Disney Drops The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Posted by on December 24th, 2008   Filed under: Books/Comics, Fantasy, Industry News
Source: Coming Soon

We’ve been hearing for a while now that the blockbuster film may be on the verge of extinction. While such claims may have seemed silly in the wake of one of the strongest box office years ever, the current economic crisis in the U.S. could indeed mean that the days of massive multi-million dollar productions are numbered. This week it was announced that Disney has decided to pull out of the next installment in the popular Narnia series for “budgetary and logistical reasons”. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader was scheduled to start production this spring with a projected release date of May 2010. Michael Apted (The World is Not Enough, The Up Series) was slated to direct.

It is unclear what exactly this means for the future of the franchise, but it seems odd considering that the last film The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian made almost $420 million worldwide. Prince Caspian was definitely not a failure, although it didn’t do as well as the first film (The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe made $745 million). Are they expecting the third installment to drop off even further, or are the budgets for these films simply getting too high? Prince Caspian cost approximately $200 million to make, and in the current climate, that’s a lot of cash to front. You’d think another Narnia flick would be a surefire hit, but on the other hand, people didn’t seem as excited about Prince Caspian and the buzz for this series seems to have died down (personally, I thought it was a much better film than the first). There is still a chance that Fox or another studio may step in to co-finance and co-produce, but if they can’t find a partner to replace Disney, the Narnia series will be finished. Do you still want to see The Voyage of the Dawn Treader get made?



  • Not a good sign – on the other hand, maybe this also means that we’ll get to see more smaller films which are more concerned with story than FX.

  • I have a suspicion that its about creative control. Disney most likely wants to pervert the movie in their own way and the original directors want to stay true to the books. These movies are epic for Disney proportions, so I’m sure Jackson may pick them up or George Lucas….

  • Goon

    Tom, my suspicions have more do to with marketing. Prince Caspian itself didn’t showcase the characters from the first movie as much, and from what i understand the remaining narnia stories only have one or two of those characters left over for each one. I’m sure the name ‘Narnia’ itself can sell tickets, but at the same time with all the changes going on at Disney thats not enough to rely on anymore.

  • I remember hearing conflicts (even before/during Caspian) in terms of artistic/creative control as in the cast is “too white” and crap like that.

    Peter and Susan are definitely out, but others step in (like Eustace). You are only allowed 3 visits. I’m looking forward to “Voyage of the Dawn Treader” and “The Silver Chair” (Puddleglum and the Giants) and of course the “Last Battle” (A chimpanzee and a donkey starting things off).

    Only “The Hobbit” can rival those films in terms of anticipation.

  • TG

    I think Disney are being a bit stupid not taking part in the dawn treader because I think their more interested in making HSM 4 when all the original stars won’t be in it. And I would really like to see it be made because I really like the films so far and they could make alot of money through it as well.

  • Jules

    Prince Caspian suffered the middle child syndrome. Yes, I believe Disney planned to only do a Trilogy (sorry Silver Chair fans!) but what they aren’t factoring in is that Prince Caspian was mere exposition for the Best Narnia book out there, Dawn Treader! I can see Disney’s point of view, however. Dawn Treader is, in essence, a water movie. How often have we heard of water movies draining the cash from their budget?! I think Disney should’ve let them use the Pirate of the Caribbean sets (modified) and sucked it up. I hope to see Dawn Treader (my favorite installment) hit the theaters with original Edmund and Lucy and a nicely obnoxious Eustace intact in 2010.

  • Let us hope so, Jules.

  • Lis

    Very disappointing move by Disney!
    I enjoyed both Narnia films and was really looking forward to “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader”.
    It’s a great book, and one of my favourite characters, Reepicheep, plays a big part in it.
    Maybe all, who want the third film to be made, should bye an extra “Prince Caspian” DVD, to use as presents. Good sales may encourage another company to take on the film.
    Do hope Walden finds a new company!!

  • manda

    i really hope they make to keep the series going! ill be going and seeing it anyway

  • I definitely want the Voyage of the Dawn Treader made! It’s disappointing that Disney pulled out. I guess they have their reasons, but I think it’s a mistake. The Narnia movies are amazing and doing very well! I’d watch them over and over again. And I’d like more than just three to come out. =)

  • Ryan

    I am very happy that they are still making this. I have been waiting for this one ever since i saw the first preview for the lion, the witch and the wardrobe. The voyage of the dawn treader was by far the best book of the series.

  • Mandi

    I’d be close to broken hearted, my 4yr old and I watch both movies on every rainy and sick day!! not kidding we both LOVEE them and have been waiting FOREVER to see Edmund n Lucie come back home!

  • Mrs. S.

    The Lion the Witch & the Wardrobe, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader and The Magician’s Nephew are the most popular books in the whole series – and also easy to read aloud to children and keep their attention. I hope they make the movie

  • The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is the best Narnia book that i read. I am really looking forward for the release of the movie. I’m really glad Fox takeover the franchise.

  • Yes, I bet your right byter. That book edition of Narnia The Voyage of the Dawn Treader had a really really good story. I’m hoping that they will include also this episode in making the movies soon.

  • Gerald

    What? But I Love Narnia…!! I’m sure The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is gonna be a hit..! We want to see The Last Battle.!