Walden Media Hasn’t Dropped Out of Narnia, Still Negotiating
We have been contacted by someone close to the production who claims that Walden Media has pulled out of making any further Narnia movies.
We are trying to confirm this news as quickly as possible. And should this indeed be the case, we have no idea what will become of the series from this point on.
UPDATE: There are a number of conflicting stories about what’s going on. We’re hearing different things from different people, so until things start to settle down we really don’t know anything for sure. What we can say for sure is that the future of the franchise at present is rather murky. Negotiations may or may not be ongoing, or may have ground to a halt for a while. We’re going to just have to wait and see what shakes out. -Tirian
UPDATE 2: I did have a chance to speak with officials from Walden Media today. Walden stated emphatically that they are still pursing another Narnia film and that they are continuing discussions with the C.S. Lewis Estate to make that a reality. At the present time nothing has been confirmed. But there has not yet been a final yes, or a final no. If Walden does another Narnia film, it will almost certainly be The Magician’s Nephew.
I think it is clear that some negotiations are still taking place, though perhaps as I suggested earlier, they are stalled. It is likely that Walden’s option on the film will last for several more years so it could be quite some time before we know for sure one way or the other.
Not a surprise really. Great efforts, Walden Media! But I agree it is just not meant to be right now.
dont even….
Walden Media can't do this they have to give the Narnia franchise at least one more try, wheater it be "The Sliver Chair" or "The Magician's Nephew". What the people at the studio have to realize is that the Narnia movies have the potenial to be a great, epic, classic, franchise like "Harry Potter" or "The Lord of the Rings", because the books are just as famous and just as good as those stories.
The problem is the studio needs to put the movie franchise in the hands of better filmmakers who admire the books a lot more, and understand C.S. Lewis's vision a lot better, and will especially stay much more faithful to the book and NOT throw in their own crappy matrial that adds almost nothing to the main story and just makes it worse like what they did in "Prince Caspian" and "Voyage of the Dawn Treader" and failed for the most part in my opinion.
If the studio can just get filmmakers and scirpt writers who will do those things, then I know for sure that the Narnia can be at the same level as the "Lord of the Rings" and the "Harry Potter" movies. And if you don't believe me, and think I'm crazy for saying that then reread at least one of "The Chronicles of Narnia" books, and see the skill, and imagination, and character development, and story arch that the great C.S. Lewis crafted into each of the seven books; and you'll argee with me that the Narnia movie franchise can be just as great, and epic, and as much of a classic as the "Harry Potter" and "Lord of the Rings" movies. The studio just needs to treat it better.
"just as good"? I'd say that Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings are so far behind in Narnia's dust they look like the mudflaps on a tractor trailer that hasn't been washed for umpteen years!
stephenb=#1narniafan, I completely agree, and I think the reason the series is seeing such a big drop from LWW is that each movie was further from the book than the previous one was. LWW was very true to the book, and enjoyed huge box office numbers. PC was altered quite a bit, and made a little more than half. DT barely kept up with PC, but I believe that it only did that well because of how many international CS Lewis fans there are that love that story, and were excited to see it on the big screen.
Personally, for both continuity of the actors playing the characters, and for the progression of the story, I think they need to make SC next. I think MN could be perceived as such a random story if released in between the other ones, that it could serve to disrupt any momentum that they might be able to gain with a true-to-the-book production of SC, where people can follow the story and the growth particularly of Eustace.
While I think your right, Q. Susan, about the Narnian stories surpassing (at times) those of LotR and HP, you must admit that the *movie* adaptions of these other two franchises are much, much better that those of Narnia.
Both Potter and Lord of the Rings movies have something in common- they were made by people who desperately loved and cared about the books they were adapting. So far, I haven't seen that trait in Narnia film makers. Such a shame, really… 🙁
omg!! I cant believe this, I fell really sad at this momment!! this was the last new that I thought that I will encounter on this beautiful day,if is this true!!! I will hate walden media as much as I hate disney!!! really dessapointed. =(
omg!! I cant believe this, I fell really sad at this momment!! this was the last new that I thought that I will encounter on this beautiful day,if is this true!!! I will hate walden media as much as I hate disney!!! really disappointing. =(
NOOOO!!!!! So far this series has just fallen apart, I am afraid to say it, but, I think this next movie they do is the last Narnia move ever made ( i hope not!!!)
It seems that AslansCountry has an update on this story:
"According to to a reliable source at Walden Media, Walden has not pulled out of the franchise. Walden and Fox and the Lewis Estate are continuing in their discussions about the next Narnia film."
If that's true, I hope they've read the reactions to this story, and realize they have to bring there A-game for the next one. Otherwise, I'm afraid the fans will stop supporting the franchise.
