JOSH HUTCHERSON - BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA TO FILM IN NEW ZEALAND THIS MONTH

Bosses at Walt Disney are anxious to start filming BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA later this month (JAN06), based on the success of their latest project THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE.

Filmmakers have cast ZATHURA star JOSH HUTCHERSON in the lead role for the movie, which is based on the classic novel by KATHERINE PATERSON.

Hutcherson will play a boy whose life is changed when he makes friends with a tomboy who moves in next door. The two create a secret kingdom in the forest near their house, called Terabithia, which is filled with magical beings, such as trolls and giants.

The movie will be the latest project to be shot in New Zealand following the success of KING KONG and the LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy.