Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media Begin Pre-Production on 'The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian,' Next Big-Screen Installment of the 'Narnia' Chronicles; Director Andrew Adamson Set to Return

BURBANK, California, February 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media, in collaboration with Academy Award(R)-nominated director Andrew Adamson, have begun pre-production on "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian," the next big screen installment of the "Narnia" Chronicles, and the follow-up to the international blockbuster, "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe," it was announced today (2/2). The latter film, based on the works of C. S. Lewis, has attracted legions of moviegoers all over the world and has grossed in excess of US$637.8 million to date at the worldwide box office. It also received three Academy Award(R) nominations earlier this week. Internationally, "Narnia" already ranks as Buena Vista's top grossing live-action release of all-time (surpassing both "Armageddon" and "Pirates of the Caribbean") with its gross to date of US$359.4 million." Domestically, the film's gross currently stands at US$278 million and has already established itself as the Studio's third highest-grossing live-action film of all-time. The film is on track to become Buena Vista's all-time live-action champ, surpassing "Pirates of the Caribbean's" worldwide gross of US$655 million.

"The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian," will reunite most of the principal cast and creative team responsible for "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe." Andrew Adamson ("Shrek," "Shrek 2") will reprise his role as director, in addition to serving as a producer, and co-writer (in collaboration with Christopher Markus and Steve McFeeley). Production is set to begin later this year for a Christmas 2007 release. "Prince Caspian" finds the Pevensie siblings pulled back into the land of Narnia, where a thousand years have passed since they left. The children are once again enlisted to join the colorful creatures of Narnia in combating an evil villain who prevents the rightful Prince from ruling the land. "Prince Caspian" was first published in 1951, and is the second book in the seven-book series written by Lewis. It was intended as a continuation of "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe." Lewis' "The Chronicles of Narnia" have sold over 100 million copies worldwide, and continues to be one of the best loved and most popular series of all time.

Commenting on the announcement, Dick Cook, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios, said, "We're thrilled to be working with such a great director as Andrew, and our friends at Walden Media, in bringing the next chapter of the 'Narnia' chronicles to the big screen. Moviegoers around the world were unanimous in their love and enthusiasm for 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe,' and 'Prince Caspian' offers lots of new thrills and adventures in this magical land. The C. S. Lewis books are a rich source of inspiration for great storytelling, and this book spotlights some wonderful new heroes, and villains, along with many of the characters we came to love so much in the first film."

Cary Granat, co-founder and CEO of Walden Media, added, "Andrew Adamson, who possesses an unparalleled passion and vision for the 'Narnia' books, brought C. S. Lewis' world to life in an imaginative and exciting way. With 'Prince Caspian,' moviegoers will have an opportunity to revisit the magic of Narnia, encountering exciting new creatures and lands within Narnia alongside their favorite characters from these beloved books. Dick Cook and Disney have been amazing partners on this project and we look forward to working with them on this and other future installments in the 'Narnia' franchise."

Adamson said, "Making 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe' couldn't have been a more rewarding experience, not just in terms of creative achievement and audience response, but also because of the family we formed during production. 'Prince Caspian' not only gives me an opportunity to challenge my imagination with another classic story, it also allows me to work alongside the many talented artists who contributed to the first film, and of course to collaborate again with 'The Pevensies,' Georgie, Skandar, Anna, and William."

Walden Media is a subsidiary of the Anschutz Film Group (AFG).

    
    For Further Information

    Dennis Rice                                 Teri Meyer
    Senior Vice President, Publicity            Senior Vice President
    Buena Vista Pictures Marketing              International Publicity
    +1-818-560-5610                             Buena Vista International
                                                +1-818-558-2291

                                                Ryan Chingcuangco
                                                Director of Publicity
                                                Walden Media
                                                +1-310-887-1044

SOURCE Walt Disney Pictures