Amen! I wholeheartedly agree!
You said it "child of Aslan"!!
thank God! I never thought there would be an issue like this one.
i'm still hoping they're gonna do the whole series.
Not surprising, sadly. The success of the movies has dropped significantly since LWW, and Walden probably feels like it's not worth it to continue making them. You can't blame them; they're a business.
Wow… I hope this isn't true. The last two movies may have been duds (to a degree), but I don't know of any other company who is as dedicated to making movies true to the books… Unless… Wait a sec. Wouldn't it be incredible if New Line Cinema took up the torch? Besides the obvious LOTR, they also did Inkheart and that was very true to the book, in theme, feel and story.
So actually, now I'm not so sure what to think. 😛
Hey, that's an idea… New Line Cinema, you say? Yes, I loved their adaptations of LotR and Inkheart. Very faithful. If they were to take the Narnia films up, perhaps they'd be a bit more open to the 'risks'.
Does New Line even exist anymore since the `Dark Materials Trilogy` fiasco?
That's a great idea! If Walden is thinking about dropping out (WHICH I HOPE THEY WILL NEVER DO!), New Line is like one of our only hopes… Maybe I'm being a little too pesimistic, but these companies are sooo complicated.
*will decline further comment until an update has been made*
I really hope this isn't true. Walden Media are amazing and they are incredibly dedicated in their support of the movies. I'd be really sad if this is true……:(
O.O
Wow. That's really a shock. I guess I don't have anything more to say until this is confirmed…
Waiting for further information..
Holy cow! This is terrible!
Hm, I think I'll wait for more proof on this before I react to this news. After all, at this point, it's hard to know what they're doing.
But if this is true, I may have mixed feelings, but more likely I will be relieved. At this moment, it's hard to know if there's any hope for a great adaption and great film after the VDT disaster.
At one point, we didn't know if we'd get VDT, and most of us were freaked out. But if the same case happened now, it'd be more half-and-half. Things have changed from that year, especially once we saw VDT's final results. Was it worth getting VDT when it was a horrible adaption and not-so-great film? I no longer know, but it's too late to regret it now.
If this is because Walden doesn't want to deal with Narnia's "risks," I am very bothered and annoyed. But if they do make SC or MN and don't take any risks on it, I'll feel even more upset. There's no way of telling what good comes out of either choice. Whatever happens, though, I'll keep clutching on to something better than the movies: the books by C. S. Lewis. No matter what happens, I'm thankful for the books, and I'll love them more than I could ever love the movies. 😉
it's the opposite for me, i found out about narnia through the films, so they are the real thing to me, and it's hard for me to read the books cause i didn't read them as a kid.
Why?Why?Why?!!!!!!!!!!Who else is going to reject another narnia film huh?! They did not see VDT it was so good!!!!!! They don't know what they're missing!
aslans country just recieved an update saying that waldens still in the franchise
If I was a betting man, I would say that the negociations are budget related.. I have no inside knowledge but I'm thinking it might have to do with how much each of the two companies is willing to foot $$ wise
wow I hope that Walden stays in Narnia!
In the Aslan's Country article, the source specifically mentioned "our discussions with the Estate." This suggests that Douglas Gresham is the one who won't agree to Magician's Nephew. Gresham has already stated that he prefers Silver Chair. At the same time, I don't think he would jeopardize the future of the series if it was just a matter of order, something that Lewis himself said "does not matter very much." So here's my purely speculative theory:
Walden came up with a treatment for MN, a treatment that involved a number of cinematic changes. They presented this to Fox, and Fox agreed to stay on board for it, leading to the earlier announcement that MN would be next. They then presented it to Gresham who found that the changes altered the themes and substance of the book in a way that he couldn't tolerate, so he's insisting that they either make a more faithful adaptation of MN, or go with SC.
Again, I'm just theorizing.
that's a very intriguing and yet very scary theory! If it's true it won't be a good movie, as they will meet somewhere in the middle, instead of listening to what Gresham has got to say, and simply DO that.
It's not necessarily Mr. Gresham. He's just an employee of the Estate, whom, I believe we can all agree by this point, has little real say as to the creative decisions regarding the films. The Estate is overseen by a Swiss lawyer and an accountant in Ireland, and I rather think "discussions with" would more likely involve them. I certainly can't see Gresham having any say, whatsoever, in the order in which the films are made.
Thanks for the info. I suppose it's anyone's guess what objections a lawyer or an accountant might have to making Magician's Nephew.
