Andrew Adamson, the co-director of last year's CGI animated smash Shrek for DreamWorks SKG, has signed to direct The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, the first ever live action film of the CS Lewis book for Cary Granat's New York-based Walden Media. Walden optioned the seven-part book series The Chronicles Of Narnia last December in partnership with The CS Lewis Company and is hoping that The Lion, The Witch' will be the first of a franchise. Last week Walden announced that Ann Peacock would adapt the novel for the screen.

"Narnia wassuch a vivid and real worldto me as a child, as it isto millions of other fans. IshareWalden's excitementin giving those fans an epic theatrical experience worthy of their imaginations, and driving a new generation toward the works of CS Lewis," said Adamson in a statement. "Making a film that crosses generations is a far easier task when the source material resonates such themes as truth, loyalty and belief in something greater than yourself."

Adamson previously worked as visual effects supervisor on films including Batman And Robin, Batman Forever, A Time To Kill, Angels In The Outfield and Double Dragon.

Peacock won an Emmy for adapting the novel A Lesson Before Dying for TV; her upcoming projects include Country Of My Skull which John Boorman will direct, On The Ropes with Brad Silberling attached, Marines Of Autumn with Irwin Winkler and Star Time with Joel Schumacher.