Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman flew into Christchurch this week on a top secret visit to tour locations for New Zealand’s latest fantasy epic The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

Possible role? The White Witch

Is this a first look at the logo of the film? We can only hope. It’s a very cool image that features what could be the complete title of the LWW film: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe

The Walt Disney Studios has entered into an agreement with Walden Media to co-finance and distribute the long-awaited motion picture “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” the first book published in C.S. Lewis’ famed series, it was announced today (3/1) by Dick Cook, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios, and Cary Granat, chief executive officer of Walden Media.

The latter project could evolve into a similarly big franchise, since it is based on one of C.S. Lewis’s seven Narnia chronicles. Unlike Jackson, who shot the three Rings films in one block, Adamson said he is focusing on one movie at a time.

Professor Victor Hill of Williams College will offer an adult education program on the work of C.S. Lewis at St. John’s Church, 59 Summer St., beginning March 4 at 7 p.m. and continuing through Lent on Thursday evenings.

Rumor has it that Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe tried out for the roles of Peter and Susan for LWW. No word on whether the roles have been cast or if they got the parts, but what we know is that there are short lists, and that casting has been going on for quite some time, under the supervision of casting director Pippa Hall.

Our live action slate offers a whole new area of opportunity with Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, and future Pirates of the Caribbean adventures. All three properties will enjoy high pre-awareness and will be supported by significant pre-film marketing. Both will drive merchandise sell-in and sell-through.

The One Hundred Year Winter (AKA The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe)

Format: International Feature

Dates: PreProd: Feb 2004 Shoot: July – Dec 2004

Location: Ex Auckland

Production Co: Lamp Post Productions

Director: Andrew Adamson