As for Gresham, my impression was that he did have some limited control in the film-process, but his role is more about policing rather than putting forth an artistic vision (not sure who was meant to be staffing THAT post in VDT). I think I recall someone from Walden actually describing it that way. Not sure how that works. I know he was the one who insisted that they keep the "I have another name" line in VDT. Perhaps he has the right to review the script and veto if he feels necessary. While this wouldn't give him the power to come in and dictate what film they make next, it does mean that if he completely disagrees with Walden's overall adaptation approach to MN, they can't move forward with the film until they find something that he can agree with. But I'm pretty sure he has some control, just not much.
I was thinking along the same lines Anhun and if that's the case I might just side with the Estate :-s
I think Douglas Gresham has a lot more say with the series than we give him credit for. Take for instance what he said in a Prince Caspian interview:
In Prince Caspian we had to make some fairly major changes because the book isn’t written that way. In this movie there are a lot of differences in it also to, as Hollywood says, “derive the plot”. I’m ambivalent as to whether they’re necessary or not, I don’t really think so. But that's the way they wanted to do it, and it was either that or not make a movie, so I said “Well, go ahead and do it.”
With this quote I'm assuming that he does have some say with the films, probably enough to generate continuing or stopping the franchise. Just my own personal thoughts.
I'm wondering if they tried the ultimatum approach again, and it backfired this time, causing the current hold-up. Before they said "we'll have a green-misty (or whatever) VDT or no VDT at all" and he went along with the changes. Perhaps they said "We're replacing the apple subplot with an epic battle (or whatever) or its no MN at all." and he went for no MN.
Yes, that's a rather infamous quote from Mr. Gresham that I found extremely amusing, given his pre-release victory tour for that particular film, assuring us how wonderful it was. The gentleman is very astute at deflecting criticism to other, less beloved, targets, I grant him that. Regardless, he is a consultant on the films. He is respectfully listened to, and, more likely than not, tolerated to a large degree. It is increasingly clear that he has no power to make any significant changes to these films that the producers and directors don't wish to make. I'm sure the estate has written various morality/content clauses into the agreement with Walden (we know of the PG requirement, for instance), and he's on set to ensure some degree of compliance, but the perception that he somehow digs in his heels and holds up the production unless his demands are met is sheer fantasy.
If his objections make sense, and they can be accommodated, they are listened to. If they're logistically, creatively, or otherwise opposed to the ultimate intentions of the producers, they are, politely, ignored. I think Mr. Gresham's presence, occasionally, helps to make the Narnia films better than they otherwise would have been. Unfortunately, he's powerless to stop them from being BAD, if they are so inclined to be. That's the best way, I think, anyone could describe his role. Inluence, yes. Control, no.
Actually, the interview was also pre-release. I don't know when he actually sat for it but it was posted here on 12/6. In fact he finished that paragraph with the sentence,"It will be interesting to see the audience reactions." He wasn't deflecting criticism because the criticism hadn't generally been made yet.
You are mistaken.
http://www.narniafans.com/archives/7954
http://www.examiner.com/hobbits-narnia-spirituality-in-national/douglas-gresham-interview-on-dawn-treader-causes-stir
That quote was from an interview published December 6, 2009, a full year and a half AFTER the release of 'Prince Caspian'. Mr. Gresham's last line is referring to 'Dawn Treader'. My post is referring to 'Prince Caspian'. I stand by my previous statement.
The last four lines were about VDT. Remember, by December 2009 they had already wrapped up major filming for Dawn Treader. The only thing he said about PC in that quote was "Prince Caspian WE had to make some fairly major changes because the book isn’t written that way." He's taking joint responsibility for the major changes, even though, in other interviews, he's mentioned that he didn't care for some of the smaller changes (like Suspian). I don't recall his ever saying that he strongly objected to something that ultimately made it's way into the movie PC, which is what he implied for VDT.
http://www.narniaweb.com/2010/12/gresham-calls-caspiansusan-kiss-nonsense/
*******************************
CT mentions the kiss, and Gresham responds: “[…] I agree that it shouldn’t have been in the movie; I think it was nonsense."
-Douglas Gresham
2010-12-03
"I still remember the day the “Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” was released; I was the first in line, with my adult son. It was a marvelous masterpiece of a movie. I know that Prince Caspian will be even better. I told Doug during our interview, that I am so excited about seeing this film that I feel like a child again.
He laughed and told me I will be thrilled."
-Deacon Keith Fournier interview for catholic.org
2008-05-10
*******************************
That, to me, is a contradiction, and is indicative of the difficult position that Mr. Gresham is in. I admit that it's ridiculous to criticize one's own film (or, rather, a film that one has a stake in) prior to its release. But, I wouldn't do it POST-release, either. That is uncool, and I would call THAT "deflection", yes. I'm not going to impugn his character. That has never, ever been my intent. All I am saying, is that he is in no position to caretake these films in the manner that we would want him to, and that his assurances, like those of anyone promoting any product, have to be considered in context.
