Nephew, right?

  6. Princess Lucy says:

    thats what exactly what i was thinking LL…but i was worried to spread it….but now u said it….which makes me discuss it…i wonder what they are going to do with all the children growing up sooo fast to film the last battle…maybe they will just make them adults in that film..

  7. wolfloversk says:

    That's true, gP… I hink though it depends on how long it will take for them to make it…hmmm

    BTW how old is Eustace supposed to be in SC and LB? De[ending on the age difference, it actually might be smarter for them to go ahead with MN, then SC, then HHB, then LB… Either that or else film HHB and MN simultaneously, but release one a year later than the other…

  8. wolfloversk says:

    *think

  9. Princess Lucy says:

    they made the right choice to make SC next…not just the fact eustrace is growing but it also continues the series without confusing the audiences especially with the storyline of caspian, liliandil and rilian…YAY !! ! !

  10. Princess Lucy says:

    it says on the narniaweb wikipedia that eustrace is 9 years old in VDT and SC and 16 years old in the last battle…hmmm

  11. Skilletdude says:

    It makes the most logical sense to go with The Silver Chair next. It's the next book in the series (since the films have followed the publication order) and Eustace has already been cast and should continue his role. I feel it's among the easiest of the books to translate to film since it's a cohesive adventure story with plenty of peril and drama and an established villain, so Hollywood should be happy with that. This final reason is selfish; SC is my favorite book in the series. But everything depends on VDT's box office amounts. Here's hoping.

  12. Tim Arlen says:

    Nice job reporting, glumPuddle! I had to be careful the way I worded my article too, because it is not official but just his (albeit very important!) take on things.

    And we're totally with you on narniafans.com about the order the films should be made! The majority of our members would be much happier with Silver Chair next as well.

  13. The Archenlander says:

    SC IS MY FAVORITE BOOK TOO!!!!!! so i totally agree with all of the above 🙂

  14. TTW says:

    HHB will be filming difficultm, won't it? I like Colin, wish see his rudeness!XD

  15. TTW says:

    HHB will be filming difficult, won't it? I like Colin, wish see his rudeness!XD

  16. Princess Lucy says:

    HHB is one of my favourite books too…it will be exciting to see how it goes with the film adaptation when they make it….afterall it has never being adapted which makes it extra exciting…but for that film…i think they are going to wait for the pevensie children to get older like adults…except peter…but i'm sure they will add him in the film…maybe…

  17. GlimGlum says:

    Go Silver Chair! 🙂

  18. lilims says:

    Silver Chair please 🙂

  19. RoseRed says:

    totally agree with skilletdude (it's my favourite too). I guess it's time we all start hoping the moneymakers see the value in this franchise…

  20. Movie Aristotle says:

    I really hope Silver Chair is next. I'm surprised by the number of people who say that SC is their favorite book. It is another good character story, so maybe I shouldn't be surprised.

  21. Tarwe, the Narnian Elf says:

    Personally, I think filming the movies in the publication order would probably make the most sense. However, I'm happy as long as all 7 eventually make it to the silver screen! 😀 Love live, Narnia!

  22. Nathan says:

    I don't know about you guys, but I was not impressed with the book "The Magician's Nephew". I just didn't find that book to be nearly as good as "The Silver Chair". Poulter is already too old and too tall for the part of Eustuce in The Silver Chair. They need to be filming the Silver Chair IMMEDIATELY. Right Now. ASAP. There is no legitimate need to film The Magician's Nephew next, other than the love of money (Jesus said that the love of money is the root of all evil.)

  23. Daniel says:

    If they dont do SC next I will DIE with anticipation… SC is my FAV of all the books, Rillian is my Fav character, and with their ability to make amazing props, the actual chair itself will be AMAZING and to die for! they better do it, or Im gonna have to call up Walden and complain.

    –Dan

  24. Princess Lucy says:

    that would be amazing to see the actual chair onscreen…i wonder how they will do it…cooool…i'm sure the dawn treader will be a success for them to make the silver chair…time will fly for us to see it….i have that feeling they will film it next year…who has that feeling!!!

  25. Queen Emily the Valiant says:

    Im glad that it's pretty positive that the're making another fil but i a little dissapointed as i believe that it's one of the best books!!! anyway at least there will be a next film

  26. Francoise says:

    Wait a minute !
    VDT is not yet on theaters

  27. waggawerewolf27 says:

    We haven't seen VDT yet, but in many ways, SC leads on from it. Aslan, Lilliandil, Caspian and Eustace, himself, are the most important links. Maybe a screenwriter will find others. I agree that SC should come next.

    I'm not worried about LB, if Eustace is 16 in that one. Sixteen is quite grown up, really.

  28. sammy says:

    I defo think that the SC should be made next, as so it won't confuse the audience. It is also my favourite book, alongside VODT. I hope someday, i will have all 7 narnia dvds on my shelf 😀

  29. King_Cor_the_Great says:

    That's not necessarily true. In the Last Battle, Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter are supposed to be in their early to late 20's and Eustace and Jill are supposed to be close to that. And if they want Tilda Swinton to play Jadis for MN, they're going to want her while she still looks young herself. And since LB is the last book, i dont think they would make that the fifth movie, that would just throw audiences off.

