Disney, Walden Media to distribute C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia book series as movie

(RNS) The Walt Disney Studios has announced that it has entered into an agreement with Walden Media to distribute the motion picture The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

The film, based on the first book in a popular series published by Christian writer C.S. Lewis, is scheduled to be released Christmas 2005 by Walt Disney Pictures. The live-action movie will be directed by Andrew Adamson, known for his direction of Shrek and Shrek 2.

The classic series has sold more than 85 million copies worldwide starting in 1950.

Dick Cook, chairman of the Walt Disney Studios, and Cary Granat, chief executive officer of Walden Media, jointly announced the agreement March 1.

“I think this is just the kind of movie audiences are looking for, and we’re thrilled to be able to bring it to the screen,” Cook said in a statement.