I like the gentleman. I respect the gentleman and what he stands for. But, at the same time, I roll my eyes at a LOT of the things he says, and he is not going to save the integrity of these films for us. He just can't. We should not put that burden on his shoulders, and he should not be trying to fill it.
Quite right, Nonny
See, I don't see it as a contradiction. In the interview with Fournier, he didn't say "You're going to love the make-out scene we squeezed in there!" He said that he would find the movie thrilling. I personally thought the kiss was a bit odd (more for artistic reasons than book fidelity). I still found the first hour of the movie completely engrossing. Also, while he did, in the interview with CT, say that he disliked the kiss, he went on to say that it wasn't that big of a deal.
If you were considered a caretaker of a beloved cultural legacy, and you were completely powerless to stop someone from doing something to it that would affect it negatively, say something "nonsensical", something that would bother a lot of people, would you:
a) admit how powerless you were, and that your position is almost entirely meaningless
b) shrug it off as "not a big deal", and imply how one has to choose one's battles carefully
Again, nothing against the gentleman in question. But, he is very much a political figure in many ways, and is always aware of which way the wind of public opinion is blowing. His promotional interviews pre-release were bubbling with praise for the film. There were never any preemptive apologies or explanations. I have seen and heard enough from Mr. Gresham to, as I have said previously, apply the context of the specific situation, and to consider the audience he is addressing at that particular moment, before fully evaluating his statements. If you see no evidence of contradictory behaviour, Anhun, we will be forced to disagree. I do not believe that would be the first time. Mine is just one opinion that I offer up for consideration. All I'm saying is, you know… grain of salt.
They each made over 400 million. Why would they stop for?
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THEY CAN'T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don't break my heart Walden Media!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Honestly, I actually hope there are no more Narnia movies. They ruined Prince Caspian, they mostly ruined VDT, and it can only get worse.
some of us would rather have something than nothing!!
I agree. How can you be so sure that it can only get worse.
Remember : "We have nothing if not belief" -Reepicheep
Please stop being a wet blanket! In fact, no one here has ever actually thought like you!
She may say that as her opinion, guys. It's not being a "wet blanket", I actually agree that Prince Caspian and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader have been flops. I am still interested in seeing others, although I get mad every time I see one!
I think it is rather odd that they would drop the Narnia movies, so I'll wait until I see an official confirmation before I believe it.
I do want to mention, however, that saying you hope there is no more Narnia movies is quite unfair to those of us (myself included) who love the Narnia movies and sincerely hope that Walden continues to produce them.
How is it unfair to express an opinion?
The internal situation sounds really bad. They should not make anymore films under these conditions.
Anneliese is not, I think, saying it is unfair to express an opinion regarding the movie.
I believe she is saying it is not fair to hope that the movies will not even be made on account of all those who truly enjoy them.
I agree. That is a selfish prerogative.
If someone dislikes the Narnia films, and doesn't want to see another one, he is welcome to not watch it. However, the rest of the fan-base would be left very disappointed.
Meh, I can't believe people even care anymore. VDT bombed. Walden is either in or out, either way they'll deny that they are out until they announce it, thats how movie making (and politics) go.
Things that Walden, the Estate, Disney and Fox got wrong on their way to failure.
-PG requirement. This is stupid, it totally turned off the 15 – 25 age group. The main group who go to the theaters to watch movies.
-Altering the script to horrible degrees. River Scene, fine. Night Raid, fine, Green mist? Blech.
-Suspian. It was stupid, if they had dove into it more then maybe the public would of been more receptive. Even if it made the fans mad. Once again they went for a comprise and it backfired, making everyone angry instead of just one group. Bad move there.
-Peter/Caspain Rival plot line; once again they should of commited to it or not done it at all.
Disgusting diolog writing.
Not keeping to the books.
Medicore acting.
Choppy scenes.
Must I go on?
Yeah, but I am glad about the PG requirement. They're kids books and family-safe. I agree about the other stuff though…They do have terrible dialogue and script writing….Acting and CGI has diclined alot since the first movie too…JUST FOLLOW THE BOOKS
I still think they should change to allow PG-13. They can be more faithful to the books and yet still be able to not graphically show things that would scare the under thirteens. It CAN be done!
I hope one day to be a movie director and do all seven Narnia movies! Because it takes heart to make something that cherished your imagination! If you want something done, You do it!
They can't make a fourth film under these conditions. The internal situation sounds really bad.
