Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media announced they have started pre-production on “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian,” with Andrew Adamson, the Academy Award nominated director of the first film in the Narnia Series. The film is the next installment of the Narnia book adaptations, written by C.S. Lewis. “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” based on the first book by the same name, has grossed in excess of $637.8 million at the worldwide box office and has received three Academy Award nominations. Adamson, who directed Shrek and Shrek 2, will direct once again and serve producer and co-writer in collaboration with Christopher Markus and Steve McFeeley. Production is scheduled to begin later this year for a Christmas 2007 release. “Prince Caspian” brings the children of the Pevensie family back into the land of Narnia, 1,000 years after their last visit. The siblings join together in order to fight against a villain who stands in the way of the rule of the rightful Prince. First published in 1951, “Prince Caspian” is the second book in Lewis’ seven-book series. The series has sold over 100 million books worldwide, making it one of the most popular series of all time.