  30. eustacegirl says:

    SC needs to be made

  31. Tom Grelinger says:

    I'm worried that The Horse and His Boy may never get made because it will be seen as racially and religiously insensitive.

  32. Warrior 4 Jesus says:

    Nathan, wow. Good work using the Bible to justify your dislike of The Magician's Nephew. It's a great book. If you didn't enjoy it, that's okay. But don't label the movie-makers as greedy if they do that one before The Silver Chair.

  33. sgk474 says:

    It does matter. SC should be next. It's a much better book than MN and Will is at the right age right now – he's excellent as Eustace from what we've seen so far.

  34. decarus says:

    Keep publication order. I don't even know if i want them to make any more films. I will wait and see VotDT, but i have been sort of done ever since the horror that was PC.

  35. HHB has always been my favorite of the CoN, but after thinking about it, I wouldn't be really upset if they made that one maybe last (even after the LB). The age of the actors is really important, and at this rate, Will's going to be in his twenties during LB.
    If it all possible, I wish they could film MN and HHB simultaneously, maybe even with two different studios or else just two directors. They two stories don't use any of the same characters. However, all this might be confusing for the general populace who watch the movies but haven't read the books. Wow this is getting confusing…they better just hurry up and try to release a film every year/year and half!
    As Tom said two comments ago, the HHB might not even get made for racial and religious reasons. But I hope it does get made.

  36. Jill-Pole says:

    If 'The silver Chair' is comming out, when and where can you do adition?? I really want the roll of Jill!

  37. always narnian says:

    Yay I hope the Silver Chair is next! It's like one of my favorite books. But wouldn't they have to do LB after that?

  38. Niamh says:

    It makes LOGICAL sense to do SC next. It's next in the series and the whole storyline of the book flows directly from VDT. It's stupid to deviate from it to make MN or HHB. Also Will's age needs to be taken into consideration-there's hardly any time between VDT and SC. It would be silly to go back to SC after(estimating that each film takes a year to make and then a couple of months to edit) about two or three years. Will would be older and it would just be confusing.

  39. Niamh says:

    Possibly. They could then (like Star Wars) go back and do MN and HHB.

  40. Greg says:

    Of course they'll make SC next! Will Poulter's growing too fast!

  41. MinotaurforAslan says:

    Where is that awesome illustration from? I recognize it from glumPuddle's old avatar

  42. Mayor Wilkins says:

    I hate to be one of the few voices against the "Silver Chair" chorus, but PLEASE make "The Magician's Nephew" next!! I'm not sure why everyone thinks this would be a difficult and/or bad movie to make. Here's why it would be a GOOD idea to do "MN." Strictly personal opinion. I'm not looking to start any kind of fight here.

    1. As stated above, it connects to "LWW," which was a huge success.

    2. For the record, yes, chronologically, "Silver Chair" makes more sense. But, trilogies and prequels are in these days. I would wager the studios might want to have a "Narnia" trilogy with the familiar Pevensies and then do the prequel to this trilogy as a followup.

    3. Obviously, Tilda Swinton is beloved by many fans and many of the folks behind the "Narnia" movies' production. Instead of putting her in movies for 1 minute cameos (Cool as they might be 😉 ) like in "VDT," wouldn't it be more appealing to do a movie which would feature the character in nearly every scene from the time she wakes up? Yes–I think it would be a good idea. Also, she is the established major villain of the series, so they wouldn't have to make up an enemy to fight. And, as stated above, they should make it while Tilda is able to recreate the look she basically had in "LWW" for continuity's sake.

    4. The book, like "LWW," would be very easy to convert into a screenplay. They only go to a few locations, there are only a few characters, and the story doesn't jump around as much as "Prince Caspian" did. There is a beginning, middle and end. So the writers wouldn't have to alter the flow or order of events in the story AS much as they have been.

    5. Douglas Gresham, Tilda Swinton, and several others have all expressed interest in making this book into a film. I say make it into a film while everyone is still interested.

    6. If "VDT" is a success, it proves that audiences like Narnia lighter, brighter and with more magic. This is purely my opinion here, but I think "The Silver Chair" is too dark with them going beneath the earth. "Magician's Nephew" is the literal creation of Narnia in all its colorful glory. There's also a great deal of magic, wonder and discovery in this story.

    7. Commercially, I think audiences would love to have some of their questions from the first film answered. Why is there a magic wardrobe? What do the carvings on the wardrobe mean? When and how did the professor go to Narnia? Why is there a modern lamp post in the woods? Where did the White Witch come from and how did she come to rule Narnia? (the latter half is not in the book, but it might be alluded to in the movie version)
    8. As only The White Witch and Aslan return, it would actually be possible to film both this movie and "Silver Chair" at the same time. Difficult, but not impossible if they used two different directors for each one. Or maybe I'm dreaming here. Oh well. Just thinking outside the box.

