Disney comes out of the closet
US, December 26, 2008 - Disney has left the kingdom of Narnia. After two films, the studio has parted ways with the Chronicles of Narnia franchise, leaving the third planned film, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, homeless.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the studio has decided not to exercise its option to co-produce and co-finance the third Narnia film with Walden Media. The budget and logistics were cited as Disney's primary concerns.
THR says these developments also cast doubt on whether the talent attached to Dawn Treader -- stars Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, and Ben Barnes and director Michael Apted -- would remain involved now.
Walden is looking for a new home for Narnia, with 20th Century Fox said to be a likely contender. That would require a hefty commitment from Fox, however, given the pricey nature of the fantasy series.
