This just in...
Henson reaches deal with Paramount for Narnia film rights
The Hollywood Reporter
September 20, 2010
Paramount agrees to a $117 million USD deal that will allow Walden Media to move distribution of future films based on CS Lewis' Narnia books to Jim Henson Pictures.
This transfer will take effect after the November release of The Voyage of Dawn Treader, which will be the final Narnia film released through United Artists or Paramount.
United Artists held the North American rights to the Chronicles of Narnia since 1971, culminating in an animated version of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe produced by the short-lived Danjaq/Williams animation studio in 1979.
25 years later, with UA still holding the North American rights, a new, live action Narnia film series began with a remake of Wardrobe in 2005.
In 2008, Turner Broadcasting System, UA's then-parent company, merged with Paramount Communications to form TBS+Paramount. As a result, Prince Caspian was quickly dual branded as a UA/Paramount release.
After Dawn Treader thru UA and Paramount this holiday season, The Silver Chair will be the first Narnia film to be released through Henson in 2012 or 2013.
A spokesperson for the estate of CS Lewis declined to comment.