Netflix is to develop a 'Narnia universe' based on the classic CS Lewis novels for children.

Lewis's stepson Douglas Gresham is to be one of the executive producers of the films alongside Mark Gordon and Vincent Sieber.

The deal marks the first time that rights to the entire seven books of the Narnia universe have been held by the same company, according to Netflix.

Gresham said: 'It is wonderful to know that folks from all over are looking forward to seeing more of Narnia, and that the advances in production and distribution technology have made it possible for us to make Narnian adventures come to life all over the world.

'Netflix seems to be the very best medium with which to achieve this aim, and I am looking forward to working with them towards this goal.'

Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos said: 'CS Lewis' beloved Chronicles of Narnia stories have resonated with generations of readers around the world. Families have fallen in love with characters like Aslan and the entire world of Narnia, and we're thrilled to be their home for years to come.'

In total the Narnia books have sold more than 100 million copies and been translated into more than 47 languages worldwide. Author CS Lewis is regarded as one of the most significant public theologians of the 20th century and the books are soaked in Christian imagery. 

They have been screened before, notably by Walden Media, whose adaptations of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader received mixed reviews.