The Hobbit + Peter Jackson?!

[AndrewDB]

PETER JACKSON AND NEW LINE CINEMA JOIN WITH MGM TO PRODUCE “THE HOBBIT”

December 18, 2007

ACADEMY AWARD-WINNER PETER JACKSON AND NEW LINE CINEMA JOIN WITH MGM TO PRODUCE “THE HOBBIT,” EAGERLY-ANTICIPATED FANTASY ADVENTURE EPIC

NEW LINE AND MGM TO CO-PRODUCE AND SHARE WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS

PETER JACKSON AND FRAN WALSH TO EXECUTIVE PRODUCE TWO FILMS BASED ON “THE HOBBIT”

Los Angeles, CA (Tuesday, December 18, 2007) Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson; Harry Sloan, Chairman and CEO, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM); Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne, Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs of New Line Cinema have jointly announced today that they have entered into the following series of agreements:

* MGM and New Line will co-finance and co-distribute two films, “The Hobbit” and a sequel to “The Hobbit.” New Line will distribute in North America and MGM will distribute internationally.

For more on it (http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2007/12/18/28150-peter-jackson-and-new-line-cinema-join-with-mgm-to-produce-%e2%80%9cthe-hobbit%e2%80%9d/).

:eek:.


Oh my fucking Creator. I'm so excited I could wet myself with glee.

[Cronos]

:(

[DarkKnight81]

Doesnt mean shit unless he's directing.

[APzombie]

I would laugh my ass off if he is only producing and these Hobbit films end up being twice as good as the overrated LotR films.

A bit odd that they are making two films, The Hobbit book is half the size of each LotR book.

[M@MAX]

why not. at least he's involved in some kind of way and has some controll. he even may write the script which would be quite enough for me.

[yorrick brown]

no jackson no dice :(

[Gullom]

I would laugh my ass off if he is only producing and these Hobbit films end up being twice as good as the overrated LotR films.

A bit odd that they are making two films, The Hobbit book is half the size of each LotR book.

I think you accidentally included "overrated" on accident. :D

[Jimbo513]

somoene said in another thread that they plan to weave backstory from Tolkien's other literature into these two movies to tie everything together, hence the two films, not one.

[Shockwave]

Doesnt mean shit unless he's directing.

Exactly.

NEW LINE must really need cash if they are trying to sqeeze two movies out of THE HOBBIT book.:( I just dont see it working.

[Jimbo513]

Did you read my post above yours? Did you comprehend the words I typed? It's not squeezing two movies out of one book, it's explaining the origins of all the characters in the LoTR saga without doing several movies.

There's tons of material and back story to cover and weaving that in with the Hobbit would be great.

[Shockwave]

Did you read my post above yours? Did you comprehend the words I typed? .

Your not goign to last long on this site like that.:)

Its reaching to me. No PJ and what appears to be a desperate attempt for a cash grab doesnt exactly have me jumping out of my seat.

Id be lying if i said i wasnt happy that they are making the hobbit, but this isnt exactly what i was hoping for. Im hoping it will still be great, but i have reservations.

[crodger]

Your not goign to last long on this site like that.:)

Its reaching to me. No PJ and what appears to be a desperate attempt for a cash grab doesnt exactly have me jumping out of my seat.

Id be lying if i said i wasnt happy that they are making the hobbit, but this isnt exactly what i was hoping for. Im hoping it will still be great, but i have reservations.

This is great news. I just hope they are not making two movies just because it means more money. I don't want to go to two movies, and sit through what could easily be condensed into one movie. I would have thought the Hobbit could easily be condensed into one movie.

If what Jimbo "listentomeimalwaysright" 513 ;) says is right, how do they select what gets put in the movie? Do they just pick and choose or has Tolkien written actual books (other than the hobbit) that deal with LOTR characters?

[Derrida]

I'd love to see Peter Jackson direct both films but as you know he is only rumored to produce them.

So the question is - who do you like to see in the director's chair?

Guillermo del Toro? Sam Raimi? Terry Gilliam? Uwe Boll?

By the way, judging by the confusion in the posts above, two separate films will be made- The Hobbit and another film that isn't The Hobbit but a standalone film that bridges the gap between The Hobbit and LOTR.

[Superplasmatron]

http://quicksilverscreen.com/watch?video=17807

heres the cartoon version to watch online.

[DarkKnight81]

I always thought Sam Raimi was a good choice but after seeing Spiderman 3 I'm not so sure any more.

[dannywalker17]

Just because PJ is not set to direct at this point, doesn't mean he's not going to. It's still a good year away before shooting is set to begin.

[Monotreme]

http://blog.wired.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/06/20/et_computer_kid_happy_surprised2.jpg

Best movie-related news of recent months?!?! You BET!!! It would be even better if PJ takes the helm for this one, but even if he gets someone else, I'm sure as producer he'll be on set and active in the production and will of course bring in Weta to deliver the revolutionary production and special effects work they did in the LOTR trilogy. Great, great, great news indeed!!!!!

[Jimbo513]

Do they just pick and choose or has Tolkien written actual books (other than the hobbit) that deal with LOTR characters?


That explains most of the ignorance in this thread.

[Shockwave]

That explains most of the ignorance in this thread.

please jesus, forgive them.:rolleyes: Not everyone is so knee-deep into this shit.

[FLAME_ON]

Not everyone is so knee-deep into this shit.

Haha no shit... But moving on, for a director, Guillermo del Toro would seem to be the most appropriate based on the style and tone Jackson has already established for the cinematic Middle Earth.

[Shockwave]

Great pick FLAME_ON!

Del Torro would be a wonderful choice, and one of the few who i feel could "do his own thing" and keep the feel of the other movies intact.:cool:

[king_verhoeven]

It looks like PJ will only produce:
http://www.comingsoon.net/news/hobbitnews.php?id=40333

Well let the speculation begin. Who's up to the mighty task? For me Del Toro is the number one pick. Cuaron seems also a good choice but I've only seen HP3 of him. However that is my favourite movie out of all the HP flicks. But who else is a serious option?? But since PJ gets to pick the director, this probably will be in good hands. And if PJ doesn't like what ever the director is doing, he could still decide to take the matter into his own hands

[adamjohnson]

1) Why is this 2 films? If each LOTR books can be one film (and, really, ROTK was 1 & 1/2) surely the Hobbit, which is shorter, should be one film.

2) I'm glad PJ isn't directing. The Hobbit is a very different beast than LOTR, I think. There shouldn't be any decapitations or other 'adult' things in the Hobbit. It's made for a much younger audience.

But, as Executive Producer, you can bet The Hobbit will still look/feel just like LOTR.

[AndrewDB]

I want either Alfonso Cuaron, or Del Toro.

Cuaron did a masterful job with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and since then has been one of my favorite directors. Del Toro just rocks on anything he touches.. so either of those two.

Sam Rami, I'm not really in the mood for because of what he did to SpiderMan 3.
(I hated it, and I don't want to turn this into a SpiderMan 3 sucked/rocked thread fight.. lets just get over the fact that I dislike him as a director now.)

[DareDevil]

Jackson involved is better than no Jackson of course... but he does need to direct.

As for a replacment the only one I agree with is Alfonso Cuaron so far... he is easily one of the most talented filmmakers working.

Ridley Scott would be next choice probaly.

[james-88]

Who cares if hes gonna produce. He NEEDS TO DIRECT IT. come on and get this thing done right new line.

[ScaryFreak1827]

Who cares if hes gonna produce. He NEEDS TO DIRECT IT. come on and get this thing done right new line.

I agree but at least he's involved in some way (a director like Cuaron or Del Toro could still do an amazing job.) The only thing I'm really hoping for at this point is that they retain the same cast. I want to see McKellan back as Gandalf and Serkis as Gollum! I doubt Holms would be able to do young Bilbo but... Who knows!

[dreamcurls]

eh
:/

[crodger]

That explains most of the ignorance in this thread.

Shit mate, I'm sorry I don't have your encylopaedic knowledge of Tolkein. I mean I realise that the man wrote many novels dealing with Middle Earth, but I don't much about the specifics of these stories other than LOTR and The Hobbit.

So, maybe someone else can help me. When these reports say that there will be a second film bridging events between The Hobbit and LOTR, what will they be basing the story on?

[Shockwave]

Anyone else read the front page that VARIETY is reporting on RAMI being the director for this?

I dont know what to think.

If it was after Spider-man 2, i would be excited as hell.

Now that ive seen Spider-man 3, im really luke-warm at best.

Man, i wish PJ wouldve just come back. At leat hell make sure there are no dance scenes.:(

[Monotreme]

Well I blame the writers, studio pressure and Raimi's obvious lack of enthusiasm for why Spidey 3 failed. I'm sure that with PJ producing and thus providing the production goods (and perhaps, hopefully, a screenplay along with Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens) - Raimi will be fine. Although I personally prefer Alfonso Cuaron. Just look to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban for every possible reason I could have for this support.

[king_verhoeven]

Well since the year of release for the first film will be 2010 there are only two periods that are possible: summer 2010 or Christmas 2010. Since all LOTR were christmas flicks they probably will release the first flick christmas 2010, just like all Star Wars flicks were summer releases. So that probably means that in november 2010 we probably will get LOTR on Bluray and/or HD DVD...damn that's a long wait.

[king_verhoeven]

Del Toro answers:

Source:http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2007/12/will-guillermo.html

This morning, just 24 hours after New Line and MGM announced that Peter Jackson will executive-produce The Hobbit and its sequel, EW met with Guillermo del Toro, the Oscar-nominated director of Pan’s Labyrinth, who is rumored to be a possible contender for taking the helm. Del Toro flew into New York from London (where he's in post-production on next year's Hellboy II) to do press for the Spanish ghost movie he exec-produced, The Orphanage. He gamely answered our Middle Earth queries.

EW: There’s been so much speculation about who will direct these movies. Have you been approached?
GUILLERMO DEL TORO: You know, I think I’ve been abroad too long. I’ve heard some rumblings, but nothing official. I don’t want to think about it because it’s such an eventuality. It’s the only Tolkien book I read. I tried my best to read Lord of the Rings, the trilogy. I could not. I could not. They were very dense. And then one day, I bought The Hobbit. I read it and I loved it. So it would be a privilege. But listen, I wish I knew. At this stage, after Hellboy II, I’m unemployed. [Laughs]

So when you hear about the project and your possible involvement, your reaction isn't: "Oh no way!"
No, no, no, not at all. I do get those reactions on other things. Many things where people say, "Well, what about you for this?" And I go, "No, that’s not a good match." But I met Peter and Fran [Walsh, Jackson's life/creative partner] when we were trying to do Halo. I think what they’re doing in New Zealand is amazing. What they’re doing, in terms of the way they approach filmmaking — the way I see it is, it’s Hollywood the way God intended it. Because it’s a filmmaker’s dream and a filmmaker's facility. So it’s heaven. The question is: Will I go to heaven? I have no idea.

The idea of you and Peter Jackson working together is enough to make every geek’s head explode.
It would make my head explode! But you know, I think it’s an eventuality. I would love to, but as my agent says, "You’re currently unemployed." [Laughs]

[Shockwave]

His window is open! Take the chance NEW LINE! Do something smart!

[APzombie]

Del Toro in middle earth is legions better than the idea of Jackson returning.

[Shockwave]

While i completey disagree, i do think its a much better fit then RAIMI.:(

[Cronos]

I would actually be all over this if Del Toro directed it, I don't really see that happening though :(

[pg13myass]

Even before they settled the suit, Jackson has always expressed that he'd break the Hobbit's story into 2 installments. Even though he's only planning on 'producing' this, he's still going ahead with his initial idea of expanding and fixing the continuity of the LOTR story and universe by going back to the back stories that Tolkien written in the appendices. And, when he did do LOTR, as well already know, he made the changes he did because of continuity issues throughout the book.

So, his approach to the Hobbit is going to be no different.

As for the 'perfect' director to take Jackson's place? Definitely a tough call. And Raimi is definitely not my choice as runner-up. After the debacle that is Spider Man 3, he can't handle a huge cast. Although I do enjoy the options of 1)Cuaron, 2)Del Toro, 3)Gilliam and my favorite candidate 4)Ridley Scott. Legend proved he is great at creating the world that Tolkien created. He'd do it some justice!

[dannywalker17]

I'd be happy with Cuaron, Del Toro, or Ridley Scott. My confidence in Raimi is gone.

I'm just glad that PJ will be onboard to write (hopefully) and make sure the production design is compatible with LOTR.

[Mr. Fred Krueger]

I love how people say that Raimi shouldn't make The Hobbit simply because they didn't care for one movie he made. While Spider-man 3 didn't quite reach the level of the first two (though I still think it's a fun film), that doesn't mean that he can't make The Hobbit as good or better than his other big ventures.

That's like saying Spielberg shouldn't have been attached to Schindler's List or Jurassic Park just because 1941 sucked balls.

[bigred760]

Haha no shit... But moving on, for a director, Guillermo del Toro would seem to be the most appropriate based on the style and tone Jackson has already established for the cinematic Middle Earth.

I completely agree. While I still want PJ to direct, if he doesn't (and it looks like he won't), del Toro is the perfect replacement/successor to direct. If not him, maybe Raimi would be my second choice.

[Criminal Rock]

http://joblo.com/del-toro-on-hobbit

Ki-yie!!!

Good news, indeed.

I should be in or around New Zealand in 2009, I should try and get on the project.

[NuclearMisfit]

I cant wait to see what he does with Smaug the poor thing will probably have 6 eyes and 2 will be on his hands in Del Toro like fashion.

[DarkElfa]

I cant wait to see what he does with Smaug the poor thing will probably have 6 eyes and 2 will be on his hands in Del Toro like fashion.

Indeed and Gandolf will have tentacles.

[tbone]

this sounds like a great marriage

[Cronos]

That's damn good news, there's no way this can get screwed up with Jackson and del Toro teaming up on it.

[APzombie]

Del Toro in middle earth is legions better than the idea of Jackson returning.

stand by it.

[Shockwave]

Im doing a happy dance with this news.

With all the shit horror movies his studio is putting out, and the crap-fest Spider-man 3 turned out to be, i didnt want Raimi anywhere near this.

[MickeyKnox]

Guillermo Del Toro directing The Hobbit is very cool but i wish the studios would let him direct his adaptation of At The Mountains Of Madness, this would be awesome, but if they give Del Toro a huge budget for this as they probably will, then i will have to say it will be amazing.

[dannywalker17]

Good news, but I wish PJ, Fran Walsh, and Phillippa Boyens were returning to script it. I'm not sure I trust anyone else, especially with them splitting this in two.

[Scarfather]

Smaug = Tom Waits

[corran horn]

Good news, but I wish PJ, Fran Walsh, and Phillippa Boyens were returning to script it. I'm not sure I trust anyone else, especially with them splitting this in two.

As I understand it, PJ will contribute to the writing, and I wouldn't be surprised if the others join in too.

Something has to be clarified about these 2 films: they ARE NOT splitting the Hobbit in two. The first film will cover the events of the Hobbit while the other will set the stage for LOTR. It isn't as if there's a lack of material; Tolkein wrote volumes of supplementary material. Some events that could be covered: the drowning of Frodo's parents, Aragorn's youth and service in Rohan and Gondor (under the name Thorongil), Saruman's descent into madness, dwarven attempts to reclaim Moria, the White Council (I'm still not clear on what this was, but it was a major event). There's a cornucopia of stories that, if put together properly, would make a great film.

[dellamorte dellamore]

They definitely found the right guy to direct , because i feel in certain respects , Del Toro has the same sensabilities as Jackson , especially when it comes to visuals . I would have liked Pj to direct , but i'm not complaining about Dt, it should be just as great .

If you remember , there were multiple units shooting Lotr , and they turned out fine , i'm sure Jackson will be running around like mad checking up on everyone when he gets the chance , but it's in good hands , so no need to fret .


I love the idea of the Hobbit being one film and a second film that bridges the timeline to the Lotr . It has the potential to be anticlimactic though , considering what happens at the end of the Hobbit with Laketown and Smaug , and the battle of the five armies , i think it was called , between the wargs , eagles , orcs , elves and such .

I'm sure they can think of some way to end the second film on a high note somehow , there is loads of material to work with as Corran has stated .