Kidman to become voice of Narnia

Nicole Kidman is in talks to become the voice of "The Chronicles of Narnia" films.

10:00 28 June 2004

Nicole Kidman is in talks to become the voice of "The Chronicles of Narnia" films.

The actress had been seen in New Zealand - leading people to suspect that she was being lined up to play the role of the White Witch in the series opener "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe", but that role subsequently went to "The Beach" star Tilda Swinton.

It has now emerged that Kidman is being lined up to provide the narration for the tales, a role filled by fellow Ozzie Cate Balnchett in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

The "Moulin Rouge" star has been offered a reported 60 million deal according to the Daily Star- but will have to voice all seven films.

Disney has provided backing to the project which is set to go into production next month.

The first instalment looks set to be released for Christmas 2005. Dawn French has signed up to play Mrs Beaver in the film, and "Shrek" director Andrew Adamson will helm the project.