Even though the central cast was lined up and ready to go, the suits at Disney have pulled away from co-producing another Narnia film. Disney has broken their ties with Walden Media, at least as far as this project is concerned and will not be helping find investments and resources to continue the franchise. According to the Hollywood Reporter they are citing "budgetary and logistical reasons."

I can't say I am terribly shocked. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian was not a good movie. Any charm created in the original film of the series The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe evaporated and was replaced with bellowing lines and obtuse plot points. The inability of producers to create an engaging sequel led to not only a franchise film without legs but also one with a dwindling fan base. This is a bad business model. The first film cost $180 million to make an returned over $745 million in tickets worldwide. The follow-up cost $200 million to make and returned less than $420 million. Its simple math, the franchise is on the decline.

Since the film centers on a cast who is growing older by the day, the original plan was to churn out another film by mid 2010. This critical loss to the production will obviously move that date back in the best case scenario. Most likely this move by Disney is a fatal one for the franchise. I wouldn't hold high hopes for seeing The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader at a theater near you any time soon.

Labels: film, movie news, Narnia