Unfortunately I think you're right. A house divided cannot stand. Fox wants one thing, Walden wants another thing, the Estate wants yet another thing.
I think an early sign of this is when Douglas Gresham started calling himself the 'Narnia Police'. It was always understood that it was Gresham's job to make sure the films maintained the book's integrity but the way he talked about his role for VDT seemed like the Estate and the film-makers were in a constant tug-of-war. One side would grudgingly let the other have its way for a particular aspect of the movie and in the end neither got what they wanted.
How do you know that Fox and Walden want different things?
infighting goes on all the time making movies, and always will. simply because it's a team effort.
I just hope they make a movie… I hope that Walden Media doesn't drop out, and I don't really mind that they might make the Magician's Nephew(I'm not too picky about the order, partially because I liked the Magician's Nephew better and it wasn't as dark) next, although I hope that people will like it enough so we can move on to Silver Chair and Horse and his Boy and Last Battle. Wow, we're about halfway through making all the movies already.
This morning, we were coming home from vacation. Before that, I went to NarniaWeb. I found the news that Walden seemed to no longer be doing the Narnia films. For the 12 hour ride home, I was really upset, barely talked, and thought of nothing but Narnia. I had absolutely no idea what to say when I got here at home.
Now… I still have no idea what to say really. I've found no news in Google News. Maybe it was a misunderstanding of some sort? I don't know. I'm praying for the future of the franchise, not just because they are some of my favorite books, but because I have really learned Aslan better here from the Narnia books, and somewhat in the films.
*update* I now might not even want Walden Media to continue with the series thanks to a very smart news reporter at Aslan's Country! I'm not posting the link here, but go ahead and go to their news story on this and scroll down and find the links to why I don't want Walden Media to do the Narnia films anymore! And I don't think that any of this was Fox's fault!
I could not find them Louloudi,I went to their page called 'FALSE:Walden Media pulls out of Narnia'and all i could find was someones movie review for PC( unless thats what you meant and i just don't understand).
wow you described my feelings completely.. this news just ruined my week! I hope they can all come together and agree to move forward.
Maybe they could say screw Walden and get someone else, Fox seemed happy. And so the Silver Chair-Magician's Nephew can wait. That said this battle royale situation is silly-maybe someone should just give up and allow them to make another movie already.
If anyone should drop out it should be Fox, things began to get screwed up since they came. And also Michael Apted should leave, he's not a good director for Narnia. Disney should come back and above all Andrew Adamson NEEDS to come back.
This.
Agreed.
"… It is likely that Walden’s option on the film will last for SEVERAL MORE YEARS so it could be quite some time before we know for sure one way or the other."
Am I misunderstanding something? Is anyone else perplexed or confused by this statement? If Walden is going to sit on Narnia for several years until it seems more opportune for them to continue, I'd rather they give up and let someone else continue. I for one have never liked it when a movie series suddenly has an overhaul on the cast for the same characters. It's like having a sequel 20 years after the original! Maybe I'm just reading into that statement too much.
I swear, just do SC next and cast David Tennant as Puddleglum and the Doctor Who fans will flock to the theatres!
Another problem noone has noted yet is that several more years will mean recasts, especially in the case of Will Poulter and probably the Pensevies in HHB as well.
Hmm…I really do wonder what is going on behind the scenes to make this happen. I will attempt patience as we wait to hear the full story.
RE: Comment by "The Doctor"–David Tennant would make a very interesting Puddleglum but I have a hard time envisioning him in that role. It would be funny though as he's been compared to Tom Baker and TB played Puddleglum and The Doctor. 🙂
man, i dont know what to say about this.
dear me, what a lot of angst over a film series – mere entertainment! I mean really, if the movies are made, they are made, if not, we still have the books to love. This being said by someone who still counts LWW as her all-time favorite film.
I love the books and films!!!!! All movies are amazing!! not like the first but still love them!!! no movie based on a book!! sticks to the original order!!! so!!! I DONT CARE OF THE ADAPTIONS!!! if they have the messeage that the book tries to show!!! im gald with it!! so!! Go narnia!!! I hAVE faith that the 4 movie will come!!!
Tonight I'm going to have nightmares about armies of marauding exclamation points.
So you would be okay with an R-rated Narnia movie with sex scenes and gory violence, just as long as they got something in there that could be construed as "sticking to the message"? Oooookay then.
Throughout history, humanity perseveres. Though one person may give up, another may look at the idea, see hope, and take up the baton. Fox has taken up the baton for Disney, and even if Walden Media does give up, someone will take up the idea and run with it.
