SCHOLASTIC INTERVIEW

Q: What did you know about The Chronicles of Narnia before you joined the cast?

William: I used to listen to the story tape as a way to get to sleep. I remember I could recite the first 15 minutes. After that, I would just fall asleep.
Anna: I had already read the books. I didn't know much about the project before I started going for auditions. However, it was such a long time between the first auditions and getting the role that I knew quite a lot by the time we started shooting!

Q: When did you read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe ? What was your favorite scene?

William: I first read the book when I was auditioning. The more I read it, the more I loved it and would read chapter after chapter. My favorite scene is when Lucy first meets Tumnus.
Anna: It's hard to choose a favorite scene, but I'm really fond of the ending—when the Pevensies tumble out of the wardrobe. They've become better and bolder, and yet their return is so bittersweet.

Q: What do you think was C.S. Lewis's message to kids? Why are his books still relevant?

William: I think his message to children is that you should feel happy to be a child. The issues tackled are timeless and will be relevant to children in 200 years time.
Anna: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe shows the bonding of siblings, the growth of characters, and situations where love is more important than logic. Those situations can be found frequently in daily life. I think Lewis would have wanted us all to check the backs of our wardrobes!

Q: What did you like most about playing your character?

William: I loved my character because he wields a sword, rides a unicorn and becomes a king, but also because I relate to him. He is honest and tries to do what's morally right.
Anna: I sympathize with Susan. Although some might disagree, I think she actually represents a very realistic approach to discovering a random magical world. I'm sometimes a bit too pragmatic as well, and I'm sure there's some of Susan in me, and some of me in Susan. I really warmed to the changes Susan goes through, especially after meeting Aslan and after witnessing his encounter with the witch at the Stone Table.

Q: How are you like your character? How are you different?

William: I feel I'm like my character because I try to do what's right and try to make the most of situations. I'm the eldest in my family, so I understand Peter's judgment and decision making.
Anna: There are similarities and differences. We both think quite logically, although I'm probably slightly less skeptical than Susan. We're both older sisters, although I don't have to answer to an older brother at home! I think Susan feels forced to assume a position of responsibility, whereas I am lucky not to have that kind of pressure.

Q: If you could step into a magical world as your character does, what would it look like?

Anna: I'm not sure. I'm keen on the snow theme. It's been so lovely having snow in London for the past few years, even though it only lasts for a day or two. I'd have Christmas more often too. I love that time of year.

Q: What was the hardest moment for you during filming? What was the funniest?

Anna: The hardest moment on set was probably filming the Stone Table scene, which required about two days of solid tears. However, that was also really satisfying once we completed it. We had countless funny moments: When we were filming a scene where Peter, Lucy, and Susan cross the frozen river, the set was built on hydraulics, which meant the icebergs moved and tipped realistically. Equally realistically, water would spurt up from between the icebergs as we moved across them. I got completely drenched but I seemed to manage to get water up my skirt on every take. I couldn't stop laughing!

Q: What or who is your favorite character in the film?

William: My favorite character is the white witch. When Tilda [Swinton] would enter the scene, she was intimidating and awe-inspiring.
Anna: I'm a bit biased toward Susan, I must admit, but that's probably to be expected! Other than that I'm a big fan of the beavers. They have some great lines and should really bring some comedy to the movie.

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Q: What movie are you most looking forward to see—besides Narnia ?

William: I really want to see King Kong . It looks amazing.
Anna: I can't wait to see the new Oliver Twist , but am also really looking forward to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and King Kong .

—Interview by Marie Morreale

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