http://www.sliceofscifi.com/2008/12/01/third-narnia-film-in-trouble/ (http://www.sliceofscifi.com/2008/12/01/third-narnia-film-in-trouble/)
Third "Narnia" Film in Trouble?
December 1, 2008 by Michael Hickerson || Category: Film
The release of "Prince Caspian" to DVD and Blu-Ray tomorrow has set off a flurry of speculation on whether or not there will be a third installment in the "Chronicles of Narnia" franchise.
Last summer, we reported that Disney was considering cutting short the proposed big-screen adaptation of C.S. Lewis' popular novels at three movies instead of the originally announced seven. Disney was waiting to see how "Caspian" fared at the box-office before making a final decision.
While "Caspian" was a modest success at the box-office, it may not have been enough to give the green light for the full Narnia series. And now it looks like it the modest box-office could put the third installment of the series in jeopordy.
While pre-production on the third installment is moving forward, Disney has not given an official green light to "Voyage of the Dawn Trader." According to reports, Disney and Walden Media, who shared production costs on the the first two Narnia movies believe that "Trader" will take in less at the box office than "Caspian" did, leading to a potential scaling back of the production. The film was originally scheduled to have extensive location shooting done in Malta, Iceland and Prague. Those plans have been nixed and the movie will shoot on the soundstages in Mexico the housed the production of "Titantic."
It also appears that Disney and Walden are at odds on how much each side will finance of "Trader." Reports by Jim Hill Media say Walden Media wants Disney to fund half of a $140 million production. But given that Disney is contractually obligated to cover the costs of all prints and advertising on the Narnia movies, Disney is supposedly pushing for a $100 million version instead. It's also likely that a release date will be pushed back to 2011.
"Trader" was scheduled to begin production in late January. No word yet on if or how these current considerations may affect that start date.
I think the 2nd one was just a little too much like the first one to be really popular. But the 3rd might draw a bigger crowd. I hope they don't cancel. :(
King
Haven't seen the second yet. When we went to the Cinema I lost the toss so my wife took our eldest to see Prince Caspian while I had to take the other kids to see Kung-Fu Panda.
The DVD is on our Christmas list, however.
I hope they don't cancel - I always enjoyed these books.
I was disappointed with the first film; I grew up watching the amazing BBC adaptations of the stories and nothing can top them... haven't seen the second one but my favourite of the books is 'The Voyage of the Dawn Trader' (and favourite of the BBC adaptations). Hopefully they'll do it :)
Odd, I don't remember the BBC stuff at all.
I enjoyed the first two films immensely, and I love the book series. I must have read them 20 or 30 times when I was a kid. I really hope they don't give up on the franchise; there are some really cool twists and turns that I'd like to see brought to film.
I agree. Although I thought the second film was a bit weaker than number one. Maybe that's just due to the material or the newness the first movie had going for it. I hope they do at least one more.
Walden Media Looks for New Narnia Partner
If the next Chronicles of Narnia movie "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" does finally step up it will do so without Disney.
The famed movie company has backed out of its deal with Walden Media to co-produce and co-finance the third film in the franchise citing the ever increasing production costs as the reason for getting off the ship even before it set sail.
Currently Walden Media still is planning on a May 2010 release date however, that could change if it is unable to secure another financial backer for the project.
This whole story makes no sense! Disney and Walden have made a crap load of money off Prince Caspian. Granted the theatrical release did not make as much as Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe but still a whole lot of money and they have made even more sales of DVDs on Caspian than they did on Wardrobe. It makes no sense to me. Just how many mega millions does Disney have to make to be satisfied?
Kevin
Teaser poster was just released.
Cool. I thought this wasn't even going to happen for awhile there.
I really thought this had been canned!
Yeah Disney dropped the movie over budget issues with Walden Media (who's making it). But luckily 20th Century Fox picked it up and finished it.
Oh, I'm excited! This was one of my favourite books, I really hope they do this one well and not like 'Caspian'. That one just kind of glossed over most of the content and just geared itself towards the battles.
I really hope they make 'The Magician's Nephew', that was my all-time favourite!
I'm glad they're continuing to make the series, then there is definitely hope of the "Silver Chair" getting made. I really love the Dawn Treader, but Silver Chair was my favorite of the books.
It's now so long since I read then that I really can't remember the stories. I think I need to borrow them from my daughter and take another pass through.
Teaser Trailer is out.. LOOKS AMAZING!!!!
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (http://www.traileraddict.com/emb/23381)
I am a huge CS Lewis fan. Looks good.
New Trailer is out..
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader - Trailer 2 [Official] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fjj_sGlpC9U#)
I'm pretty excited for the next film. Can't wait to see Eustace come into play. He is one of my favorite characters in the books.