[QUOTE]I think it is clear that some negotiations are still taking place, though perhaps as I suggested earlier, they are stalled. It is likely that Walden’s option on the film will last for several more years so it could be quite some time before we know for sure one way or the other.[/QUOTE] This sounds like a good and bad thing. Bad in that there may not be a new Narnia film for longer than expected, good in that maybe they will really take the time to make a good quality next effort, a sort of mini-reboot, and perhaps a new clean slate to start with. Goodbye Will Poulter, best wishes for your next great character role in the movies! It was nice to have seen you at least in VDT! 😀
When i read walden had dropped i cried for hours! Now though there is some hope and i can't help thinking this could mean a comeback. The magician's nephew is so richly told and has so much depth. It is the most popular book of the series and still sells well. If they take a long time to make it, then it could mean that they think everything over well and make the film as good as LWW! If they get it right and is a hit at the cinemas, then it is probably certain that the Narnia movie series has a future!
I hope sooooo!
If Walden doesn't take up the option, as has apparently happened,then another company will get the opportunity to do so. Don't despair!
''We have nothing if not belief'' we need to have faith in Narnia
Darn. I went and got my hopes up for nothing.
well if MN comes out, just dont watch it… problem solved 😀
Go read my comment on the front page. 😛 I was hoping for another production company to take over Walden, one that doesn't take perfectly good novels and dumb them down into insipid nonsense. As for MN, if it ever makes it onto the silver screen under Walden's management, I won't be viewing it unless they can convince me that this time they want to make a *good* movie and not just another generic fantasy movie. Given their track record, not just with the Narnia movies, I doubt this will happen.
To think this is all over knuckleheads who don't want to stay the chronological order. This is the same thing why their are sometimes 4 year periods between James Bond Movies.
Walden Media has a page on Facebook. All, who are on Facebook and want more Narnia films, could go to that page to show support for more Narnia films.
Other ways of supporting: Buy dvds of "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader". If that film does pretty well overall, there's a bigger chance of getting more films. Petitions may also do some good.
Now is not the time to loose faith. "We have nothing, if not belief"! (Quote: Reepicheep)
Do not quit Walden Media!! please keep filming untill the end.
I read in a book titled C. S. Lewis and Narnia for Dummies that some guy working for Walden Media made a promise to bring all of the Chronicles of Narnia to film. If they quit, who'll continue the series?????? Why are they quitting???
Just in my opinion, I think some people do not want to work very hard to make all of the narnia books into movies because of the switch in so many characters especially after all four of the Pevensie children won't be returning it is quite a downward spiral…It is still soooooooooooooooo sad!
Come on Walden, you're our man, if you can't do it…well, then we're kind of doomed.
Not doomed. Just out of countdowns. I have a feeling this isn't over yet, though. And if it is, then, well, anyone interested in trying it /ourselves/? 😉
If it's taking this long to negotiate what to do next, why don't they film MN and SC at the same time and release SC first (it also might increase their profits because of less time between the two films).
boy all this uncertainty is stressful. who knew movies can be this complicated?
Yeah, I wish this whole thing was more simple…and more positive. I wish it was more like LoTR, where the fans didn't have to agonize about whether the next movie would be made or not. And although I am NOT a Harry Potter fan, I envy the series because it never has anything to worry about; there are more than enough fans to support the movies.
Yeah, I wish this whole thing was more simple…and more positive. I wish it was more like LoTR, where the fans didn't have to agonize about whether the next movie would be made or not. And although I am NOT a Harry Potter fan, I envy the series because it never has anything to worry about; there are more than enough fans to support the movies.
It really is stressful to be wanting a Horse and His Boy movie, and knowing there's only a tiny chance of it being made. 🙁 And hey, at this point I'd be happy with ANY Narnia movie, provided it was well-made and true to the source. I guess there's nothing to do but watch and wait.
Whoops. Didn't mean to double-post. 😛
Okay I feel better now that they are still negotiating and have not dropped out. I'm also happy that they are still wanting Magician's Nephew as a number 1 choice. I really want to see Magician's Nephew adapted as a film so this makes me very happy. But please hurry up, this isn't the casey anthony trial!! Just pick and go with it Walden!
I don't know why they face so much worry with whose is the main character. The X-Men movies have changed characters constantly. Underworld 3 had different main characters. The new Pirates movie was missing most of the characters from 1-3 and it's made tons of money. "The Silver Chair" will still have Eustace and old Caspian. "The Magician's Nephew" get's billed as a prequel. Both are good choices.
I don't know about the Underworld series, but all of the Pirates and X-men movies have featured at least one of the main characters from the original. Neither would be the case for MN or SC. MN stars a minor supporting character from the first film, played by a different actor no less. SC has a previously introduced main character, but he didn't come on board til the 3rd film.
