Fox Steps in for Third "Narnia"
January 29, 2009 by Jane Boursaw
For a while there, it looked like there might not be a third installment of the popular "Chronicles of Narnia" franchise. Disney took a pass on it last month, citing "budgetary considerations."
Disney and Walden Media worked together on 2005’s "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," which grossed $745 million worldwide, and 2008’s "Prince Caspian," which clocked in at only $420 million.
Though both movies did well in DVD sales, it’s clear (to me anyway) that Disney dropped the franchise when the second movie tanked. These aren’t cheap movies to make. There’s a lot of special effects involved here.
At any rate, now it looks like the "Narnia" story is back on track, because 20th Century Fox has stepped in to work with Walden Media on the third movie based on the C.S. Lewis book series, "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader." They’re looking at a holiday release in 2010.
I liked the first movie, but the second one didn’t really grab me. What about you? Are you liking the "Narnia" movies so far? Looking forward to the third one?
Image: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Walt Disney Pictures, 2005; Source: The Hollywood Reporter
I loved the first one but thought the second one was just OK. It wasn’t enough to make me want to see a third one. Disney probably made a good business decision there.
I’m glad to hear this, I loved both the first and second movies and look forward to the third one.