Kidman Narnia rumours quashed

Nicole Kidman will not play the White Witch according to the people behind "The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe".

14:33 11 March 2004

Nicole Kidman will not play the White Witch according to the people behind the upcoming film adaptation of "The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe".

Walden Media said: "It's a project that we're all very excited about, but unfortunately this [rumour] is just not true. Hopefully we'll have some exciting news soon."

Rumours began to circulate last week after Kidman arrived in New Zealand, where the film is being shot.

The adaptation of the first book in CS Lewis' "Chronicles of Narnia" series is due to begin filming later this year. It is set for release in time for Christmas 2005.

Lewis wrote seven books based in the kingdom of Narnia and the films are to be produced by Walden Media and Disney. Shrek director Andrew Adamson, will head the project.