Somehow, I felt relieved that Walden and it's 'Lego Land' image of Narnia was out of the picture; even if it may have taken a while for the next to come out.
Now, i fear we may get another infantile, sanitized, simplified, in a word Americanized ( ok don't panic some US movies and books are good, but everyone reading this knows what I mean ) McVersion of Magician's Nephew. Lord, I hope not.
I am hoping they will finally find writers that will follow Lewis' style of writing for children, That is to say doing it so well, adults find it clever too.
We shall see.
I know. What ever happened to intelligent writing for children?
The problem could be the lack of wisdom to recognize good scripts, or maybe the problem is forgetting that the classic, literary gold they have in their hands should be treated with more respect. The reader waits through chapters, dying to read four or five lines from Aslan, because we know it will be brilliant.
And through the wonder and raw beauty that the author creates, these lines are enough for the reader.
What happens in the movies, ? When Aslan shows up, they change his lines. What happened to Aslan's powerful voice ? The spiritual fear the children feel ? The smell of all sweet smelling things in his presence ? Aslan touching the children's foreheads with his tongue ? Not being able to look him directly in the eyes ? The beams of light from his mane ? WHERE IS THE NUMINOUS ?? They have been trying to make something simple enough so that as many people as possible will like it– translation: Wanting to make as much money as possible, as opposed to just making a lot of money–
A few movies have been made that were NON-CONFORMIST, and have become timeless classics that will be watched and studied for generations. '2001, a Space Odyssey' , for example. Of course, you need exceptionally good material that can be popular for generations, at every age…OH THAT'S RIGHT, THEY HAVE THAT ! —!!!!!!!—
And please, let them read Lewis' descriptions of dryads, because if I see one more drift of dancing hybrid-tea rose petals, I am going to stick a fork in my eye.
LOL! I wonder how they're going to explain the children of Helen and Frank having children with the flower cloud dryads if they do make MN next. And don't even get me started on all of the changes to Narnian stars.
I think that's meant to be left to the imagination . . . no flower porn, please.
As for Moonwood, you're the second person on here who's held up Space Odyssey as an example of how non-traditional movies can be successful. The comparison is simply not apt.
2001 was not and is not the sort of movie that can appeal to your typical child. I can go into a discussion of the themes as they relate to Erik Erikson's stages of psychological development if you really want me to. It certainly won't have children going back to the theatre again and again. 2001, when it came out, was wildly popular with the stoner crowd because of the eerie visual trip. Narnia doesn't have that going for it. Also, the word "Narnia" is often associated with childhood interests and certain subsections of the movie-going public won't go to see a Narnia film because of that association. 2001 didn't have that going against it.
The Narnia series was originally intended to introduce children to the delights of imaginative story telling. A Narnia movie that sticks to the purpose of presenting complex themes of personal/spiritual development within a context of fantastical childlike wonder, is most likely to be successful. For both commercial and artistic reasons, Narnia movies need to be family films. If you are going to make the point about successful non-conformist movies as compared with Narnia, please use a successful non-conformist FAMILY film.
I'm skeptical about the next film, if there is even going to be a next film, because we've had almost the same scripwriters for all 3 narnia movies. You'd think that after writing for every movie you'd at least get better, but it appears like they've backtracked and gone downhill since the first film.
oh no!!!
They have2 make further films!!! 🙁
vdt sucked with Fox, so I am going to put my neck on the block and say that i hope disney comes back.
I cant believe i said that. it must be the magic of Disney!
Disney sucked. They tried to block out anything involved christianity in the books, released Prince Caspian at the worst time possible, spent way too much money on it, and then complained and dropped the franchise. If Fox is gone give it to New Line, and forget Walden let someone else handle it if they want to be such a pain.
Narnia is in trouble for being drop out. Remember Disney left the franchise in the air. But great thing Fox saved the franchise. Then now Walden?-NO WAY! Narnia is one of the best films Walden ever released and releasing in the big-screen. Still, till now, they are in the process for Narnia 4 but "The Magician's Nephew" will probably the next (for they want to save the franchise and hopes MN will save it like in the books)
Anyway, "The Hobbit" is the next big competitor of Narnia.
The Big question is: When can we see Narnia 4 in the big-screen? Will it be worse than VDT? or better than LWW? Will MN save the franchise? or it's the end?
Oh I want to see the whole chronicles in the big-screen. Really hoping MN will save the franchise.
Further UP and Further IN!
Walden is not dropping it! They are still in negotiations. Read the headline people!
