Mark Gordon was interviewed by Collider recently, and they took the opportunity to ask about the status of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Silver Chair.
Mark Gordon’s comments confirmed that they’ll be re-casting Eustace.
He told Collider: “We’re hoping to be able to make the movie very shortly. We’re very excited about it.”
When asked if we’d see any of the cast from the prior movies, he answered: “No, it’s all going to be a brand new franchise. All original. All original characters, different directors, and an entire new team that this is coming from.”
So that means no Andrew Adamson and no Michael Apted. The question is… does this mean no Liam Neeson as Aslan? (Side note: Brian Cox was originally cast as Aslan before Neeson came on board and replaced him after Cox’s voice changed when he lost a bunch of weight.)
But what does “all original characters” mean? Collider asked him “to clarify if these were entirely new character creations or existing characters in the Narnia mythology that have yet to get the movie treatment, and he confirmed the latter. The new characters will come ‘from the world’ of Narnia.”
I’m guessing this also means a new logo style, new look for Aslan, and a new feel for the franchise. Some have thought the movies were trying to be “The Lord of the Rings” for kids. I’ve appreciated it, but I’m curious to see where it goes from here.
Will they go far enough to make Narnia feel like its’ own thing?
And what is actually meant by this being a “brand new franchise?” Does this mean they eventually plan to go back and re-make the other three films? I’m not really sure that it’s a good idea to start in the middle of the story like this, and then go back…
Either way, we’ll see what happens next!
How is this a reboot when they’re just doing the next book? Revitalization is a better word for this.
Exactly. it’s like The Force Awakens with Star Wars. The movie was Episode VII in the franchise, but it was not, despite what some in the media claimed a “Reboot”*. If it were a “reboot” we would have had brand new actors as Luke, Han, and Leia, and no reference to anything in the earlier films ( including Death Stars, Clone Troopers, Sith, Empire).
*( Yes, I know, it did reboot the Expanded Universe but that’s another kettle of fish.)
starting with story #4 and then going back to make the first 3 later… never been done before! crazy idea! 😉 😉 😉
I am not happy about this. I really hope these are just rumors and false news. I can’t stand this desire for change right in the middle of a story. You might as well start over from LWW, PC, and VDT. I will not watch this film nor buy it because people don’t wish to finish what has already been started. I don’t care if the story is done with a different style then before, but at least keep the logo, actors, dir.& prod., and theme song. I really don’t understand why such a move has to be made.
Not sure if I am disappointed. It really is a shame the actor who portrayed Eustice can not be engaged. Too old? Perhaps. That is the trouble with time and delayed movie projects involving youth. I suppose that I am okay with that if the content does not deviate.
As a reader, I am most interested in the portrayal of characters in movies. Deviations from their appearance, persona, and story-lines disappoint me. I want movies as faithful to the stories as any classical Shakespeare productions. Why, when so much attention is given to the nuances of classical music, should motion pictures depicting novels be any different? Of course, license is given and accepted to editing due to the time-constraints of film running-time. That is both the art and challenge of making movies!
‘The question is…….does this mean no more Liam Neeson as Aslan?’
I hope so. Mr Neeson is already busy with the Taken franchise. Can I also put a request in to whoever it may concern? Since the word ‘reboot’ is being mentioned can you please not bring in J J Abrams to direct any Narnia film. Sorry to have to say this but Abrams made a real mess of the Star Trek movies as far as I am concerned. I watched both these films on TV to see whether his first messy ST was a one off and was glad I did not pay out any money to see either at the cinema.
I’m mostly concerned about their need to make everything New New New. Yes, they’re going north, into lands that will feel new anyway, with new character types like Marshwiggles and giants, but for it to succeed next to the other movies there needs to be at least a similarity in feeling with the Narnia-related scenes. Whether or not you agree with how the original movies were portrayed, they created a definite “feeling” with the style of clothes, props,cinematography, and so forth. To change all that in a middle movie may leave audiences reeling. I know I was already reeling when I learned that they’re choosing a different actor for Eustace.
Hmm… I read this with very mixed feelings. I’ll try to keep an open mind, but I have to admitted that I’m disappointed. However, I will be very curious what happens.
I agree, I feel like it wouldn’t make any sense to reboot the series in the middle. That would confuse people. If it’s really necessary to reboot the series, they should reboot it from the start.
Happy they are continuing with this installment. Sad the actor of the original Eustace is not continuing the role.. now that he’s older he would perfectly compliment his earlier work! Oh well!
I did not like Apted movie, through I loved Adamson’s work in Narnia. Hope to see something similar to first 2 films. The only character from previous movies is Eustace, so that is not really a big deal.
Not much information to start raging or smth. Let’s see what they prepared first.