Narnia film catering to Christian market

Last Updated Fri, 25 Nov 2005 15:40:03 EST
CBC Arts

The makers of the first film in The Chronicles of Narnia are downplaying its Christian allegory, but that hasn't stopped churches in the U.S. and U.K. from seeing it as a chance to minister to their flock.

Disney's The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, based on the book by British writer C.S. Lewis, will have its world premiere in London on Dec. 7.


Lucy gets more than she bargains for when she steps through the door of the wardrobe. (AP photo/Walt Disney Pictures)
Lewis, a Christian philosopher as well as an author, created a fantasy world that is full of religious imagery. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, with its story of a lion who sacrifices himself so a child can live, is particularly heavy on the Jesus allegory.

Messianic images are common in science fiction, director Andrew Adamson told the BBC, citing The Matrix and Star Wars.

It is "open to the audience to interpret," said Adamson, who was co-director of the Shrek films.

But church groups are assuming that the values that Lewis wove into the story will remain in the film.

In the U.K., evangelical publishers have sent out special Narnia packs to churches. Some Methodists have prepared themed sermons and one Anglican church is giving out free tickets to single parents.

In the U.S., there are plans for group trips and screenings of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.

Disney is hoping the film gets the same level of following as The Passion of The Christ allowing it to help reverse the plunge Disney has suffered this year at the box office.

Christians are recognized by Hollywood as a valuable niche market after Mel Gibson's version of the crucifixion earned $600 million worldwide.

Churches see the Narnia movie as a golden opportunity to tap into mainstream culture and popularize religion, especially among children and youth.

St Luke's, an Anglican church in the southeast English town of Maidstone, distributed free tickets to Gibson's film. Now they are to repeat the offer with Narnia.

"We are giving away 10,000 British pounds ($20,000) worth of tickets to single-parent families in and around the area," said a spokesman for the church.

U.S. churches have similar plans, though most are waiting to determine whether the Christian message stays intact in the film.

The evangelical publishing company Christian Publishing and Outreach, which distributes material to 20,000 churches, has won permission from Disney to use two images from the film in its Narnia packs.

"We have a what-to-do guide, outlines that give ministers ideas on how to deliver sermons, material for Sunday schools," said Russ Bravo, CPO's development director. The company also sells Narnia-themed DVDs, posters and invitations.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe tells the tale of four children who step through a wardrobe into the magical world of Narnia. There they witness the evil witch Jadis, played by British actress Tilda Swinton, fighting the good lion Aslan.

"The Passion really surprised Hollywood. Everyone thought it would bomb. What they didn't realize was that there is an audience for a film with a Christian message," John Buckeridge, editor of Christianity Magazine, told Reuters.

"Disney recognizes the marketplace. In Hollywood, money talks," said Buckeridge. Christinity Magazine ran a cover story on how churches could link into Narnia's release to promote a Christian message.

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