WELLINGTON, New Zealand, May 12 (UPI) -- Scottish actress Tilda Swinton has won the role of Narnia's White Witch in the New Zealand-based film of C.S. Lewis' "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe."
Swinton, 43, was confirmed for the coveted spot after months of speculation, including earlier reports that Australian actress Nicole Kidman was up for the part, Empire Magazine's Web site reported Wednesday.
The classic Narnia tale centers on the adventures of four children who climb through a wardrobe to find themselves in a land trapped in 100 years of winter by the dark powers of the White Witch. The children befriend various characters along the way in their efforts to break the spell.
Swinton is a veteran actress whose credits include last year's "Adaptation" with Meryl Streep and Nicolas Cage, 2003's "The Statement" with Michael Caine, and 2001's "Vanilla Sky" with Tom Cruise and Penelope Cruz.
