Dawn Treader Plot Details!


ChristianityToday has posted an article about the “Narnia Summit” that was held last week, where Walden Media showed footage and walked through the entire script with Christian leaders, Lewis experts, and fan sites like NarniaWeb and NarniaFans. (Read Tirian’s report here)

It is definitly worth reading the entire article, but here are some highlights that will get everyone talking:

The Ending:

Kathy Keller: “I’m glad the final interaction between Aslan and Lucy was there in its unadulterated entirety, because I consider that the pinnacle of the entire seven books.”

I have spoken with Tirian, and he confirmed that the line “there I have another name” is in the film! This is something NarniaWebbers have been concerned about for some time. Rejoice!

The Undragoning:

Keller says she learned that writers originally wanted Eustace, still in dragon form, to fight a sea monster and “earn” his return to human form. But she says Flaherty, a committed Christian, “put them straight that you don’t earn grace, you receive it once you are humbled and aware of your need.”

Tirian also confirmed that, in the film, we will see Aslan ripping the dragon skin off of Eustace! If you have not read the book, you are probably incredibly confused right now. If you have… rejoice again!

And now for the big spoiler:

“I was less than enthusiastic about the imposition of an invented quest to recover the seven swords of the seven lords to undo some evil magic of a new witch,” [Keller] said. “It is a fairly innocuous addition, but as a purist I would have been happier without it.”

Tirian confirmed the bit about the seven swords, but added: “I haven’t seen any evidence of a new witch being added to this story.”

There is sure to be both positive and negative reactions to these spoilers, but it seems that just about everyone in attendance, even those that disliked the first two films, was generally very happy with what they saw and heard.

Thanks to Icarus for the tip!

UPDATE: There was a good deal of confusion due to the line about a witch being in the film. And while both Tirian and Specter from NarniaFans denied it, it was thought that perhaps they weren’t present when the information was given.

However, ChristianityToday released this statement today which puts any confusion to rest. “CT has since learned from Walden that the ‘new witch’ is not in the final version of the film, but was scrapped during script discussions.” So there you go, no witch!

Thanks PrincessMia241 and Narnialover101 for the heads-up!

338 Responses

  1. GlimGlum says:

    My sentiments as well, Skilletdude. Uplifiting news overall.

  2. farsight1 says:

    A Witch! Let's hope this is a misunderstanding (though that's very unlikely at this point).

    I really DON'T want to believe they actually got a witch and a battle into this.

  3. Starlily says:

    Yes, sometimes C. S. Lewis left some things out. I guess we'll just have to use our imagination. 🙂

  4. DamselJillPole says:

    This sounds very interesting and I'm happy about them keeping Aslan's line at the end. I can rejoice now!

  5. Atarah says:

    Yes! My two favorite parts of the book are going to remain complete and unadulterated in the movie! That makes me extremely happy. I cannot wait for December 10th! I just wish my best friend wasn't in Iraq until January. I saw the first two films on their opening days with her, and now she has to miss out on our favorite of the seven books. It's just one of the sacrifices people make in the service of our country. It's a noble duty indeed.
    As for the new witch, I'm also a purist, so I'm not too enthused about that. But I'm thinking the witch in question is the same witch from SC, and this entire quest has become a set-up for the fourth movie. If I'm right, then that means that the creators of the movie have committed to bringing SC to the big screen. So that's encouraging.

  6. Twinimage says:

    Reading this news made me smile real big!
    That third piece of news is a bit weird… Wish it wasn't so.
    Not sure how they're going to add that in there. <_<
    But I'm still very happy to hear that Alsan's line from the book and Eustace getting ripped to shreds by Aslan will be in there!!! 😀
    Not sure how the third part will affect the story and the ending. Would hate to see them change focus on the real climax of VOTDT.
    At least we know what is most likely the "unfathomable fate" now. And at least it focuses on the seven lords some still. Not sure where the witch comes in though. O_o
    But on a positive note, that's some seriously sweet news! B)

  7. NarniaLuver4Ever says:

    Elated doesn't even began to describe what I am right now! I am so relieved to hear that the Dragon/Eustace thing will be unaltered as it is my favorite part in VDT and possibly out of all the books! 😀 Go Walden Media!

  8. Lillyput90 says:

    Seven swords for the seven lords of Telmar's court,
    One sword to save them all, One sword to rule them,
    One sword, Rhindon, that in the end shall duel them.

    Not very good I know, but that's what the statement reminded me of:).

  9. NarniaLuver4Ever says:

    Ditto.

  10. Lucille Brown says:

    Maybe they adding the Lady of the Green Kirtle. This almost seems like a conformation that they are. Sorta. Anyway, I wasn't sure how to react but I love that the ending is going to be the same or very similar and the undragoning of Eustace very similar. But the last part about the swords must be the unfathomable fate.