    As I see it, the only real mark against "The Magician's Nephew" is that it has no real action sequences. But I'm sure one could be invented without going against the text. They could show some of Jadis's battle in charn (in a LWW-like chariot with her battle garb on and maybe using two swords like in the first film….again, people would go "Oh…. she wore the same thing in the first movie!" They could also expand Jadis's fight with the lampost or her would-be confrontation with Aslan in Narnia. The scene when she temps Digory to eat the apple would call on her previous cameos in "Prince Caspian" and "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" as she beckons to him in the garden.

    And, although I would advise against this, maybe the Witch could call on some evil creatures to chase after the children when they leave Aslan's garden. It would go against the book, but it might be cool to see some Minobaurs or Harpies again.

    I would love to see all seven books made. But I definitely see a good argument for making the prequel to the movies while they still have the option. My arguments are not the best. This is just a comment, after all. But I do see several reasons why "Magician's Nephew" is possible.

    Cheers.

  43. Mayor Wilkins says:

    Oh….. and I have a ninth reason. "The Magician's Nephew" has NEVER yet been adapted for the screen. Whether that be small or silver. It deserves to be made into a film.

  44. WarriorOfNarnia says:

    To me, Will already seems way older than he looks in the trailer of VDT. Silver Chair all the way! I can't wait to find out who Jill is!

  45. Samuel the Magnificent says:

    I don't think it really matters how old they are. Here's the order I think they should make the movies in. MN, SC, HHB, LB. I think they should go back and forth so that there isn't a huge age gap for Eustace and Jill between SC and LB.

  46. Samuel the Magnificent says:

    I disagree with that. The movies are only going to get better from here on out because Disney no longer has a say in it. I remember in a bonus feature thing on the Prince Caspian dvd one of they top guys was talking about how he believed C S Lewis' intention behind Prince Caspian was to show how destructive man is on trees and stuff. So obviously a bunch of hippies and tree-huggers were making Prince Caspian so I'm sure since Disney's gone they will stick to the true meaning of the books. 20th century fox is good at that.

  47. Samuel the Magnificent says:

    They can just leave out the racial comments.

  48. Hwin says:

    I suppose that both sides have their good reasons, but in the end, I think that making The Silver Chair next is the best and most logical choice.

  49. Jill-Pole says:

    Well.. Where can you do audition for Jill??? I'm curious!!

  50. Samuel the Magnificent says:

    I agree completely. I was never crazy about Silver Chair and I've always wanted to see Magician's Nephew on the silver screen since LWW became a movie. I'll just be happy if all 7 books become movies. I can't wait for LB too. I hope they make it rated pg-13 for violence. I just hated the ending to LB. I think C S Lewis could have come up with something better than killing them all in a train wreck. I hope I didn't spoil this for anyone.

  51. Samuel the Magnificent says:

    I would rather him be older than he was in the books. If they had gotten a 9 year old to play Eustace in VDT then only kids would go see it. And at the rate their going, LB will be more epic with him and Jill almost in their 20s.

  52. Samuel the Magnificent says:

    I wonder how they're going to do Puzzle in Lion skin without it being extaordinarily cheezy.

  53. narnian resident says:

    logically speaking, and with common sense (although im not keeping in mind commercially-wise) they should do Silver Chair next. there are many other reasons why they should besides Will's age (which i think is a very important aspect itself). and you know, even though commercial-wise says because LWW made lots of money, they should make a prequel to it, thats not really the best way anymore, because since 80% of fans say Silver Chair, then more people will be more excited over that than Magician's Nephew. of course, narnia fans would still see MN, but they would be happier and more willing to see SC since the majority wish for that one. see, it takes lots of thinking and analyzing when it comes to these things. i do hope they think and study on this alot, because its a very important subject to both fans and movie makers.

  54. narnian resident says:

    no, they couldnt be that old, because Narnia is a children's books, and so the movies need to appeal to both children and teens/adults. if they had the characters really old and late into their teens, then it wouldnt appeal to children, and they wouldnt be interested in them, and there goes the important aspect of Narnia being for children! personally, its very important to me that they keep the movies child-friendly and appeal to children, because that was always something special about the books, and i really want them to keep that in the movies.

  55. Queen Susan the Gentle says:

    I really hope they make Silver Chair next! That would be so cool! Wonder who'll play Jill????

  56. DanielmyBrother says:

    Silver Chair is my second favorite book in the series. So that will be great.But for now I'm ready for the epic journey on the Dawn Treader, my favorite of the series!

  57. The Rose-Tree Dryad says:

    I've wondered the same thing. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if the filmmakers change the lion skin into a magic spell that transforms Puzzle into a lion, or something like that.

  58. Addym says:

    I think that they should do SC next, then LB, and then MN and HHB. Actors are getting too old soon.

  59. Queen Su says:

    This is great! At least they are thinking about making SC!
    I bet they will make the MN after the SC and then continue with the HHB.

  1. November 13, 2010

    […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by NarniaWeb.com and Michael Scott, 龍子. 龍子 said: RT @NarniaWeb: Apted thinks "The Silver Chair" is next. (NOT an official announcement) http://bit.ly/9JFAKi […]