Joe Johnston Will Direct The Next CHRONICLES OF NARNIA Movie

Here's some unexpected news: Captain America: The First Avenger director Joe Johnston has officially signed on to direct The Silver Chair, the fourth film in the long-running Chronicles Of Narnia franchise.

Variety quotes producer Mark Gordon as saying the following:

“Joe is a wonderful storyteller who is equally at home in the biggest franchises and the most intimate character pieces. Because C.S. Lewis’ story is iconic and epic, but also tender, personal, and emotional, he’s the perfect choice to bring The Silver Chair to the screen.”

If, like me, you're astounded to learn that they're still making Chronicles Of Narnia movies, here's a fun fact: the franchise thus far has raked in over $1.5B at the worldwide box office. You and I might have zero interest in these movies, but apparently there's an audience for 'em. Time will tell if they're still chomping at the bit for a fourth installment seven years after The Dawn Treader landed in theaters, but that's not our problem.

No word yet on who might star in the film (The Silver Chair tells a connected-but-separate story from the other books in the series, so Johnston will be mostly working with all-new cast members) or when shooting might start, but we'll keep you informed. 

While you're waiting: you guys want more Narnia movies? Did you see the first three? First Avenger's totally better than Winter Soldier, right?