[spoiler]I really hope the Eustace and the dragon story doesn't get cut from the film. I could see how that story could seem a little weird in a film, but I'd still like to see it.[/spoiler]
This was released a week or so ago.. just now getting around to seeing it.. looks really good.
The Chronicles Of Narnia : Voyage of the Dawn Treader - Official Trailer 2 [HD] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlMJAOAWk-M#ws)
I've seen a few commercials on TV now for this. Looking forward to it.
I still need to see Prince Caspian.
The joke is that we've had it on DVD since last Christmas and I'm the only one who hasn't had a chance to watch it all the way through.
Regardless, I'm looking forward to this one too.
Saw The Dawn Treader with the family today. It was a lot of fun. It follows the book pretty well, cutting out a few things. The special effects are pretty well done. All and all a good film.
I'd like to see this one soon too. I've enjoyed the previous two films.
Quote from: Rico on December 23, 2010, 06:42:18 PM
I'd like to see this one soon too. I've enjoyed the previous two films.
Have you ever read the books before?
Just got back from our annual christmas eve family trip to the cinema. Overall, this was alright.
I thought there were a few plot inconsistancies and flaws that might irritate those who critically analyse every scene of a movie. Some of the CGI characters interaction with real actors was slightly off with regards the eyelines not lining up properly.
But, as a family film, it was fun. the kids both loved it.....as did Amanda.
I enjoyed it, but the critic within was hoping for a bit more depth into some characters. Theres a couple of plot points which made me think "would that character have done that and reacted that way" or "Why are they unquestionably believing evrything they've been told".....but it was okay. More fun as a family trip though...
Quote from: ori-STUDFARM on December 24, 2010, 12:05:28 PM
Just got back from our annual christmas eve family trip to the cinema. Overall, this was alright.
I thought there were a few plot inconsistancies and flaws that might irritate those who critically analyse every scene of a movie. Some of the CGI characters interaction with real actors was slightly off with regards the eyelines not lining up properly.
But, as a family film, it was fun. the kids both loved it.....as did Amanda.
I enjoyed it, but the critic within was hoping for a bit more depth into some characters. Theres a couple of plot points which made me think "would that character have done that and reacted that way" or "Why are they unquestionably believing evrything they've been told".....but it was okay. More fun as a family trip though...
There's a lot more story and character development in the book. They cut it short a bit, but the movie would have been probably 4 or 5 hours total or really packed.
I noticed a little with the CGI stuff too. A few moments in the 3D where it pulled me out cause it didn't look right. It's more nit picky stuff I think, for the most part it looks pretty good.
The family went to see Narnia today and everyone gave it the Thumbs Up! Good film (we did not see the 3D version) although there were some scenes that dragged a little. But overall it was quite enjoyable and something the whole family can share.
Eustace was a bit annoying in the beginning but less so as the story unfolded. I will agree that there wasn't a lot of character development in this film. You had to have either read the books (always a good thing) or seen the first two movies to fully 'buy into' the relationships between the characters. I did not have this problem but I could see how people new to this story might feel it a little shallow.
I love this series so if you are like me, then definitely go see the third movie installment!
From my Blog..
Just got back from watching the third Narnia film. I'm a huge fan of the books and have enjoyed the movies so I was looking forward to seeing this. I know it's had a rough road getting made and will probably be the last film made from the series but this was an excellent film. I actually liked it better then the 2nd movie Prince Caspin. Now it's been a few years since I have read the books (well actually listen since I have them on CD), but I did notice a few changes to the story and other things I wasn't quite sure if it was in the book or not.. but that didn't bother me. This was a fun fill roller coaster of a ride filled with great special effects, a simple and understandable story and some good acting. The two main kids have really grown up especially Lucy. I also enjoyed the introduction of Eustace who was exactly as I pictured him from the books. I left the theater very satisfied and wanting to re-listen to the entire series again. I do hope they make a fourth movie with Eustace and his adventures in Narnia but at least the finished the story of the four main children. Only downside to seeing this was it was only playing in 3D and cost $13.50 for matinees viewings.. and to be honest you don't have to see it in 3D. The 3D didn't enhance the film at all.. But I don't really care because I loved the movie so much it was wroth every penny. I may actually go see this again in the theater but will defiantly buy it on Blu-ray when it comes out. If you're a fan of the books series and have enjoyed the movie this is a must see.. you won't be disappointed.
Jane and Ruth saw this (in 2D) today and pretty much came out with the same view as Kenny. Looks like a good one to see in theatre.
(I got to watch Megamind with the younger two)
Lewis is one of the great Christian thinkers of our time. His books are amazing! The movies themselves while not the best are VERY enjoyable imo. I have fun watching them.