  11. I love Narnia! says:

    Wow, I didn't even know that we were worried that they *wouldn't* put that line in there. I have the feeling this movie is going to be REALLY great. Even with the, uh…new addition. : )

  12. narniafan4ever ♥ says:

    Haha….its's good news, don't worry! 😀

    I'm not sure how this new witch thing is gonna turn out….what's so hard about staying with the book? :-/ oh well. haha 😛

  13. narniafan4ever ♥ says:

    My thoughts as well! 😀 I am soooo glad that they kept those two scenes in. I am very excited! 😀

  14. Haggith Tarkheena says:

    (Wow, lot of commets. . .) COOL! I am SO happy that Aslan will say that line. "There, I have another name. . ." I think all of us know what that is. 😉
    I think seeing Aslan tearing away Eustace's scales would be absolutely awesome.
    I don't really get the "witch" thing though. . .???

  15. Haggith Tarkheena says:

    Lillyput90 that's funny what you said about the swords. . .:D

  16. Haggith Tarkheena says:

    I just hope that they put Edmund and Eustace talking to each other after Eustace gets turned back to a human in the movie. I just love that part. They have to put it in! 🙂

  17. glumPuddle says:

    Nobody said that. The White With and the LotGK are NOT the same person. That idea got started after BBC cast the same actress in both roles to save money.

  18. Rilian says:

    Head scratcher. That's a good term for the last point. I just think it will come across as an unnecessary and detail that will leave even non-book fans going, "You know, the story would have worked fine without that. Couldn't CS Lewis see that?"

  19. tenthofthatname says:

    I think if the witch is LotGK her role would be smaller or ambiguous, that way the characters won't know who she really is but we as viewers just know it's a "she'll be back for a sequel" moment. We might not even see her face in VDT or maybe she'll have changed appearances to dupe Drinian and Eustace in the fourth film. I hope there is a fourth film!

  20. tenthofthatname says:

    She's from the same "stock" as Jadis is all they say. This is one of those blanks I've always filled in on my own when reading the books. I really hope that's what the movies are doing here, enriching the canon.

  21. yeswelovenarnia says:

    YES!!! I am glad they have Eustace's undragoning the way it was in the book!!!!!!!!

  22. sgk474 says:

    I loved both the LWW film and the PC film – there will always be differences of opinions over adaptations of beloved books but I though they were great. CAN'T WAIT FOR VDT! It'll probably be the best one so far and the ending will be very moving!

  23. pselpevensie says:

    that's so cool that we're going to see Eustace's de-dragoning. that's always been one of my favorite parts in the book.
    but whats up with the " undo some evil magic of a new witch"? they can't add avillian. there isn't any villians in dawn treader and if they ad one the whole plot of the book will be messed up!

  24. narniafan#1 says:

    I was sure they would leave out Aslan's line "there I have another name". I am so ecstatic that it will stay!!! I'm also glad they're leaving the undragoning the way it's supposed to be. Not too thrilled with the sub-plot about the swords. I guess so long as it doesn't outweigh the main plot, it'll be alright. Fingers crossed!

  25. sirsimon says:

    I think the swords bit will be alright, they have to find the lords to find the swords (hey that matches) About the witch, Tirian said there's no witch and if there was, HAVE YOU GUYS HEARD OF THE LADY OF THE GREEN KIRDLE!??!

    Hurray about the undragoning bit, that's going to be wicked, and I love that the line is still in.

    With this and the report a week ago of the beautiful footage, we can all relax, this film will be amazing.

  26. 220chrisTian says:

    @glumPuddle, maybe credit icarus instead? He posted the article on the forum before I did on AC.

    I also think the swords/witch part is strange. We'll just have to wait and see, won't we?

    I'm relieved about the Eustace/dragon and Aslan/Lucy spoilers! But I wonder why Edmund isn't mentioned in the latter spoiler.

    EVERYBODY: pray for unbelievers among the Narnia cast and crew! Pray for unbelievers who watch VDT this December! Pray they'll see, believe, and humbly receive Jesus Christ's amazing grace! And check out my website: "Narnia cast and crew: pray!"

  27. Fireflower says:

    What you said got me thinking…could they be looking ahead with the witch thing? They could tie in the Lady of the Green Kirtle somehow through VDT so that it would make sense to bring her back for another movie? Possibly in revenge on the Narnians??

  28. Reepicheep775 says:

    Firstly: WHAT IS THE FREAKING LADY OF THE GREEN KIRTLE DOING HERE?! HER PLACE IS SILVER CHAIR NOT HERE!!!
    That said, I was very pleased at the impression I got from the article. It sounds like the film-makers have a good idea of how the film should be (the un-dragoning of Eustace and "There I have another name"!!)

  29. NarnianElf says:

    YAY *jumps in the air* *runs around the house in unfathomable joy* *cant stop grinning from ear to ear* THIS IS THE BEST NEWS EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    P.S. I think its awesome that they are having that quest for their swords… I think its a great idea!

  30. NarnianElf says:

    Thanks so much, 220chrisTian for posting that! I'm a Christian too!!

