Disney sets out to make 'The Passion for Kids'

UK Telegraph ^ | March 6, 2005 | Chris Hastings and Charles Laurence

[Coastal]

Walt Disney is to promote its $100 million adaptation of C S Lewis's The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as a "Passion of the Christ for kids" in an attempt to secure worldwide Christian support for the film.

Disney executives have organised private meetings with several church groups in America to emphasise the themes of Christian redemption and sacrifice contained in the film, which will open in December with an all-star cast.

They have also hired a public relations company to market the film directly to Christian groups to ensure that the powerful evangelical movement, which is particularly strong in America, is happy with the content.

The film, which stars the British actors Tilda Swinton, who will play the White Witch, and Brian Cox, who will provide the voice of Aslan the lion, will be the first in a series of Disney blockbusters inspired by the seven books in the Narnia series, whose author was known for his strong Christian beliefs.

[Starter]

It's Disney's "The Passion of the Christ"!

Journey on a magical adventure with Jesus! Mary! And Jesus' childhood pet, the gruff, yet lovable, goat Skippy (voiced by Ray Romano). They embark on a journey into spirituality while avoiding the forces of the evil Romans, and the evil Pilate who wishes to silence the young savior of Judea and use his magical powers to seize control of Rome. Featuring music by Destiny's Child and Evanescence! It's a lighthearted romp for the whole family!

[AmishDude]

It's marketing. Don't judge the film (positive or negative) on how they decide to market it.

[ECM]

I wouldn't...I'll judge the film on its merits.