A brief update from William O’Flaherty, who was in attendance at Douglas Gresham and Dr. Devin Brown’s event:
Douglas Gresham (Lewis’s step-son) spoke at Asbury University today. When the question of the future of the Narnia films came up he was confident there would be more (and hopeful other fictional works by Lewis would be made); but was regretful that no official or unofficial details could be shared at this time.
While this isn’t the news that we were all hoping for, it’s at least something. I’m definitely hopeful that the series will continue, even though it will likely continue with new actors in some of the roles. Actor changes are actually fairly common in the film industry and things work out fairly well. In Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy, Katie Holmes was replaced after Batman Begins. The same thing happened when Stargate made the move to TV with Stargate SG-1. Kurt Russell was replaced with Richard Dean Anderson, and James Spader was replaced with Michael Shanks. All this to say, if the films continue with Narnia 4, we might get someone new, but that doesn’t mean that it’ll be bad. It could be amazing!
It’s also really cool that he hopes to bring other works of fiction by C.S. Lewis to the big screen. What would you like to see most?
William continues:
I (William O’Flaherty) will be recording a podcast interview in the morning with him and will try to at least get a guess as to how soon he hopes to have any official news.
I would like to see “The Magician’s Nephew”. The beginning of the foundation of Narnia. However, I like all the stories.
personally, my favorite book of the series is The Horse and his Boy, but it would be a far cry to do that one, because the kids have already left Narnia, although, they were adults in that one.
I would like the films to be released the same way the books were written but I wouldn’t mind any sort of changes as long as they release something!!
There is hope for Narnia yet! I’ll take anything they come up with, just as long as they do something… 🙂
I was there. He said that he’d like to do The Silver Chair next, for “many reasons,” if he gets his way (which he couldn’t say whether he will or not). He said he’d like to leave The Magician’s Nephew for towards the end (which presumably means its traditional place between HHB and TLB), and the way he said it suggested to me that he is hopeful that it can be put off, which may mean it isn’t the film now in “pre-pre-pre-pre-production,” as he called it. He said that if it can be done right, TMN could be the greatest film ever made, to a chorus of “Mmmm”s from around the room. And he responded to one HHB fangirl that he loves The Horse and His Boy, though adapting it will be a challenge, partly because of the misconception that the Calormen are based on the Arab nations (they are actually based on the old Mughal Empire of India – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mughal_Empire ), and partly because it’s “full of talking horses. We’re going to run out of peanut butter!”
Oh, and he also expressed particular interest in the long-term goal of a film adaptation of Till We Have Faces, which he again said should be the greatest film ever made, and which is both his and his stepfather’s favorite of the latter’s works.
He’s really optimistic it seems.. Each of the movies will be a great success apparently..
hey I didn’t know about the Calormen coming from the Mughal Empire of India – thanks for the information
At this point it feels more redundant with this news being repeated. The only part is new replacing actors. I am a little worried about that bit, but thanks for the comfort attempts Paul. I know you speak true, but it is hard to be comforted until you know who is being replaced and by whom.
I can understand your concerns about new actors replacing the old ones Angelica, but that would have to happen anyway wouldn’t it? All the books with the Pevensies in have been filmed. Will Poulter might be able to play Eustace again, depends how much he’s grown up though.
My concern is who will be replaced and who will be replacing them. I hope Will Poulter will still be able to do Eustace, but that depends on his growth as you said. Some replacements are often noted, but some blend right in without too much thought. Aslan’s voice, Jadis, and Caspian, well Caspian not as much, are the only ones I’m concerned with. However, the worry will only stop when the time comes. I appreciate your response.
I would personally like The. Horse and His Boy to be made into a film. I understand the difficulties that would be faced as well as the debate over the. Calmoren. Couldn’t it be made as a separate adventure, to introduce new characters in Narnia. People are also suckers for a good “travel story”. It’s always been my favorite book!
Wouldn’t the only actor that would need to be replaced is Will Poulter? A sad loss, but Father Time works on his own schedule. However, the Pevensies’ are supposed to be older at their next appearances anyway. I don’t see any reason why the same actors can’t be the ones to be in HHB and LB.
YAY! Finally! I’ve been checking this website EVERY DAY for like, two years to see if theres new news. This isn’t huge news or anything but I’m glad that it’s at least something. I’d like The Silver Chair to be on the big screen, I can picture it being pretty successful. Same with The Magicians nephew, though. I think I prefer the silver chair
YAY!! I just hope they can keep Liam Neeson as Aslan 🙂
and some of the other actors.