Narnia Fans » Casting Call

Braving rain, 300 tall and short people turned out to the Auckland casting call for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. And the film’s officials had a message for those who stayed away: “If you can’t handle the rain you can’t handle a film set,” said extras casting co-ordinator Victoria Cole.

“I am here because I am big enough to be here,” said Carole Rumage, a Glen Eden woman, who is 142cm tall. “It is fascinating to be here with all these really tall people, ” said Ms Rumage. Film hopefuls had to be 192cm (6ft 4in) or over, 153cm (5ft) or under, and aged 16 or older. They also had to be available for work in the South Island from September to November.

Like the other hopefuls, [Carole Rumage] will have to wait about two weeks before finding out if she has a role in the film.

Rumor has it that Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe tried out for the roles of Peter and Susan for LWW. No word on whether the roles have been cast or if they got the parts, but what we know is that there are short lists, and that casting has been going on for quite some time, under the supervision of casting director Pippa Hall.

Pippa Hall has been involved in casting children for a number of films, including 2003’s “I Am David”, 2000’s “Liam”, and as a casting assistant on 2000’s “Billy Elliot” and 1998’s “Les Miserables.”

Recently, auditions for the role of Edmund have been happening:

Two Harrogate schoolboys very nearly made it through the cupboard into the magical land of Narnia.

Ben Boothroyd and Luke Newton, both pupils at St John Fisher RC High School, recently got into the last 25 candidates for a role in a film adaptation of CS Lewis’ classic tale The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.

The pair made it through a series of national auditions in London for the role of Edmund, the youngster who becomes the ally of the villainous White Witch.

The film, which has entered pre-production, is being brought to the screen by Andrew Adamson who directed the hit animated film, Shrek.

Ben, who is in Year 10, and Luke, a Year 11 pupil, may not have got the role but Luke has been referred to another audition and the school is hopeful that it will lead to bigger things.

Ann Braid, head of drama at the school, said: “It was an exciting experience for both students and an excellent achievement, even though they didn’t make the final roles.”