Michael Apted to direct third Narnia film

Los Angeles -- The third installment in "The Chronicles of Narnia" series will have Directors Guild of America President Michael Apted at the helm.

Disney Pictures and Walden Media brought in Apted to direct "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader," Variety.com reported Tuesday.

Mark Johnson and Andrew Adamson, who directed the first two films, will produce.

The second Narnia film, "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian," will be released in 2008.

"The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" is scheduled to begin production in January 2008 for May 1, 2009, release.

Apted recently directed the soccer documentary "The Power of the Game" and the feature "Amazing Grace" for Bristol Bay Prods.

"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" grossed $738 million worldwide.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.