  31. Hope in the Lord says:

    I'm glad too:D but what about Edmund,and Eustace near the end. All I hear is Lucy. Ooh, I wish it was out already I'm getting impatient.

  32. Hope in the Lord says:

    your guess is as good as mine about Edmund. Poor guy's being negleted (spelling?)

  33. ernesto says:

    gracias por terminar su pelicula de Narnia y ya la quiero ver

  34. wolfloversk says:

    Happiness…yay does this mean we're definitely getting the lamb-lion scene?

  35. Mark Sommer says:

    Read the comments above. Tirian says there is no witch, Green or otherwise. 🙂

  36. Long Live King Skandar says:

    Hey, sounds great! It seems like the important principles and concepts (redemption, grace, etc.) were kept in the story. About the witch thing, I won't get too worried as long as the PERSONALITIES of the characters aren't changed drastically. (Peter in PC? Anyone?) If the new witch is indeed included, then that just shows what Hollywood tends to think: "any good adventure story needs a good villain," or something. I can live with that.

  37. NarniaWarrior says:

    It sounds like a great ending…let's look beyond the Characters and the look to the message in the storyline of the book and for us today…if we had not GRACE and REDEMPTION what would we have…LLA

  38. narnian1 says:

    ok. I'm all good. they have what I thought was interesting and scrapped what I wasn't sure about. YES!

  39. Sonic01 says:

    can't wait to see Ben Barnes playin' Prince Caspian again 😉 he's so cute and the story 'bout Narnia is very original, I'm so happy, so excited to see everyone again!!!!!

  40. LadyChristytheNoble says:

    *shouts YES, mother looks at little girl at the computer skepkly, little girl explains her prayers have been answered* Ok now that that is done, Oh thank you, the part with aslan is in, thank-you thank-you. I don't think the part with the swords sounds awful but ehh yeah. I'm just glad the part with Aslan is in.

  41. Starlily says:

    Hurray! The witch has been scrapped, according to the update! Now my rejoicing is complete! I can't wait for a trailer! Go Dawn Treader!

  42. narniafan4ever ♥ says:

    HORRAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! haha….there is no witch or sword thingy! Yay!!!!!! 😀 😀 😀 lol

  43. narniafan4ever ♥ says:

    I agree! That part is so awesome! 😀

  44. NarniaHannah♥(used to be celtic13 and LucyReepicheep4♥) says:

    I hate/love spoilers!!!!!!!!! I can't read them!! but I want to!!!!! I'd better go before I change my mind!!!! (or go out of my mind from waiting for December 10th… oh, wait, I already have.)

  45. narniafan4ever ♥ says:

    Me too! 😀

  46. narniafan4ever ♥ says:

    Ya, I agree. I wish they hadn't changed Peter's personality so much! That got me a little irritated….haha. Oh well. 🙂

  47. narniafan4ever ♥ says:

    lol….I am about to go crazy too….lol

  48. Silver the Wanderer says:

    Update: Yes! Yesyesyes! No witch! Woohoo! *rejoices*

  49. Puddleglum says:

    Good to see some fellows with sense putting this film together.
    I was ready to resign myself to the enevitable, and wait for this to turn into just another series of adventure tales.
    Thankfully the introduction of another witch was scrapped. As for the Green one,(who will remain nameless here), any addition of this character will only muddle the existing story. Not to mention confuse the next one, should it follow.

  50. narnian resident says:

    haha i love your username 😀

  51. Eden says:

    I readily agree with you!! 😀

  52. Eden says:

    Oh, wow, I am so so SOOO happy that they kept the line from the Aslan/Lucy talk. *sighs contentedly* I could die from happiness right now, because of that and the Eustace/Aslan part that they kept.

    Not so enthusiastic about the possible 'witch', but HOPEFULLY that is just a misunderstanding. The sword thing sounds a little cheesy too, but I guess I can handle that.

    Anyways…… *REJOICES*

  53. Eden says:

    OH YEEHAWWW!!! NO WITCH FOR VOTDT!!!!!

    *REJOICES MORE*

  54. Ariel_of_Narnia says:

    **giggling to self with perhaps unhealthy glee**

  55. Ariel_of_Narnia says:

    You said it, NarniaWarrior!

  56. Ariel_of_Narnia says:

    agreed times 2

  57. Ariel_of_Narnia says:

    The whole "I have another name" line was the highlight of the whole report for me! I'm so happy it's in because VDT wouldn't be VDT without it!

  58. Ariel_of_Narnia says:

    But why… swords? Why not the men themselves? That's what I want to know.

  59. waleed sajjad says:

    YESYESYESYESYES!!!!!!!!!!!! o this just mad my day!!!!!!!! PLEASE HURRY UP WITH THE TRAILER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  1. March 3, 2010

    […] Tirian, do site NarniaWeb, um dos convidados para a Cúpula de Nárnia, disse que confirma os fatos acima revelados, com […]