I know that. I just said "no way!" but I know they didn't and won't drop the franchise sorry for though you didn't understand what I mean 🙂
I think Walden Media is just shooting themselves in the foot if they film The Magicians Nephew next. Why didn't they just start with The Magicians Nephew? Wait I know they are going to give us all that crap about "Well The Lion,The Witch, and The Wardrobe was the most popular book so we will film that first", and they're right, but we've heard almost that same baloney every movie. They then called Prince Caspian a dark book and complained about how it didn't do as well at the box office as they hoped,then they said that the book sales mirrored the popularity of the moviegoers to the theaters, so why not go with Magicians Nephew next since it nips at the heels of Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe. In my opinoin, I think that Walden Media is going to end up in the same boat as the BBC version of Narnia, which is 4 filmed adaptions. Years later when the series has been out awhile were going to get a movie 4 pack that you see at Walmart for $10 such as: The Batman movie 4-pack, Superman movie 4-pack, Blade movie 4-pack, Final Destination movie 4-pack, The Matrix movie 4-pack, Dirty Harry movie 4-pack etc….. If they don't make up they're mind soon either the series is going to end, they will film The Magicians Nephew and no more, or change characters and whatever else after that, or they will film The Silver Chair, or they will just quit squabbling over what movie to make and start on one. I mean OH MY!!!! They've had almost 7 months after VDT to make up they're minds!?!?!?!?!???? Right now the franchise does not seem to be in a good spot.
Surprised in rumor that they will drop the franchise-that's very awful. But it's good that they won't dropping it.
Thanks Walden Media for you have faith in Narnia's franchise that they will rise up again like LWW did. I just want to say that they should make Narnia 4 better and they should follow the book's story (if it's necessary, they should do only little differences from the book or no differences at all). Narnia 4 should be better than LWW or just the same cause if Narnia 4 flops again like PC and VDT, it's likely that Narnia will end. big question is: when can we see Narnia 4 in the big-screen? and is "The Magicians Nephew" or "The Silver Chair"?
FURTHER UP and FURTHER IN! Narnia 4 is coming soon!
Considering "The Fans" all want to see "The Silver Chair," you'd think they'd just listen and go with it. If not for the fans, who is there? Nobody, duh!
A "Silver Chair" movie would at least be better than PC. If they completly stick to the book (like with LWW), then it should be better than VOTDT as well.
Stop this nonsense and go ahead and make The Silver Chair and The Last Battle! You have the power of Will (Poulter) and that will never let you down! Further UP and Further Jill!
Further Jill? *scratching head at that*
Yeah what I said earlier, quit squabbling and do something, you've had more than half a year to choose a film!!! Maybe they should do The Silver Chair since the Puddleglum character seems to be what Walden Media is acting like right now. If they don't do anything soon I bet we'll be seeing Narnia for $10 at Walmart in the 4 movie packs.
I agree, "Further UP and Further Jill!"
The main thing is to get a Director who's creative vision & talents for the next episode both Walden & the Estate are enthusiastic about!
Then they 'help' that person make the vision a reality – meaning they have free reign in providing input but everything is the directors choice. But first have to get director they can follow and support into the unknown.
Don't do script or any major creative stuff till they got the director, and coming from their champion for the episode or will lead to confusion down the line i'd think.
& increase production budget & decrease marketing budget
ONWARDS Narnia 4, wahoo!
I'm just guessing is all:)
An official announcement by anyone associated with Walden would help set the record straight about Narnia.
Rumours are already circulating on other websites.
I understand that there will be something official announced, but not immediately. I'm sure the studio and the Estate want us all to know what is really happening.
You know what this franchise needs? A new Andrew Adamson. Not someone with the same directing style and such, but someone with the same passion that he had. Now that Adamson is gone, we need someone new to step up and be even more passionate about the Narnia franchise. If this doesn't happen, without a doubt Narnia will die.
Well, I think it's good that they are planning on doing MN since it is chronologically first- even though SC was expected. I really really hpe they make it and I am glad to hear that they havent' pulled out of it even if things do go slowly! But I agree with others that it would be very nice to hear and official statement by Walden Media about the status of the project.
They should really try to negotiate Andrew Adamson and Harry Gregson-Williams back into the picture. Just my personal opinion.
Wait Andrew Adamson needs to go back for Narnia 4 together with Harry Gregson-Williams. Adamson told in PC (movie Companion) that he will be resting for while which means he's not directing VDT. He said he want to make Narnia better that's why he's resting and planning to make Narnia movies better. Maybe he's going back in Narnia 4 and I hope he'll be back to direct Narnia 4 together with Douglas Gresham, Mark Johnson and Philip Steur with Harry Gregson-Williams as the score composer!
Maybe they should do a remake of Voyage of the Dawn Treader.