UK veteran actor Brian Cox has signed on to join "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe". The actor will provide voicing for the lion god Aslan, who joins forces with the four heroes to defeat an evil witch.

"Brian has an amazing resonance to his voice, a certain majesty, which suits Aslan perfectly," said producer Mark Johnson. "I've always found Brian to be so versatile...we first talked to Brian about the role of Aslan maybe nine months ago, and I'm so glad it worked out".

Cox's voice will be joined by those of Rupert Everett as Fox, Ray Winstone as Mr. Beaver, and Dawn French (the painting lady in "Prisoner Of Azkaban) as Mrs. Beaver.

Written and directed by Andrew Adamson (Shrek 2), the movie from Buena Vista Pictures opens one year from now.