Ain't It Cool News has been informed that Michael Apted will be directing the third The Chronicles of Narnia movie.

The second film, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, is currently in production and is expected to be released in theatres on May 16th, 2008.

Andrew Adamson directed the first film, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, and returns for the second film.

Adamson had previously announced that he would not direct the third film, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, but would still be attached as a producer. In the story, Lucy and Edmund, with their dreadful cousin Eustace, get magically pulled into a painting of a ship at sea. That ship is the Dawn Treader, and on board is Caspian, King of Narnia. He and his companions, including Reepicheep, the valiant warrior mouse, are searching for seven lost lords of Narnia, and their voyage will take them to the edge of the world. Their adventures include being captured by slave traders, a much-too-close encounter with a dragon, and visits to many enchanted islands, including the place where dreams come true.

Apted has an impressive resume of directed movies under his belt including Gorky Park, Coal Miner's Daughter, Gorillas in the Mist, Amazing Grace and the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough.