Official THE HOBBIT thread! [Archive] - Movie Fan Central Discussion Forums

electriclite

05-28-2008, 01:45 PM

I RAISE YOU BACK TO LIIIIIIIIIFE!!!!!

Wading Through the Peter Jackson–Guillermo del Toro ‘Hobbit’ Chat (http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2008/05/wading_through_the_peter_jacks.html?om_u=ADy9m9&om_i=_BIPVUtB7RIngKJ&aid=388690249&mid=2068089312&time=1211979053&issue=_BIPVUtB7RIngKJ)

This weekend The Hobbit's director Guillermo del Toro and producer Peter Jackson sat down for an online chat to answer fans' questions about the upcoming Tolkien adaptation and its sequel, Hobbits Take Manhattan. In the end the two bearded auteurs answered 60 questions, which means the transcript is endless, as long as the frigging Silmarillion. We combed through it to find the most interesting tidbits for fans like us who, though we're interested in the movies, don't care if the new movies will use "extensive matte paintings and 'big-atures' to portray the vast panoramas and cities of Middle-earth."

After the jump, find out if actors from Lord of the Rings will return, if Peter Jackson will direct any of The Hobbit, if the second movie will be a 60-year history, and why the dragon in The Hobbit should be even more awesome than Vermitrax Pejorative from Dragonslayer.

How will The Hobbit movies stand in relation to the Lord of the Rings movies?

Del Toro: THE HOBBIT is, in essence, an overture to a massive Symphonic work so main themes are reprised but new modulations and new colors are introduced, thematically and texturally.

Jackson: I love Guillermo's symphonic allusion. The "overture" can have a different flavour, a different texture, yet be a carefully crafted introduction to what's to follow. Film Two is perfect to dramatise the shift in Middle-earth that propells us into the dark days of LOTR. If LOTR is World War One, then the Hobbit is like an Edwardian adventure tale, set in the days before world notices the looming storm clouds.

How awesome will the dragon be?

Del Toro: Although its always impossible to agree on the "greatest" of anything, I bring forth these two as the main film contenders for that title: Eyvind Earle / Disney's Maleficent dragon ( a triumph of elegance of color and design) and Vermitrax Pejorative from Dragonslayer.

In my opinion, every other design has borrowed heavily from these two. I plan to create something new and groundbreaking.

Smaug should not be "the Dragon in the Hobbit movie" as if it was just "another" creature in a Bestiary. Smaug should be "The DRAGON" for all movies past and present.

Might Jackson step in and direct some scenes in the Hobbit movies?

Jackson: Guillermo always shoots his own material, so we'll do our best to construct a schedule that allows him to do that. It will depend a lot on how the scripts break down.

I'd happily shot some second unit stuff, anytime Guillermo asked me to. But let's see what happens.

So what will be in that second movie, anyway?

Jackson: The Hobbit is interesting in how Tolkien created a feeling of dangerous events unfolding, which preoccupy Gandalf. There's an awful lot of incident that happens during that 60 year gap. At this stage, we're not imagining a film that literally covers 60 years, like a bio-pic or documentary. We would figure out what happens during that 60 years, and choose one short section of time to drop in and dramatise for the screen.

What will the second movie's title be?

Del Toro: Too early- but not "H2 Electric Boogaloo" that has been discarded.

Will actors (other than Ian McKellen, who's already been announced) from the Lord of the Rings movies reprise their roles?

Del Toro: Obviously, at this stage, the second film is still being figured out- so the actors that have been approached may or not have appeared in the HOBBIT as a literary work but still may appear in the second film as it “blends” into the Trilogy and expands. Therefore what can be said is: Unequivocally, every single actor that originated a role in the Trilogy will be asked to participate and reprise it. If Health, availability or willigness become obstacles – and only in that case recasting would be considered.

Jackson: Like Guillermo says, apart from extreme circumstances, we would never recast a character who appeared in the LOTR trilogy. You can read The Hobbit and pretty much see which characters play a part. The unknown facter is Film Two, which we are still developing. If we wished to write one of the LOTR characters into the narrative of Film Two, we would only do that with that actors blessing, and willingess to take part. Otherwise we'd take the writing in another direction.

Will Gollum make an appearance? Will he be played by Andy Serkis?

Del Toro: Yes! As all of you know, Gollum has a rather fascinating arch to go through and his alliance to Shelob or his period of imprisonment in Thranduil's, etc but it is early still- so early in fact that to reveal more would tie our hands and be counterproductive. There can never be "too much Andy."

dellamorte dellamore

05-28-2008, 06:42 PM

It's never too early to get excited about the Hobbit film adaptation and it's subsequent follow up that will chronicle the timespan between the events in the Hobbit and Lotr , but i seriously want to pace myself , or else i'll become fatigued too soon .

I was thinking something a bit mad , can Connery fit anywhere in these films . I know Mckellan is reprising his role as The Grey Pilgrim , but somehow , i just hope they can get Connery off his island and find even a small role for him .

If anything he can at least maybe do dubbing , so at least his voice will be there and his presence will be felt . Or maybe he can play an Orc lord or an Elf King of the forest , or hold on man , Beorn ?

I just want this guy in this series of films somehow , because he was the first choice for Gan , but he refused because of the time it would take to complete principal photography , he didn't want to spend almost 2 years in NZ , but man , no matter how much i love what Ian did with this , i'm still curious as to what Connery would have brought to the character .

I get giddy just thinking about all the scenes from the book , the five armies battle , the Laketown assault , the whole Lonely mountain escapade , bilbo finding the ring , and his escape from the mountain , the spider assault in the forest . Then , if that's not enough , we'll see things that were only hinted at in the book , when the second film comes out , it seriously doesn't get any better than that .

Hey , at least people won't be able to complain about comparisons to the book , with regards to the second film .

king_verhoeven

05-29-2008, 03:56 AM

For me the LOTR trilogy is still the highlight of the 00's decade. No other film in the years since ROTK have come close to that level of filmmaking. It seems to me that the 90's were a lot more memorable movie-wise. The only film that can surpass LOTR in this decade is Cameron's Avatar but that remains a question mark.

Now Del Toro & Jackson can make the first highlight of the 01's decade. The Hobbit will be insanely huge, Phantom Menace huge in its build up. I will try to NOT read every single detail about preproduction etc. since I know from previous films that it does affect how you enjoy a movie, and not in a positive way. Overall this will be THE movie for me too watch out for in the upcoming years.

jdparker

05-29-2008, 04:31 AM

I think they should call the 2nd movie "There and Back Again" since I'm assuming that they will actually arrive and well.. return... in the second flick. it seems like an obvious choice to me.

X-Nightcrawler

05-29-2008, 04:39 AM

Althuogh I'm not really looking forward to this, I'm absolutely impressed by the care that's being put to it. Guillermo del Toro fucking rocks and I couldn't be happier he landed this gig. He won't disappoint.

project 86

05-29-2008, 06:43 PM

If the studio brass have their way, it appears that James McAvoy may be heading to Middle Earth. According to Daily Express, an insider has told the London newspaper that James McAvoy is being highly touted for the role of Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit.

"A number of names have privately been doing the rounds, including Daniel Radcliffe and Jack Black but James is the one the film's bosses really want," said the newspaper's source. He went on to add, "They're expected to have talks with him soon so hopefully it could be confirmed in the not too distant future."

Director Guillermo del Toro wouldn't comment on the news, but he did offer that, while recently meeting with Peter Jackson, "I can tell you it's down to a few names that we all agree upon. For our first choice, completely magically, we all said the same name."

We'll have more information as it unfolds. The Hobbit is still in early stages of pre-production and the film won't start production until sometime in 2009. The film is slated for release in December of 2011.

dellamorte dellamore

05-29-2008, 06:51 PM

Wait a minute , i thought it scheduled for a Christmas 2010 release .

And what , Shia Labeof hasn't been mentioned , he's in every other film now :) . Just please no Radcliffe , it's enough he's in the Potter series , i seriously wouldn't want to see him in middle earth also .

corran horn

05-29-2008, 09:55 PM

bigred760

05-30-2008, 09:57 AM

Personally, I think James McAvoy would be an excellent Bilbo. He is every inch a hobbit, especially his hair (may not even need a wig). Plus, as Atonement and Last King of Scotland proved, he can certainly act. That said, I would not be against Martin Freeman as Bilbo. If I were Mac, I'd take seize this opportunity.

That's not bad . . . I'd get on board for that.

I'm just glad this is finally on track . . . especially since there was all that legal trouble with Jackson and New Line a few years back. I'm glad that Jackson is still involved, and that Guillermo del Toro is taking over the directing reigns nad has a "full steam ahead" mentality.

miguel_montes

05-31-2008, 07:59 PM

How about this guy, Martin Freeman?

http://katietoms.files.wordpress.com/2007/06/the_late_dentarthurdent.jpg

CyclicNightmare

05-31-2008, 10:18 PM

I'd bloody love for it to be Freeman. I loved him in The Office and I thought Hitchhiker's would make him a household name to American audiences. Now is the time- he'd be perfect for Bilbo.

That said, I doubt it'll be him.

dannywalker17

06-02-2008, 02:38 AM

I'm a huge fan of McAvoy, but Freeman sure does look a lot like Holm.

http://media.movieweb.com/galleries/2455/2063/lo/co1.jpg

http://www.pr.com/upload/article_attachment_1191294771.jpg

denkbat

06-02-2008, 05:10 AM

Del Toro in the live chat:"Therefore what can be said is: Unequivocally, every single actor that originated a role in the Trilogy will be asked to participate and reprise it. If Health, availability or willigness become obstacles – and only in that case recasting would be considered."So, since everybody is re-casting Bilbo, has Ian Holm turned down that role, or is his age (health) too great of an obstacle?

I love the suggestions of McAvoy and Freeman, but we did already see Holm as young Bilbo finding the ring in "Fellowship"...

AndrewDB

06-02-2008, 05:24 AM

Del Toro in the live chat:So, since everybody is re-casting Bilbo, has Ian Holm turned down that role, or is his age (health) too great of an obstacle?

I think Holm may be too old to reprise it.

--

This excites me though, it means we'll be seeing Hugo Weaving again as Elrond if he has the time.

AndrewDB

06-02-2008, 05:27 AM

I'd bloody love for it to be Freeman. I loved him in The Office and I thought Hitchhiker's would make him a household name to American audiences.

Don't forget how poorly the Hitchhiker's movie was received in the states Cyclic.

I think Del Toro is looking at big names people actually will recognize and have some respect for.

corran horn

06-02-2008, 05:23 PM

Now Del Toro & Jackson can make the first highlight of the 01's decade. The Hobbit will be insanely huge, Phantom Menace huge in its build up. I will try to NOT read every single detail about preproduction etc. since I know from previous films that it does affect how you enjoy a movie, and not in a positive way. Overall this will be THE movie for me too watch out for in the upcoming years.

I think you mean the '10s decade. '01's decade is currently transpiring.

bigred760

06-02-2008, 05:35 PM

I think Del Toro is looking at big names people actually will recognize and have some respect for.

I don't know; several of the actors in the LOTR weren't that big or recognizeable when they were cast. Both McAvoy and Freeman would do great as Bilbo Baggins and I don't think how "big" or "popular" they are should matter; if they're right for the role, then they should be cast.

And Ian Holm is too old for the role. It would be hard to believe if he reprised the role as a younger Bilbo; his one stint as the young Bilbo in Fellowship worked because it was the one scene. But I don't think they could pull it off for two movies.

Gullom

07-10-2008, 02:54 PM

Hobbit Update:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=2P0dTo0yNpQ&feature=user (http://youtube.com/watch?v=2P0dTo0yNpQ&feature=user)

biff_debris

07-10-2008, 05:11 PM

OMG, Tumnus as Bilbo ftw!

FireCaptain4

07-10-2008, 05:17 PM

I was thinking something a bit mad , can Connery fit anywhere in these films . I know Mckellan is reprising his role as The Grey Pilgrim , but somehow , i just hope they can get Connery off his island and find even a small role for him.

Oh, yes!!! I feel like one of the biggest Connery fans alive and would love to see him pop up in The Hobbit movies. Even if he showed up running through the New Zealand countryside, wearing a red speedo, boots, and rocking a ponytail- I'd still love it.

adamjohnson

07-11-2008, 01:03 AM

Oh, yes!!! I feel like one of the biggest Connery fans alive and would love to see him pop up in The Hobbit movies. Even if he showed up running through the New Zealand countryside, wearing a red speedo, boots, and rocking a ponytail- I'd still love it.

He retired from acting. He didnt even come back for Indy 4.

He was offered the role of Gandalf before McKellan. He didnt understand it and declined it.

FireCaptain4

07-11-2008, 01:34 AM

He retired from acting. He didnt even come back for Indy 4.

He was offered the role of Gandalf before McKellan. He didnt understand it and declined it.

Oh yeah, I already know about his retirement. Spielberg practically begged him to come back for Indy 4 but he responded by saying he just enjoyed retirement too much.

Connery has always been "out there" and I admire that genius Scottish bastard. Viva la Connery!

thedudeman69

07-11-2008, 01:38 AM

Oh yeah, I already know about his retirement. Spielberg practically begged him to come back for Indy 4 but he responded by saying he just enjoyed retirement too much.

Connery has always been "out there" and I admire that genius Scottish bastard. Viva la Connery!

He is like the Gary Busey of Old People

http://youtube.com/watch?v=etmHaeaNsCw

ftw

FireCaptain4

07-11-2008, 01:47 AM

He is like the Gary Busey of Old People

http://youtube.com/watch?v=etmHaeaNsCw

ftw

"The day is mine!"

Kudos to you, sir!

Gullom

04-15-2009, 02:05 PM

Don't forget how poorly the Hitchhiker's movie was received in the states Cyclic.

I think Del Toro is looking at big names people actually will recognize and have some respect for. I'm trying to drive that accursed movie from my memory still. I hated that movie (Hitchhikers). I thought is was awful.

APzombie

04-15-2009, 02:09 PM

How about this guy, Martin Freeman?

http://katietoms.files.wordpress.com/2007/06/the_late_dentarthurdent.jpg

Martin Freeman would be excellent casting. Though i don't know if he is too old by now.

Heisenberg

04-15-2009, 02:32 PM

How about Shia LeBouf? :D

Gullom

04-15-2009, 02:34 PM

How about Shia LeBouf? :DIsn't he contractually obligated to swear in every movie???

bigred760

04-16-2009, 10:14 AM

Martin Freeman would be excellent casting. Though i don't know if he is too old by now.

Well . . . Bilbo turned 111 in the Lord of the Rings. I think they can work around Martin Freeman.

adamjohnson

04-16-2009, 01:03 PM

Well . . . Bilbo turned 111 in the Lord of the Rings. I think they can work around Martin Freeman.

The original Bilbo would still work fine.

APzombie

04-16-2009, 04:50 PM

Well . . . Bilbo turned 111 in the Lord of the Rings. I think they can work around Martin Freeman.

hahaha, fair enough.

FireCaptain4

06-12-2009, 02:05 PM

Source:

In unsurprising but awesome news, busy man Guillermo del Toro confirmed today some of what most fans have been expecting for a long time in regards to some role reprisals in The Hobbit by a few of our favorite actors and characters from the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

According to del Toro in a BBC Radio interview with regards to The Hobbit, Hugo Weaving will again be playing Lord Elrond, Sir Ian McKellen will be back as our favorite bearded wizard, Gandalf the Grey, and last but not least, the talented Andy Serkis will be back as Gollum.

Last week, del Toro revealed that they’ve narrowed down the candidates of who will play Bilbo Baggins to just one and that we’d likely be hearing about that soon. With these casting confirmations today, and updates of the movie popping up seemingly on a weekly basis, I expect we’ll find out who our little Hobbit will be fairly soon, or at the very latest, at San Diego Comic Con next month.

The BBC Radio interview didn’t just focus on who’s playing who though, del Toro also again talked about how the films will be split up with no ‘bridge’ film, and what they’ll focus on (which we reported on last week):

“There is a whole other chapter, so to speak, which is the comings and going of Gandalf which are dealt with, people that know the lore know that Gandalf was delayed with a crisis… with a character that is very shady called the Necromancer that proves to be Sauron.”

Another tidbit of info del Toro revealed is that after eight months of working on the design for Smaug the dragon, they’ve just hit on the basics of his engineering and it’ll be probably another half a year at least, before they’re able to show him off in detail.

Guillermo’s conversation with host Simon Mayo also touched on a few of his many projects listed in development. Here are some of the key points:

*Hellboy 3 is unlikely due to Ron Perlman being averse to wearing the prosthetics again.
*He’ll be producing, not directing, Jekyll and Hyde
*He’ll be directing Frankenstein and his one of his go-to guys, Doug Jones, will play the monster.
*Blade 4 with Wesley Snipes won’t happen because of legal issues between *Snipes and New Line, so del Toro won’t be directing it.
That’s it for now. Stay tuned for more updates on The Hobbit and Guillermo del Toro’s many other projects.

What do you think of these updates and are you excited to see some familiar faces returning to The Hobbit?

The first of The Hobbit films is due out in December, 2011 and the second in December, 2012.

If you want to see another article conserning it with some different details, /Film has another article over the same BBC interview: http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/06/11/guillermo-del-toro-confirms-hugo-weaving-for-the-hobbit-and-much-more/

No Hellboy 3? Damnit!

I can't wait to hear who this Bilbo actor is.

Danger^Cart

06-12-2009, 02:18 PM

I think Del Toro is looking at big names people actually will recognize and have some respect for.

When has Del Toro ever even remotely cared about that?

I wouldn't say I'm excited for this, but I'm way more intrested than I would be if Jackson was directing.

Common Sense Man

06-12-2009, 02:33 PM

Wow its good to get back into the Tolkien Universe again.

I think your guys suggestions for Bilbo would be cool, Freeman may be a bit old but he does have the look and we all know that Bilbo realistically is more of a bumbler than an action hero type. So to see him played by the latest trendy 20 something hunk would be kind of sad, he needs character and the ability to play the goofball.

Del Toro is the man and I can't wait until we can see Smaug, was just talking about Dragonslayer the other day and that design is awesome. So if its going to be something new with elements of that it should rock. Wait what am I saying PJ is attached to this...awesomeness is assured!

Can't wait for the casting news.

Out...........................

APzombie

07-17-2009, 12:07 AM

Rumor is they will announce Biblo at comic con.

i fully expect these Hobbit films to be better than LotR. A lighter tone with a better filmmaker behind the camera.

As far as casting goes, i've really gotten used to Martin Freeman (Hitchhicker's Guide, original Office, Love Actually) for Biblo. Especially now, I think he is perfect. I really, really like the idea of David Tennant too. I absolutely hate the idea of James McAvory. I never minded him until Wanted, where he annoyed the crap out of me that kind of tainted his image.

dellamorte dellamore

07-18-2009, 01:39 AM

I only wsh the Hobbt was done first , because t sets up Lotr so effectively , i have to admit i'm as excited about these upcoming films as anyone , but there s a lingering sense of the anticlimactic .

The Hobbit's narrative isn't as epic as Lotr's and the stakes are much lower for the characters .

Really the big battle is Laketown and Smaug's demise when he attacks the place . Then you have the battle of the 5 armies , but really these are mere setups for the events in Lotr .

It's going to be great , but , it's narrative scope is much smaller than Lotr .

No matter , i'll be there opening day for both , watching each new Lotr installment became an annual event for me and my family , this will be no different .

Just some thoughts :

Hope they get Howard Shore to compose again , it's a must .

I can hear the applause already when the Gman makes his first appearance .

One of these films will cross 1 billion worldwide .

I hope they expand on the narrative and implement elements from the Silmarillion somehow ( disappointed that they won't be doing a bridge move that takes place between the end of the hobbit and the start of Lotr .

Still think they can convince Connery to play Beorn .

Can't wait to see Laketown and the Mirkwood forest .

John Galt

07-18-2009, 02:57 AM

This will only be worth waiting for if they capture when Gandalf and Saruman et al go after The Necromancer(aka Sauron) at Dol Guldor in Mirkwood Forest.

What a battle.

corran horn

07-18-2009, 06:01 PM

APzombie

07-18-2009, 10:30 PM

The Hobbit's narrative isn't as epic as Lotr's and the stakes are much lower for the characters .

Really the big battle is Laketown and Smaug's demise when he attacks the place . Then you have the battle of the 5 armies , but really these are mere setups for the events in Lotr .

It's going to be great , but , it's narrative scope is much smaller than Lotr .

That's actually a big reason why i'm looking forward to it more than i did with the LotR. In my opinion they overdid the stakes with LotR at points, for example (and forgive me because i suck with names in this universe) but the way they introduced that huge fucker in Return of the King seemed incredibly forced to me. They get Gandolf to say something along the lines of "Impending doom! They haven't unleashed their most vicious creature imaginable!" a five minute long tirade building up the "bad assery" of some guy only to have the daughter of the king beat it's ass in a second to have a corny 'i'm a woman!' line thrown in. For the full experience, the LotR films really beat the "impending doom" drum like a dead horse over and over again. We get it. The shit is serious. But that didn't stop Gandolf, Argorn or Frodo from widening their eyes every ten minutes and acting like they didn't have a clue as to how serious the stakes were until just that second.

I expect comedy in The Hobbit. I'd like to see the production value and attention to detail in middle earth in a capacity other than building up to the next battle sequence.

dellamorte dellamore

07-19-2009, 12:17 PM

You mean the leader of the Nazgul the Witchking . I agree he went down faster than a cheerleader in a men's locker room , but that was a minor complaint for me . It was the overall war for Middle Earth and the struggle for Men and Hobbits ( the Elves were leaving for Valinor , some merely stayed to help the Men and Hobbits or to be with a loved one ) to survive the onslaught of fell beasts where the real stakes were felt .

I disagree about the wide eyed looks , that's where most of the tension was felt , the prospect of their world being destroyed and taken over by Sauron and his minions , i imagine , would have scared the piss out of anyone .

When they faced danger , the reactions were priceless , love the scene in the tomb of Balin , the setup , the suspense , and everyone's reaction , especially Gandalph , he knew how precrious the situation was when Pippin knock over the armor and alerted the orcs to their presence . That's only a small example of the tension that pervades throughout the series and it increases as the story goes on , culminating at the gates of mount doom .

There is nothing in the Hobbit to rival that , thematically or in a narrative sense . The Hobbit was always meant to be the introduction to the events that would shape the 3rd age , a sort of side story to the Lotr , at least that's how i see it .

Sure , we'll see Mirkwood forest and the attack of the Spiders that lurk there ( precursor to Shelob ), the battle of the 5 armies with the Eagles and such ( see how it leads into what happens in Rotk with their saving of Frodo and Sam ), we'll see Smaug attack Laketown , we get to see dwarves arguing with each other , we get Bilbo wandering around the interior of the Misty Mountains and outsmarting Gollum ( and later on he outsmarts Smaug in the Lonely mountain), this will all be terrific , but it's anticlimactic .

There's no doubt , the story itself is a more intimate affair because the group is together most of the time , unlike Lotr where they split after Fotr and finally reunite in Rotk , but The Hobbit , in a narrative sense , should be experienced first .

Hope that Gandalph and Saruman battle with Sauron thing is true , man that sounds so sweet .

I'm confident , we'll get more than what's in the books , unlike the Potter series , Pj isn't looking to take things out , he adds them :)

corran horn

07-20-2009, 10:02 AM

That's actually a big reason why i'm looking forward to it more than i did with the LotR. In my opinion they overdid the stakes with LotR at points, for example (and forgive me because i suck with names in this universe) but the way they introduced that huge fucker in Return of the King seemed incredibly forced to me. They get Gandolf to say something along the lines of "Impending doom! They haven't unleashed their most vicious creature imaginable!" a five minute long tirade building up the "bad assery" of some guy only to have the daughter of the king beat it's ass in a second to have a corny 'i'm a woman!' line thrown in. For the full experience, the LotR films really beat the "impending doom" drum like a dead horse over and over again. We get it. The shit is serious. But that didn't stop Gandolf, Argorn or Frodo from widening their eyes every ten minutes and acting like they didn't have a clue as to how serious the stakes were until just that second.

I expect comedy in The Hobbit. I'd like to see the production value and attention to detail in middle earth in a capacity other than building up to the next battle sequence.

I don't think you can blame Jackson entirely for that. That's just the way Tolkein wrote the books. He did overdo certain things, and his dialogue bordered on atrocious at times. As for the characters' reactions, heck, I'd probably be the same way. It's one thing to talk about impending threats. It's a whole different thing to see them in person.

As for comedy, I hope Del Toro doesn't overdo it (and I don't think he will). The tone should be lighter than LOTR and Pan's Labyrinth, but definitely more serious than the Hellboy films.

adamjohnson

07-20-2009, 11:38 AM

You mean the leader of the Nazgul the Witchking . I agree he went down faster than a cheerleader in a men's locker room , but that was a minor complaint for me .

Has no one seen the extended cut? He whoops up on Gandalf and breaks his staff.

dellamorte dellamore

07-21-2009, 10:38 PM

I have no idea why that was taken out of the theatrical version , that scene was / is an instant movie moment classic . It was a double edged sword , it showed just how powerful the Witchking was but in light of that he was underutilized and i agree , he looks like even more of a wussy when Eowyn takes him down . Some of these complaints are because of the book , not Pj , like someone has mentioned .

I still would have loved to see way more of the Witchking laying some leader of the nine beatdowns on everyone :)

bigred760

09-08-2009, 03:22 PM

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090908/en_nm/us_hobbit_1

Good news. It was probably only a matter of time, really . . . but still, it's good to hear.

FireCaptain4

09-08-2009, 04:18 PM

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090908/en_nm/us_hobbit_1

http://i26.tinypic.com/erbcdd.jpg

FireCaptain4

09-10-2009, 10:19 PM

I was beginning to think this would be one of those high-priority films that everyone wants to see happen but never gets made. Like Sin City 2.

ericdraven

09-10-2009, 10:32 PM

I was beginning to think this would be one of those high-priority films that everyone wants to see happen but never gets made. Like Sin City 2.

yeah, but does Sin City 2 have Peter Jackson behind it?

LordSimen

09-10-2009, 10:38 PM

I was beginning to think this would be one of those high-priority films that everyone wants to see happen but never gets made. Like Sin City 2.

Unfortunately that's looking like it's going to be the case. :(

corran horn

09-11-2009, 10:25 AM

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090908/en_nm/us_hobbit_1

Good news. It was probably only a matter of time, really . . . but still, it's good to hear.

Great to hear. I figured both sides would settle at some point, but I'm glad that dispute is over and done with.

Now, on to the casting...

APzombie

09-11-2009, 10:57 AM

at comic-con, Jackson said they needed the studio to green light the films that week when they turned in the first draft, he said things about production such as the announcements on casting and crew would come along "in about two or three months". Which puts us where we are today.

*Fingers crossed that they consider Martin Freeman for Biblo"

corran horn

09-11-2009, 07:38 PM

Apparently, Bilbo's birthday (in the Middle Earth universe) is September 26, so I would look for a casting announcement that weekend.

dellamorte dellamore

09-12-2009, 10:27 AM

Chace Crawford for Bilbo

Otis_Driftwood

11-15-2009, 11:29 AM

This is no doubt the most anticipated 2 movies of the next decade. My only problem is I'm clamoring for news and the crap is only coming out in a trickle! What gives? Of course I'm saying this now and will be beaten over the head with it over the next 3 years.

IQuitMrWhite

11-16-2009, 10:34 PM

So where the hell are the casting announcements? Jeebus Christy.

corran horn

11-17-2009, 10:40 AM

There's a rumor circulating that Brian Cox is under consideration for the role of a dwarf (Thorin maybe?).

http://screenrant.com/hobbit-casting-rumors-rob-34440/

bigred760

11-17-2009, 04:33 PM

Brian Cox would be awesome in a movie like this.

Otis_Driftwood

11-29-2009, 10:23 PM

Man are they draggin' ass on this or what? Hell, more info. was leaked during Watergate than this frickin' picture! How about a little juicy tidbit?

Johnni G

12-01-2009, 05:41 PM

Cant wait for this one to come out :)

dellamorte dellamore

12-01-2009, 06:10 PM

bigred760

12-04-2009, 09:18 AM

I want to see them shroud this production in as much secrecy as possible. I don't even want to know who gets cast until the trailer is released.

I want to go in totally stone cold sober spoiler free. I'm sick of all these details coming out 2 years before a film is even finished, it only ruins the experience. I trust they will do something great, im done for awhile in this thread.

I kind of agree. The less I know about a movie, the more excited I am to see it. I'm not the least bit bothered that they haven't announced any casting or any other details about the movie.

Otis_Driftwood

12-04-2009, 05:32 PM

Well, I can sort of agree to an extent on this. However, just a few up to date tidbits would be nice. Let's not hide everything.

smok3h

12-05-2009, 02:59 AM

I really hope it's not Martin Freeman or James McAvoy like so many of you want. They just seem like uninspired choices to me. I want another Heath Ledger as the Joker sort of announcement..

bigred760

12-05-2009, 08:22 AM

I really hope it's not Martin Freeman or James McAvoy like so many of you want. They just seem like uninspired choices to me. I want another Heath Ledger as the Joker sort of announcement..

I think Martin Freeman would be a great choice. I think Simon Pegg could pull it off too (though I doubt that will happen). I wouldn't mind a "dark horse" or an out-of-the-blue if in the end it turns out to be an inspired casting. I was wrong about Heath Ledger as the Joker, that's for sure.

APzombie

12-05-2009, 09:36 PM

bigred760

12-06-2009, 08:44 AM

a guy in on the casting has said Tom Waits is a near lock for the film

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/43285

fucking a. Del Torre, Brian Cox and Tom Waits on The Hobbit? I'm all over this film, and i never really cared for the other films.

Waits definitely has the look of someone who is from Middle Earth. This doesn't excite me as much as as the Brian Cox (unconfirmed) news though.

therealjohng

12-06-2009, 09:54 AM

So I heard this got delayed a year

Otis_Driftwood

12-06-2009, 10:41 AM

corran horn

12-07-2009, 11:13 AM

According to The One Ring.net, Peter Jackson is still pushing for a Christmas 2011 release date. As for Tom Waits...just what do they have in mind for him? A role as one of the dwarves? Perhaps as Smaug himself?

I'm curious about that as well. Other than the voice of Smaug, or maybe the Goblin King, I'm having a hard time picturing him as anyone else.

So I heard this got delayed a year

Not according to Peter Jackson: http://www.firstshowing.net/2009/12/05/peter-jackson-confirms-the-hobbit-will-still-be-out-in-2011/#comment-205977

I really hope it's not Martin Freeman or James McAvoy like so many of you want. They just seem like uninspired choices to me. I want another Heath Ledger as the Joker sort of announcement..

While McAvoy remains my top choice, I would be completely fine with an unknown. Who would your off-the-wall pick be?

Otis_Driftwood

12-07-2009, 04:47 PM

Off the wall? When you said that, the first person that jumped into this mixed up, mashed up mess that is my brain was none other than...Bruce Willis.

You said off the wall.

Otis_Driftwood

12-07-2009, 04:51 PM

I'm curious about that as well. Other than the voice of Smaug, or maybe the Goblin King, I'm having a hard time picturing him as anyone else

I also thought of the Elf King, Thranduil (Father of Legolas) as a possibility or the Master of Laketown. The Goblin King would be great as well. Thinking out loud...his voice would be great for Thorin Oakenshield. Just thinking out loud.

corran horn

12-09-2009, 12:58 PM

I also thought of the Elf King, Thranduil (Father of Legolas) as a possibility or the Master of Laketown. The Goblin King would be great as well. Thinking out loud...his voice would be great for Thorin Oakenshield. Just thinking out loud.

The master of Laketown is a possibility, but I'm not too sure about Thranduil. Last I heard, Doug Jones (GDT's answer to Andy Serkis) was angling for the role. Hopefully, we'll find out for sure soon after the new year.

corran horn

12-13-2009, 10:09 AM

Some words from GDT himself:

http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2009/12/11/34615-the-very-latest-on-the-hobbit-for-a-very-reliable-source/

I've read elsewhere that casting has begun, so that means we should be hearing about who'll be playing Bilbo, Thorin, etc sometime after the new year.

Otis_Driftwood

12-13-2009, 10:54 AM

I wonder what the big announcement that is to be made on Dec. 15th by the LOTR/Hobbit folks is all about? Anyone have an clues?

nickula11

12-24-2009, 07:17 AM

Freeman and McAvoy? two bland actors. I don't have a better choice but those two guys are horrible.

I'm most excited about Smaug.

overwatch

01-09-2010, 01:35 AM

I wonder if they'll re-title it, so it has better marketability. "The Lord of the Rings saga: The Hobbit"

Otis_Driftwood

01-09-2010, 11:55 AM

Well...I'm sure they'll be plenty of tie in adverts for sure. You can guarantee that.

john_rambo

01-13-2010, 02:27 AM

Johnny Depp as Bilbo Baggins? I think so!

dannywalker17

01-13-2010, 11:46 PM

My Casting:

BILBO - Martin Freeman (The Office UK, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy)
http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/yari_film/the_good_night/_group_photos/penelope_cruz5.jpg

GANDALF - Ian McKellen (duh)
http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/new_line_cinema/the_lord_of_the_rings__the_return_of_the_king/ian_mckellen/rings2.jpg

THORIN OAKENSHIELD - Ray Winstone (Beowulf, The Proposition)
http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/first_look/the_proposition/ray_winstone/prop.jpg

BALIN - Paul Giamatti
http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/warner_brothers/lady_in_the_water/paul_giamatti/ladyinthewater4.jpg

ELROND - Hugo Weaving (duh)
http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/new_line_cinema/the_lord_of_the_rings__the_fellowship_of_the_ring/hugo_weaving/rings.jpg

GOLLUM - Andy Serkis (duh)
http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/new_line_cinema/the_lord_of_the_rings__the_return_of_the_king/andy_serkis/king.jpg

THE GREAT GOBLIN - Danny Huston (The Aviator, 30 Days of Night)
http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/toronto/toronto_film_festival_2004_portrait_studio_photos/danny_huston/torontoportraitv.jpg

BEORN - Damian Lewis (Band of Brothers, Dreamcatcher, ABC's Life)
http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/warner_brothers/dreamcatcher/damian_lewis/dream2.jpg

ELVENKING OF MIRKWOOD - Leonard Nimoy
http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/walt_disney/atlantis__the_lost_empire/leonard_nimoy/atlantis.jpg

SMAUG - Gary Oldman (voice)
http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/warner_brothers/batman_begins/gary_oldman/batmanprec.jpg

dannywalker17

01-14-2010, 12:07 AM

BARD – Alec Newman (Dune Miniseries)
http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/tv_pix/sci_fi/children_of_dune_photos/alec_newman/dune5.jpg

LORD OF THE EAGLES - John Hurt (voice)
http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/ifc_films/beyond_the_gates/john_hurt/beyond1.jpg

IQuitMrWhite

01-14-2010, 02:51 PM

I second these notions! Great choices...

My Casting:

BILBO - Martin Freeman (The Office UK, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy)
http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/yari_film/the_good_night/_group_photos/penelope_cruz5.jpg

THORIN OAKENSHIELD - Ray Winstone (Beowulf, The Proposition)
http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/first_look/the_proposition/ray_winstone/prop.jpg

BALIN - Paul Giamatti
http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/warner_brothers/lady_in_the_water/paul_giamatti/ladyinthewater4.jpg

THE GREAT GOBLIN - Danny Huston (The Aviator, 30 Days of Night)
http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/toronto/toronto_film_festival_2004_portrait_studio_photos/danny_huston/torontoportraitv.jpg

BEORN - Damian Lewis (Band of Brothers, Dreamcatcher, ABC's Life)
http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/warner_brothers/dreamcatcher/damian_lewis/dream2.jpg

ELVENKING OF MIRKWOOD - Leonard Nimoy
http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/walt_disney/atlantis__the_lost_empire/leonard_nimoy/atlantis.jpg

SMAUG - Gary Oldman (voice)
http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/warner_brothers/batman_begins/gary_oldman/batmanprec.jpg

Otis_Driftwood

01-15-2010, 05:09 PM

Hey, how about Nimoy as the voice for Smaug? Just a thought.

The One Coz

02-03-2010, 05:32 AM

I cannot wait for these two movies to come out. Del Toro is living in New Zealand as I type this to work on these movies and his attention to detail will be second to none. He did an amazing job with the two Hellboy movies and with Pan's Labyrinth so I can't wait to see how these will turn out. I read he spent a YEAR already just getting Smaug to look the way he wants him! That is just awesome! With Peter Jackson helping out and all the resources of New Zealand in Weta workshop and Weta digital Del Toro must feel like a kid in a candy shop. These two movies based on the Hobbit will be coated in awesome sauce ;)

Gullom

03-18-2010, 12:53 PM

From http://www.imdb.com/news/ni1809286/

We’ve reported before about Peter Jackson (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001392/) talking up this summer as the planned start date for shooting The Hobbit. Now Gandalf himself – better known as Ian McKellen (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005212/) – has posted on his website that he’ll start shooting the first movie in July.While New Line has yet to make any official announcement about an official greenlight, the schedule or the cast, we’re frankly inclined to believe McKellen. He goes on to relate the following: “Filming will take over a year. Casting in Los Angeles, New York City and London has started. The script too proceeds. The first draft is crammed with old and new friends, again on a quest in Middle Earth. The director Guillermo del Toro (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0868219/) is now living in Wellington, close to the Jacksons' and the studio in Miramar. “Much of which we could have guessed, but when Gandalf tells you it’s happening, you listen.

docholiday_13

03-18-2010, 01:47 PM

Ian MacShane HAS to voice Smaug.

Other than that, I whole heartedly agree with Dannywalker17's choices.

I'm just glad this flick didn't get banished to pre production purgatory.

APzombie

03-18-2010, 01:53 PM

man i really dig martin freeman as bilbo. really dig him. its getting to the point where anyone else casted will initially disappoint

Jig Saw 123

03-18-2010, 02:57 PM

I really don't like the idea of Matthew Goode playing Bilbo, I mean sure they make the actor look a lot shorter then they actually are-but Goode is too tall and skinny.

Johnni G

03-19-2010, 08:34 AM

This movie has been long overdue...

Otis_Driftwood

03-26-2010, 08:32 PM

"We’ve reported before about Peter Jackson talking up this summer as the planned start date for shooting The Hobbit. Now Gandalf himself – better known as Ian McKellen – has posted on his website that he’ll start shooting the first movie in July.While New Line has yet to make any official announcement about an official greenlight, the schedule or the cast, we’re frankly inclined to believe McKellen. He goes on to relate the following: “Filming will take over a year. Casting in Los Angeles, New York City and London has started. The script too proceeds. The first draft is crammed with old and new friends, again on a quest in Middle Earth. The director Guillermo del Toro is now living in Wellington, close to the Jacksons' and the studio in Miramar. “Much of which we could have guessed, but when Gandalf tells you it’s happening, you listen."

And they're getting in full swing on the redesign and set up on the Hobbiton set.

http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2010/03/26/35759-hobbiton-construction-photos/

Bourne101

05-30-2010, 06:54 PM

http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2010/05/30/36920-guillermo-del-toro-departs-the-hobbit/
Guillermo Del Toro departs “The Hobbit"

by xoanon

Guillermo Del Toro announced today that he is no longer directing the two movies based on J.R.R Tolkien’s “The Hobbit”, but will continue to co-write the screenplays. Out of respect to the legions of loyal Tolkien fans, both Guillermo and Peter Jackson wanted to break the news to The One Ring first. They are both committed to protecting The Hobbit and will do everything in their power to ensure the films are everything that the fans want them to be.

“In light of ongoing delays in the setting of a start date for filming “The Hobbit,” I am faced with the hardest decision of my life”, says Guillermo. “After nearly two years of living, breathing and designing a world as rich as Tolkien’s Middle Earth, I must, with great regret, take leave from helming these wonderful pictures. I remain grateful to Peter, Fran and Philippa Boyens, New Line and Warner Brothers and to all my crew in New Zealand. I’ve been privileged to work in one of the greatest countries on earth with some of the best people ever in our craft and my life will be forever changed. The blessings have been plenty, but the mounting pressures of conflicting schedules have overwhelmed the time slot originally allocated for the project. Both as a co-writer and as a director, I wlsh the production nothing but the very best of luck and I will be first in line to see the finished product. I remain an ally to it and its makers, present and future, and fully support a smooth transition to a new director”.

“We feel very sad to see Guillermo leave the Hobbit, but he has kept us fully in the loop and we understand how the protracted development time on these two films, due to reasons beyond anyone’s control – has compromised his commitment to other long term projects”, says Executive Producer Peter Jackson. “The bottom line is that Guillermo just didn’t feel he could commit six years to living in New Zealand, exclusively making these films, when his original commitment was for three years. Guillermo is one of the most remarkable creative spirits I’ve ever encountered and it has been a complete joy working with him. Guillermo’s strong vision is engrained into the scripts and designs of these two films, which are extremely fortunate to be blessed with his creative DNA”.

“Guillermo is co-writing the Hobbit screenplays with Philippa Boyens, Fran Walsh and myself, and happily our writing partnership will continue for several more months, until the scripts are fine tuned and polished” says Jackson. “New Line and Warner Bros will sit down with us this week, to ensure a smooth and uneventful transition, as we secure a new director for the Hobbit. We do not anticipate any delay or disruption to ongoing pre-production work”.

The Hobbit is planned as two motion pictures, co-produced by New Line Cinema and MGM. They are scheduled for release in Dec 2012 and Dec 2013.

Uh oh.

Josh Tequila

05-30-2010, 09:00 PM

I've just read this myself. I wonder who will get the job now. Maybe PJ will take over after his mauling from The Lovely Bones,

Tyler_Durden_208

05-30-2010, 09:28 PM

I'm split on this. On one hand, I'm ecstatic that del Toro can actually get on some of his other projects now (please let it be At the Mountains of Madness), yet I am saddened that he won't be working on the film. It's no great loss to the project as it doesn't seem it will be moving forward for quite a while and I'm sure they'll have a great director by the time it's ready.

FireCaptain4

05-30-2010, 09:54 PM

DaveyJoeG

05-30-2010, 10:00 PM

Yeah, I liked the LOTR movies but wasn't really hyped about the Hobbit. I am also glad that Del Toro can move on to other projects.

echo_bravo

05-30-2010, 10:02 PM

http://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss140/bigbobbs/Gifs/c6425b5ea472d08848c6aec2ab09ca93ba1.gif

DaveyJoeG

05-30-2010, 10:03 PM

Sweet GIF, Echo! That looks like Season 5, episode 1. Greatest show ever.:cool:

APzombie

05-30-2010, 10:23 PM

Del Torro's involvement in The Hobbit was the only thing that made in interested in the project.

At least now he can start work on (hopefully) original material.

Otis_Driftwood

05-30-2010, 10:59 PM

JoeChar4321

05-30-2010, 11:51 PM

Yeah, I'm with Tyler. I'd like to see Guillermo get on the ball with both At the Mountains of Madness and Hellboy 3 now. Hell, I'd like to see him helm every single movie with a monster in it, but there's only so much Guillermo that can go around.

Personally, I'm hoping Guillermo Del Toro gets the Dr. Strange movie he was always talking about doing. Marvel should push that up and entice him now! We don't need to see any more Hellboy films at this time.

http://media.comicmix.com/media/2008/10/22/dr-strange.jpg

drc5145

05-31-2010, 12:14 AM

Somebody with the studios needs to get their cranium out of there anal cavity and either get MGM onboard or buy them out. Both these flicks are gonna make beaucoups of money, so they'll get there money back many times over. C'mon Warner, buy MGM out for Pete's sake.

I hate to see Del Toro out, but the man has got to feed his family. Is this a ploy by Jackson and Del Toro to get the studios to make a positive move? Who knows?

I agree. MGM are nuts to push off Bond and The Hobbit and now they shot their entire foot off. You had 2 A-list directors signed to direct your 2 flagship films (Sam Mendes on Bond 22 and Del Toro on The Hobbit) and they continually delayed them and fucked around until both guys said "fuck this"

Warner Bros. or Paramount should get on the move to buy the properties. They would easily plunk down the money to make both films.

dellamorte dellamore

05-31-2010, 01:22 AM

Damn, that's pretty surprising, maybe even shocking. Freak it, let Pj take the helm like he should have from the very beginning, this is his baby, at least the world that's created will be consistent, and he can have the same crew that has intimate knowledge of what was done with the Lotr trilogy.

I never understood the move to have someone else come in and direct these films, Del Toro was like an outsider in that world. He's a terrific director( and artist also) and i'm sure he would have done something special but this just may be a blessing in disguise for both parties.

This is Pj's baby, time for him to take over and totally focus and getting this thing done

Scarface98.9

05-31-2010, 01:57 AM

I'm mixed on this as I can't think of anyone better to replace Jackson if they absolutely had to replace him but on the other hand, he could do other projects. So I can take it either way.

HOWEVER, if he devotes his time to making another Hellboy movie, he can kiss my ass. Those movies were a waste of his talents and I'd take 1 Hobbit before 50 Hellboys

bigred760

05-31-2010, 09:13 AM

Heisenberg

05-31-2010, 11:02 AM

The only person I can trust with this would be Alfonso Cuarón, only he can pull it off if PJ passes on it.

corran horn

05-31-2010, 01:58 PM

That's a damn shame that del Toro left; I thought he was a great choice as director.

Now that there's a vacancy, I don't think they should replace him until the legal crap is settled. Who knows? Maybe del Toro will be up for taking it on again when production gets going again. If anything, maybe Peter Jackson will decide to take up directing the movies now.

My thoughts exactly. This legal cluster**** needs to be cleared up before anything further can be done. While I am disappointed, I'd rather the time be taken to do these films right than have them rushed.

As for replacement directors, Neill Blomkamp comes to mind, but I think he's busy with a project of his own. Alfonso Cuaron would be a near-perfect choice. He's a close friend and collaborator of GDT, and I think he'd do a good job of bringing GDT and PJ's vision to life.

Otis_Driftwood

05-31-2010, 04:30 PM

I'm sad to see GDT leave, although I'm not that big a fan of his stuff (although I did like the Hellboys). I was looking forward to seeing his take on the Dwarf world and of course on SMAUG! I just can't help but think that his Smaug would've been the bomb!

But, now that he's NOT directing...please let Peter Jackson do it! For Gods sake! He needs a hit anyway. Of course this all has a lot to do when MGM climbs down off its own thumb.

WAKE UP MGM...WAKE UP WB! Billions of bucks await you if you'd just get off your ass!

Jig Saw 123

05-31-2010, 05:51 PM

I'm not surprised by this news in the slightest, this reminds me of the writer's strike that happened years back only this time it's film studios going broke and losing the rights to certain material. At least Del Toro can focus on more original projects since he hasn't done one since Pan's Labyrinth.

FireCaptain4

05-31-2010, 05:55 PM

Personally, I'm hoping Guillermo Del Toro gets the Dr. Strange movie he was always talking about doing. Marvel should push that up and entice him now! We don't need to see any more Hellboy films at this time.

Dr. Strange would be great too! However, I'd prefer to receive a Hellboy III first because a) I'm a fan and b) Ron Pearlman isn't getting any younger. Guillermo himself is in love with the universe and has stated on quite a few occasions that he'd like to make a third entry.

Still, like many here, I'm pretty much cheery for anything the Del-to-the-Toro is up to.

gyro_44

05-31-2010, 06:33 PM

It fucking sucks that Del Toro is leaving. I thought he was really going to be a perfect fit. What a shame.

Will Jackson take the helm again? Otherwise I really have my doubts that they will get someone as creative and talented as Del Toro though.

Neil Blomkamp?

I guess at least Del Toro is still involved with the film and WETA will still be using all the creatures that were designed under his supervision (right???).

FireCaptain4

05-31-2010, 06:45 PM

Neil Blomkamp?

I guess at least Del Toro is still involved with the film and WETA will still be using all the creatures that were designed under his supervision (right???).

Hey now, that's a pretty cool and logical suggestion. I like it.

Hopefully some of the Del Toro designs do stay. You know there's lots of great looking stuff that he's added to the project.

echo_bravo

05-31-2010, 06:54 PM

Sweet GIF, Echo! That looks like Season 5, episode 1. Greatest show ever.:cool:

Yeah!;)

Mcnulty is definitely not pleased with Del Toro dropping out haha

Heisenberg, great call on Cuaron. I think he would do a great job with The Hobbit.

fuffanator x

05-31-2010, 06:59 PM

I really enjoyed watching the Lord of the Rings and I have read the Hobbit and really cannot wait for this to hit the theaters.

Monotreme

05-31-2010, 07:20 PM

The entire film community should be in mourning today. I can't believe this - I read this announcement earlier today and just felt crestfallen. It's such a shame, such a missed opportunity - I thought that the world of Middle Earth and the franchise as a whole could have really benefitted from some new blood, and with del Toro at the helm, all seemed good in the world. I can't think of many directors who will offer anything as interesting as he would have. Oh well, at least his work on the script and the pre-production will all probably still find its way into the final film. It's just a shame that it won't all have that unique stamp and twisted style on it. A real, damn shame.

docholiday_13

05-31-2010, 07:55 PM

The only person I can trust with this would be Alfonso Cuarón, only he can pull it off if PJ passes on it.

Seriously. It would be the cats ass/bee's knee's/tits/sex/liquor/Christopher Walken if he created a vision of Middle Earth.

Monotreme

05-31-2010, 08:00 PM

Seriously. It would be the cats ass/bee's knee's/tits/sex/liquor/Christopher Walken if he created a vision of Middle Earth.

Actually, that would be AMAZING.

I'd also be curious to see like Terry Gilliam's take on this. But it might be TOO weird, so scratch that. Alfonso gets my vote :)

dellamorte dellamore

06-01-2010, 09:17 AM

That's a good pick to replace him, Cuaron is probably one of the most talented directors out there and he has a wonderful eye for arresting visuals, i'm just not so sure he would be inspired to complete such a monumental task, with this type of material it's more than skill and talent. You need someone with a sort of childlike wonderment and playfulness, that's what Pj has, and Del Toro also.

My dark horse pick would be the Spierig bros. They also made their mark with low budget horror( like Pj), they seem to be enthusiastic and would bring a tremendous amount of energy to the proceedings. They also proved they can do so much with limited resources and are extremely talented and unconventional filmmakers. Only problem is, they seem to have agreed to direct the Power of the Dark Crystal. If that falls through somehow, Pj should at least consider those two. Even if they still go ahead with that film, by the time they are done with it, Hobbit should be able to start filming for real:)

Monotreme

06-01-2010, 11:44 AM

My dark horse pick would be the Spierig bros. They also made their mark with low budget horror( like Pj), they seem to be enthusiastic and would bring a tremendous amount of energy to the proceedings. They also proved they can do so much with limited resources and are extremely talented and unconventional filmmakers. Only problem is, they seem to have agreed to direct the Power of the Dark Crystal. If that falls through somehow, Pj should at least consider those two. Even if they still go ahead with that film, by the time they are done with it, Hobbit should be able to start filming for real:)

I dunno. Enthusiasm and visual ingenuity are not enough for this film: it's a little, you know... EPIC. And I'd much rather/expect a more experienced director take the helm.

AspectRatio1986

06-01-2010, 07:20 PM

It's nuts that Del Toro dropped out, but hopefull Jackson steps in.

FireCaptain4

06-01-2010, 09:44 PM

I dunno. Enthusiasm and visual ingenuity are not enough for this film: it's a little, you know... EPIC. And I'd much rather/expect a more experienced director take the helm.

Yeah, I don't think we've seen enough of their work yet to really form an opinion there. I'm not even sure if the brothers would be up for it themselves. They're just starting their run as filmmakers and they haven't really crafted any truly adult, mature films or, on the opposite end, anything a truly large scale yet outside of their genre pictures yet so we have no idea how they would handle the film at all. Let’s wait to see how The Power of the Dark Crystal turns out before jumping the gun on them.

dannywalker17

06-05-2010, 11:26 PM

I was absolutely devastated and blindsided by this news. As much as I'm dying to see this film, I'd rather it be done right with the right director than it go bad. Maybe Del Toro can go do another film and by then things will be worked out and he can come back to the project. If not that, then I hope PJ will just do it. Lovely Bones didn't do well critically or commercially, so maybe he'll be more likely to go back to what he knows works for him.

I just wish WB would buy MGM out. You know MGM needs the money...

Otis_Driftwood

06-07-2010, 11:16 AM

I think I'm living in Hobbit Hell!

My 2 most anticipated movies, shot all to pieces.

What a world...what a world...

Synapse

06-07-2010, 11:51 AM

I wonder how favoured PJ is to take the directorial role? I'd like PJ, as there's experience with Middle Earth and Hobbits, and Tolkien as well.

Otis_Driftwood

06-07-2010, 12:20 PM

I would love for Peter Jackson to take the helm again, but I get the feeling that his heart just isn't in it.

Who would you pick as his successor? I honestly think that Spielberg would an excellent pick to helm these 2 movies, but that's my opinion.

therealjohng

06-07-2010, 07:34 PM

For some reason I want Sam Raimi to take this. I don't know why, I just do.

Monotreme

06-08-2010, 05:53 AM

No on Raimi and, as much as I love Spielberg and think that he's a genius - I wouldn't want to see him doing The Hobbit either. I just don't see either of them doing particularly well with hard fantasy like this. Raimi has dabbled in soft fantasy in his horror movies and Spider-Man series, and Spielberg is really more of a sci-fi guy. Point is, I think there are directors far better suited to direct trolls, orcs and dragons than these two guys. :)

ilovemovies

06-08-2010, 07:52 AM

Del Toro leaving the project could end up being the best news ever if Jackson decides to do it himself afterall.

Personally, while I like Del Toro, I think he's a tad overrated. Then again, this could have been his masterpiece. There were moments of greatness in the second Hellboy movie and Pan's Labyrinth that suggest he could have done an amazing job with this movie. But because I've never truly wowed by any of his movies, I'm not really that upset either.

kobe8byrant

06-08-2010, 09:34 AM

Jackson too can be very hit and miss. Personally, I'd like to see Del Toro's vision.

Strider

06-08-2010, 10:02 AM

The news of Del Toro dropping out of directing The Hobbit bummed me out. I was so pumped to see his cinematic vision of Tolkien's universe. This is definitely a major blow to the film. Unless Peter Jackson or Alfonso Cuaron steps in to replace Del Toro, I won't be able to muster up much excitement for the picture. What a shame....

Fuck the studios, the legal matters, and all the delays! :mad:

Strider

dellamorte dellamore

06-08-2010, 10:38 AM

Come on, PJ is a guy who had a whole Hobbiton village constructed on his property, this is his world and he knows it intimately, i never understood why he felt the need to pass the baton. I could never see anyone else directing this.

When he made the Lotr trilogy he lived and breathed everything Middle Earth, and it showed in the final product, he gave it a life nobody could have.

I understand why Del Toro left, but it also tells me he wasn't the man to give it everything he had, to sacrifice a big part of his life to complete such a monumental task. He got weeded out but in the end the right people will take over, i'm confident it will be Pj, he's fought for this for years now, i think this will just motivate him more, make him realize that he was meant to do this.

I don't want Spielberg to do this, he would want to film it in Cali somewhere, and Cuaron just doesn't have the proper sensibilities. Do you really think either one of them would be committed enough to get every detail right, down to the accents and language, i very much doubt it. Neither of them would be inspired to truly bring this world to life again. It's not just about technical proficiency or skill when it concerns this material.

Monotreme

06-09-2010, 07:51 AM

Judging by the huge favor he did by rescuing the Harry Potter franchise from the kid-friendly clutches of Chris Columbus and turning it into the dark, rich, thrilling franchise it is today, I'd definitely say that Cuaron, out of all other potential directors, has the best chance at doing this justice. I can TOTALLY see him revelling in the details, the accents, the language, the weapons, the armor, etc - just look at Children of Men, probably one of the most meticulously detailed movies in recent memory.

overwatch

06-09-2010, 10:00 AM

docholiday_13

06-09-2010, 11:17 AM

What? No he didn't. Hobbiton was bulit on a sheep farm in Matamata. PJ lives in Wellington.

I think he's referring to the Bag End set that PJ had moved to his house and uses as a guest house.

jolanar

06-10-2010, 11:17 PM

Alfonso Cuaron is the only other director who get get me interested in this project again.

I think we all need to start accepting the facts thought that it won't be happening.

dellamorte dellamore

06-11-2010, 01:40 AM

What? No he didn't. Hobbiton was bulit on a sheep farm in Matamata. PJ lives in Wellington.

Yes, the genuine filming location, but he also had a miniature version of Hobbiton built on his estate. I'll try to find an article about it, i remember reading it in one of the local papers some time back.

dellamorte dellamore

06-11-2010, 01:41 AM

I think he's referring to the Bag End set that PJ had moved to his house and uses as a guest house.

Yeah, something along those lines. That's hardcore man, that's someone living the material, not just a hired gun

dellamorte dellamore

06-15-2010, 05:14 PM

The ring just may be returned to it's rightful owner, looks like WB and Mgm were thinking what i was:

http://www.deadline.com/2010/06/two-studios-trying-to-talk-peter-jackson-into-helming-the-hobbit-films/

dannywalker17

06-15-2010, 11:49 PM

I hope he can be convinced!

Monotreme

06-16-2010, 05:53 AM

I hope PJ won't fuck this up by shooting on digital and making this 3D...

Because to tell you guys the truth, that's what I'm most afraid of here.

God of War

06-17-2010, 07:38 AM

Photos: "The Hobbit" Sets are Being Built

Even though Guillermo del Toro has dropped out of directing "The Hobbit" prequels and nobody knows what will happen to MGM, pre-production on the films has still been progressing.

We know that the script for the first movie is already complete and the second one is getting close, but according to a German site, sets are being built in New Zealand in order to prepare for a shoot. Check them out below.

At the time, there are several directors who are being considered to helm "The Hobbit," but none have received an official offer. Sources claim that Peter Jackson ("LOTR" trilogy) is being persuaded to take the job.

http://www.worstpreviews.com/images/headlines/temp/temp2165.jpg

http://www.worstpreviews.com/headline.php?id=18046&count=0

Monotreme

06-17-2010, 03:22 PM

Sigh, I love New Zealand so much...

AspectRatio1986

06-17-2010, 05:09 PM

Boy did those pictures bring a smile to my face! Thanks for posting! Lets go PJ, lets get this epic rolling!

Otis_Driftwood

06-17-2010, 09:55 PM

Boy did those pictures bring a smile to my face! Thanks for posting! Lets go PJ, lets get this epic rolling!

Agreed!

As they said in "Monty Python and the Holy Grail"....

"GET ON WITH IT!"

AspectRatio1986

06-25-2010, 02:21 PM

Word is Petey is a go!!! Maybe the best movie news I've heard in the last 5 years! I'm there midnight show FO SHO.

ilovemovies

06-25-2010, 02:28 PM

I knew Del Toro leaving the project would end up being a great thing!

Excellent news about Jackson finally agreeing to direct this!

Bourne101

06-25-2010, 02:38 PM

Oh fuck yeah! Even though I was excited that Del Toro was going to direct, it was only because he was the next best thing. Some of the best movie news I have heard in a long time.

Monotreme

06-25-2010, 02:43 PM

Excellent, although I'm still afraid ol' Petey has gotten to caught up in technology, and might end up filming this in digital and in 3D... which would royally suck. Hopefully Tin Tin didn't go TOO much to his head... if not, this could be amazing :)

JackassFan

06-25-2010, 02:54 PM

I'm over the moon that Jackson has agreed to take the chair, things couldn't have turned out any better. Obviously Del Toro would've more than likely done a great job, but it just feels right for Jackson to finish what he started.

dannywalker17

06-25-2010, 06:31 PM

YAY!

Otis_Driftwood

06-25-2010, 08:16 PM

Not just yeah...but Hell Yeah!

Go Pete go!

bigred760

06-25-2010, 08:16 PM

Just read the news on the joblo mainpage. Great news!

Jig Saw 123

06-25-2010, 10:53 PM

I'm glad Jackson is returning to the world he helped create. He really disappointed me with The Lovely Bones, but I know he will make both Hobbit films great.

dellamorte dellamore

06-26-2010, 01:26 AM

I was convinced he would come to his senses eventually and choose to take over. I always had this feeling that he wanted to but wasn't sure he could find the inspiration to take on this task.

I don't know, but from the moment i saw Rotk i knew the Hobbit was going to be a reality eventually with Pj at the helm. It was a long journey for sure with some moments of doubt that it would ever get made. I never stopped believing it would come to fruition with the cinematic master of Middle Earth directing.

I don't think Del Toro ever truly embraced or even realized what taking on this epic creation entailed so he dropped out. Things have a way of veering back to the way they should be, and much like the recasting of Aragorn and Connery's refusal to live in NZ for two years to play the role of Gandalf, the proper man to direct these awesome tales is the one who will be.

I can hear the Hobbiton song playing in my head, the one that played in the beginning of FOTR when Frodo catches up on events with Gandalf. This is terrific news, all has been restored now.

Just a silly sidenote, when it was made official the Hobbit was going to be a reality, i started wearing the One Ring replica i bought in 2003 in anticipation of the release. I wore on a gold chain, it was something i did for a year leading up to the release of Rotk. The chain started inexplicably coming undone and the ring kept on falling to the ground. Then the announcement was made that Del Toro was dropping out. Hmm, it must be coincidence, or it was trying to tell me something ( yeah, i know, get a stronger chain )

God of War

06-26-2010, 08:05 AM

Peter Jackson to Direct "The Hobbit" Prequels!

After Guillermo del Toro (Hellboy) stepped down from directing "The Hobbit" prequels, that left "LOTR" director Peter Jackson with the difficult task of finding his replacement. Many were considered, including Jackson's protege Neill Blomkamp (District 9), but Jackson didn't feel that was the way to go.

http://www.worstpreviews.com/images/headlines/headline16838.jpg

Now comes news from THR and Deadline that Jackson has decided to take on the job himself. The helmer is currently in negotiations, with everyone trying to agree on a schedule in order to fast-track the films for a 2012 and 2013 releases.

The script for the first film is already complete, and del Toro will stay on as a writer to finish the script for the second installment. All the other details will be worked out within the next few days. If Jackson signs on to direct, casting will be the next big step. "Harry Potter" star Daniel Radcliffe is already taking himself out of the competition. "I wouldn't like to get involved with another franchise at all," he said, adding: "I don't think I would be asked to play Bilbo."

Source: THR, Deadline

http://www.worstpreviews.com/headline.php?id=18127&count=0

ScaryFreak1827

06-26-2010, 12:35 PM

This is excellent news. I can't wait to see what Jackson does with The Hobbit.

poopontheshoes7

06-26-2010, 02:42 PM

This is mindblowingly awesome news:)

Erroneous

06-26-2010, 04:45 PM

Who else were you expecting?

jeo4

06-26-2010, 05:11 PM

I'm really looking forward to this now. Peter Jackson did more with the series than anyone could have imagined at the time. I can't see this film being any less impressive.

God of War

07-06-2010, 07:32 PM

Bad news...

"The Hobbit" Prequels May Lose Ian McKellen

In an interview with New Zealand's Good Morning show, Ian McKellen revealed that he will not be waiting around forever to portray Gandalf The Grey in "The Hobbit" prequels.

http://www.worstpreviews.com/images/headlines/headline16913.jpg

He said: "Well, I'm not under contract and my time is running out and I'm enjoying working in the theater and frankly, I would like to race after doing 'Waiting For Godot,' get on with doing another play but we'll have to see. I don't want to give [The Hobbit] producers the impression that I'm sitting waiting."

Peter Jackson, who will likely direct the prequels, recently stated that development needs to stay on schedule or risk losing many of the actors, which will delay the movies by at least a year.

Source: The Playlist

dellamorte dellamore

07-06-2010, 09:30 PM

Damn i'm beginning to think the line " to be a ring bearer is to always be alone" has some real life implications.

It's all part of the master plan, only the ones who truly want to make this film will be there when the first reel of film is shot.

Maybe it's a sign, now Connery can give his take on Gandalf. He may be a bit ornery as the Grey Pilgrim and supposedly retired from acting but stranger things have happened. Come on, he has to be itching to get that LOEG taste out of his mouth. The movie he took on instead of the Lotr trilogy.

FireCaptain4

07-06-2010, 09:45 PM

I'm one of the biggest Connery fans on the planet, but I cannot even fathom McKellan being replaced.

Monotreme

07-07-2010, 05:44 AM

I think he's just venting his frustration that the project is being delayed so much. McKellen has expressed many times before that he'd play Gandalf again in a heartbeat, all PJ has to do is call him up, and I don't doubt for a second that either of them would actually let the character go to another actor.

That said, like McKellen, I DO wish they'd get on with it already. We fans aren't sitting around waiting for the film either. Oh wait, we are.

bigred760

07-07-2010, 05:52 AM

Connery won't do it.

It's frustrating as hell hearing and reading all these things about The Hobbit because of the delay in production. Peter Jackson signing on to replace Guillermo del Toro was great news, but nobody can replace McKellan as Gandalf and do it as well as he did. It's understandable frustration from these guys who want to work, love to work, and are very good at doing what they do. Delays are part of the business, but delays for dumbass reasons are the most frustrating.

Otis_Driftwood

07-16-2010, 05:43 PM

The One Ring.Net is listing a story that the role of Bilbo Baggins has already been settled and apparently just waiting for the greenlight. I won't reveal the name myself, I'll let all of you look at it for yourselves, but I will say that I think that it's a good pick. He does remind you of Sir Ian Holm.

Enjoy the, what seems like, non-ending controversy about this movie.

http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2010/07/16/37538-dr-who-is-bilbo-baggins-after-all/

dannywalker17

07-19-2010, 11:23 PM

Meh. Surely they'll want a bigger name than that. And he doesn't look much younger than Holm...

corran horn

07-20-2010, 02:59 PM

I'm with Monotreme. I actually don't think McKellan will leave. I think this is more of a prod for MGM to hurry up and settle its affairs before everybody gets too old to even film the movie.

As for Sylvester McCoy, I can see him as Bilbo. He definitely has the look. I could also see him as Thorin. I don't mind that they're going for a smaller name for Bilbo. After all, it isn't like the LOTR cast had that many big names.

Otis_Driftwood

07-20-2010, 06:56 PM

Meh. Surely they'll want a bigger name than that. And he doesn't look much younger than Holm...

I would have no problem w/Sylvester McCoy as Bilbo. He doesn't bring a whole lot of baggage w/him to the roll, as a really famous name would. As for age, Bilbo was middle aged when he found the ring so this isn't too far off. McCoy, I believe, is in his mid 60s. Holm is 79.

I think he would be a good pick.

God of War

08-15-2010, 06:42 AM

Monotreme

08-15-2010, 06:51 AM

Jig Saw 123

08-15-2010, 10:22 AM

oh-dae-su

08-15-2010, 11:21 AM

James Cameron Told Guillermo Del Toro to Quit "The Hobbit"

http://www.worstpreviews.com/headline.php?id=18667&count=0

Oh please. This bit annoyed me.

On a related note, Cameron also spoke to Entertainment Weekly, telling the magazine that "The Hurt Locker" would have been better in 3D. "I think [The Hurt Locker] would have been better in 3D. Absolutely," he said.

Give it up already. Fucking 3D bullshit

:rolleyes:

This is me going into fanboy mode, I apologize if anything I say is offensive, and here we go...

Hey James Cameron, FUCK YOU. FUCK YOU IN YOUR FUCKING FACE YOU FUCKING SACK OF FUCKING SHIT! You with your stupid fucking 3D bullshit on a bunch of fucking natives riding dragons, learn how to make a good fucking movie besides Terminator 2. Go fucking pray in your shitty little forest and don't you fucking dare tell Del Toro what to do, you are just a hack director who has made one good film. Fuck you, go make your stupid fucking Black Eyed Peas shit. We Lord of the Rings fan have been patiently waiting and waiting, no one cares about your stupid fucking Black Eyed Peas shit. Also fuck you and your stupid fucking 3D, you did NOTHING with it. Stop jacking off in 3D and learn how to make a good fucking film without it, you miserable cunt.

Sorry.

dannywalker17

09-15-2010, 08:52 PM

Looks like Martin Freeman is a our Bilbo. Cheers to that!

And McKellen is saying shooting starts in January.

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/blogs/popcornbiz/Ian-Gandalf-McKellen-102949384.html
http://thefilmstage.com/2010/09/14/mgm-getting-their-act-together-%E2%80%98bond%E2%80%99-and-%E2%80%98hobbit%E2%80%99-gearing-up/

echo_bravo

09-15-2010, 09:31 PM

Good choice.

When I was watching I'm Still Here, I thought to myself "Man, Joaquin Phoneix would make a great Bilbo Baggins." He seemed very hobbity in that mockumentary. Just a pipe dream though. No way in hell would a studio risk a $200 million film on that looney haha.:)

APzombie

09-16-2010, 12:24 AM

Martin Freeman would be excellent casting.

that's right baby.

Me and like a thousand other guys called it. Good casting.

hoojib127

10-04-2010, 08:40 PM

Monotreme

10-05-2010, 06:34 PM

According to the LA Times (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-1002-ct-hobbit-20101002,0,6619032.story), this is just about ready to get back off the ground (with Jackson at the helm, no less)! :cool:

This is exciting. Until I saw this:

http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/01/big-hairy-feet-now-in-3-d/

So “The Hobbit” will be in 3-D. That is a measure of how much the movie world has changed in the last year or so. In the dimly remembered recesses of, oh, 2009, people involved with the two-movie version of the J. R. R. Tolkien book, then to be directed by Guillermo del Toro, insisted that 2-D screen technology was just right for a pair of movies that were viewed as being a little more intimate than their sweeping precursors in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Then came “Avatar,” “Alice in Wonderland,” and even the much-maligned “Clash of the Titans” — one film after another proving that viewers would pay a premium for 3-D, as long as the underlying movie wasn’t an utter bust.

Fuck. THIS. SHIT. We're all gonna die. This potentially beautiful film won't be shot on beautiful 35mm like Guillermo del Toro wanted. It'll be shot on Digital. DIGITAL. And in THREE FUCKING DEE. Fuck. FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK. FUCK.

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm52/m0nkeysniper/nooo.gif

http://i892.photobucket.com/albums/ac123/xander2810/Animations/FP-NOOO.gif

http://mostlycloudy.net/~dnl2ba/images/forum/please%20stop/vader-nooooo.jpg

corran horn

10-06-2010, 10:13 AM

This is exciting. Until I saw this:

http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/01/big-hairy-feet-now-in-3-d/

Fuck. THIS. SHIT. We're all gonna die. This potentially beautiful film won't be shot on beautiful 35mm like Guillermo del Toro wanted. It'll be shot on Digital. DIGITAL. And in THREE FUCKING DEE. Fuck. FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK. FUCK.

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm52/m0nkeysniper/nooo.gif

http://i892.photobucket.com/albums/ac123/xander2810/Animations/FP-NOOO.gif

http://mostlycloudy.net/~dnl2ba/images/forum/please%20stop/vader-nooooo.jpg

Normally, Monotreme, you and I have operated on the same (or at least similar wavelengths), but I think you're way off-base on this.

Personally, I don't give a damn for the film vs digital debate. Never have, never will. I am not a filmmaker, I am a filmgoer, so as long as the film itself is good, I wouldn't care if was filmed on stone tablets. As for 3D, that was always a consideration, and, for my part, I am fine with it as long as it is filmed that way from the beginning rather than converted in postproduction. All I care about is the film being good. How it's shot makes no difference to me whatsoever.

Dang! That's possibly the biggest rant I've given on this site.

dannywalker17

10-06-2010, 05:58 PM

I would prefer it not be 3D, but at least it won't be a post-conversion.

ilovemovies

10-07-2010, 12:26 AM

LOL! You guys are funny. You know most places are gonna offer the movie in 3D AND 2D. If you don't want to see it in 3D then watch it in 2D. Problem solved.

Monotreme

10-07-2010, 01:55 PM

LOL! You guys are funny. You know most places are gonna offer the movie in 3D AND 2D. If you don't want to see it in 3D then watch it in 2D. Problem solved.

Problem not solved. It's still going to be shot on digital. You guys have seen Public Enemies, you've seen The Lovely Bones; you know how terrible that shit looks as opposed to the crisp, textured cinematic look of 35mm! ESPECIALLY on a big epic period fantasy film like this! Come on, I can't be the only guy pissed off about this!

APzombie

10-07-2010, 02:04 PM

Problem not solved. It's still going to be shot on digital. You guys have seen Public Enemies, you've seen The Lovely Bones; you know how terrible that shit looks as opposed to the crisp, textured cinematic look of 35mm! ESPECIALLY on a big epic period fantasy film like this! Come on, I can't be the only guy pissed off about this!

Exactly. Something set in middle earth would benefit from 35mm, not digital.

ilovemovies

10-07-2010, 04:27 PM

Flickman

10-07-2010, 04:55 PM

Not only did I hate Public Enemas, but it looked like shit on digital, The Lovely Bones didnt look any different to me. Im just finding out now it was digital.

Monotreme

10-07-2010, 06:22 PM

Not only did I hate Public Enemas, but it looked like shit on digital, The Lovely Bones didnt look any different to me. Im just finding out now it was digital.

Well actually, most of that film was 35mm. However, there were certain shots spread out through it that you MUST have noticed - these really grainy extreme-close-ups of Stanley Tucci's character that were shot on digital and just look but-ass UGLY and completely take you out of the film. So imagine that, but in The Hobbit. Shudder.

HoundOfValinor

10-10-2010, 02:35 PM

im really looking forward to this movie. big fan of the series. i just hope it sticks to what made the other movies so good.

dannywalker17

10-16-2010, 02:50 PM

Greenlight!

docholiday_13

10-16-2010, 04:46 PM

Apparantly Michael Fassbender is being eyed for a key role. Thranduil, I guess?

Cop No. 633

10-16-2010, 06:35 PM

If they're going digital, they should get Mihai Malaimare Jr. to shoot it. Tetro was one of the most gorgeous looking films to come out in 2009 and it was shot digitally. At least now they'll be able to integrate the effects better into the movie. I still think there was a lot shoddy CGI that looked pretty fake in the Lord of the Rings. But I know Weta has upped their game a great deal since then so that's cool...

therealjohng

10-17-2010, 09:25 AM

Wasn't Che shot digitally? That movie looked like film as much as film did.

Tuukka

10-17-2010, 09:34 AM

All Fincher movies are done digital nowadays, and they look pretty awesome.

BTW, you can easily make digital look like film. Film looks like film mainly because it has a lot of "errors" that give it a more organic look. Digital is too clean and crisp in comparison.

Digital cameras they use nowadays in Hollywood are so good, that the amount of information in the frame would allow them to rather easily filter it and give it a film-like look. Film still wins in color depth, but the new digi cameras are very close.

I'm pretty sure that if digital footage would be filtered well, nobody on this board would be able to tell the difference between film and digital. Only professional cinematographers might notice it, but you could probably fool many of them as well.

Monotreme

10-17-2010, 11:43 AM

For the record, I agree that Fincher is currently the only director working in Hollywood who ACTUALLY makes digital look really good. The rest achieve various degrees of success, in my opinion. I can only hope that Jackson will do a good job and make it look good, but so far, all I have to go by are the scenes shot digitally in his last film, The Lovely Bones, and those were ugly as fuck.

Also, for the record, Che was shot mostly on 16mm, with some scenes shot on the RED and some on 35mm as well. So it's a real hodge-podge, and I don't remember it exactly right now, but I'm sure that if I took another look at it I could spot what was shot on film and what was digital. That's just the way it goes.

adamjohnson

10-17-2010, 01:28 PM

First of all, all cameras, film stocks and digital cameras are going to have differences in appearance. What is chosen is usually up to the cinematographer. Mann uses his grainy digital because thats an aesthetic choice.

My personal opinion is that I prefer grain over noise. That just means I think the grain on a frame of film looks so much more organic than your usual digital noise.

With that said, depending on the cinematographer, you really shouldnt be able to tell the difference.

bigred760

10-17-2010, 04:22 PM

Monotreme

10-17-2010, 08:58 PM

I don't know how they're going to shoot it, but I'll be really surprised if it doesn't have the exact same look as the LOTR movies. I never saw The Lovely Bones, so I don't know how it looked, but I'm hoping PJ goes for the same style, look, appearance as the LOTR flicks.

Unfortunately... if this is going to be shot in 3D, this won't be the case. Aside from the digital footage looking and feeling different than film, 3D stipulates that this will be in a 16:9 aspect ratio instead of anamorphic 2.35:1. Also, PJ is going to let the eventual 3D effect stipulate certain compositions and elements within the frame. Just trying to prepare you all :(

Terror Australis

10-17-2010, 09:06 PM

Apparantly Michael Fassbender is being eyed for a key role.

That would be pretty cool if both younger and older Magneto in the same movie.

bigred760

10-17-2010, 09:10 PM

Good point. I'd forgotten about it being shot in 3D.

Has that been confirmed? I'm starting to get my upcoming movies mixed up as to which ones definitely will be shot in 3D, those that won't be, and those that haven't made up their mind yet (like Harry Potter VII).

bigred760

10-21-2010, 10:24 PM

I'm surprised I'm the first to post this, but:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101022/ap_on_en_mo/us_film_the_hobbit_cast

Jackson has announced the cast of The Hobbit:

LOS ANGELES – Amid disputes over where "The Hobbit" movies will be shot, Peter Jackson and the executives behind film have announced the cast for the anticipated two-picture tale.

They say Martin Freeman will play hero Bilbo Baggins and Richard Armitage will portray Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the Company of Dwarves.

Jackson said in a statement Thursday that Freeman is "exactly like Bilbo and I feel incredibly proud to be able to announce that he is our Hobbit." He called Armitage "one of the most exciting and dynamic actors working on screen today."

Other actors joining the ensemble cast are Aidan Turner, Graham McTavish, John Callen, Stephen Hunter, Mark Hadlow and Peter Hambleton.

"The Hobbit," based on the J.R.R. Tolkien novel, began production in New Zealand earlier this month. The films are set for release in December of 2012 and December of 2013.

hoojib127

10-21-2010, 11:26 PM

... plus Ian McKellen, Hugo Weaving, and Andy Serkis all reprising their LOTR roles, right? :o

bigred760

10-21-2010, 11:30 PM

... plus Ian McKellen, Hugo Weaving, and Andy Serkis all reprising their LOTR roles, right? :o

That's my understanding, yes.

APzombie

10-21-2010, 11:33 PM

I feel like the lot of us should cash up our winning or something, there were quite a few who championed Freeman a loooong time ago.

Great casting.

APzombie

10-22-2010, 12:23 AM

here is an interview done just an hour ago with Fran and Peter at the WETA stages in New Zealand (that STILL has The Hobbit sets being built) talking about how fucked up everything is right now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoUN2AGxrnA&feature=player_embedded#!

Just look at the bags under his eyes. Jesus, i hope he is the kind of artist that works best under pressure, because i think there is more pressure on him now than any other filmmaker. If he isn't, then God help him.

interviewer: "Helen Kelly from the CTU said that you are acting like a spoiled brat."

Peter (shocked): "I'm trying to save me movie. She's behaving like somebody who thinks she knows about filmmaking- she hasn't got a God damned clue."

adamjohnson

10-22-2010, 01:17 AM

Damn. How nuts is that. I cant understand all the ins and outs of what is being said later on but one thing is clear - Peter wants to make his movie in New Zealand and SOMEONE is impeding him.

APzombie

10-22-2010, 02:12 AM

I didn't realize how just the threat of the strike fucks over the ability to make the film. Even though the union retracted it, WB doesn't want to risk spending three years with this gargantuan project in troubled waters. It's like deciding if you should keep you babysitter after she seriously threatens to cut you child's throat, only for her to say it was all a bluff minutes before her shift starts.

Peter is right, the worst damage is done. I hope they can make a deal Monday but Jesus, I certainly don't blame WB if they decide to move the production. Money is tight along with the relaxation of knowing actors won't threaten to cut your balls off they'll get better tax incentives elsewhere. Still.... hope they reach an agreement. New Zealand is as much of a character in this universe as anyone.

Tyler_Durden_208

10-22-2010, 06:51 AM

I love Bill Nighy, but him as the smoky and deep voiced Smaug? I dunno, I thought someone along the lines of Tom Waits or Ron Perlman would've sounded better.

bigred760

10-22-2010, 04:22 PM

New Zealand is as much of a character in this universe as anyone.

I don't know if I completely agree with this. The landscapes and environment of the LOTR trilogy were fantastic, but I don't think they were irreplaceable. If they shoot The Hobbit movies somewhere else, I don't think it'll make THAT much of a difference . . . say as compared to replacing Ian McKellan.

adamjohnson

10-22-2010, 04:52 PM

So you'd replace this with another location?

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/film/hobbiton460.jpg

'tis a real place in New Zealand.

hoojib127

10-22-2010, 07:27 PM

Yeah, The Shire scenes definitely need to be filmed in New Zealand... but I think any other location is fair game.

bigred760

10-23-2010, 06:54 AM

So you'd replace this with another location?

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/film/hobbiton460.jpg

'tis a real place in New Zealand.

It's a real place in NZ when the LOTR crew built it there. If they built it there, couldn't they build another one someplace else?

Don't get me wrong, I think it would be better if they used the same sets and what not, but I don't think it'll be as bad as losing Ian McKellan, Hugo Weaving, or one of the other cast members if they moved filming someplace else.

Scarface98.9

10-23-2010, 10:58 AM

Also, for the record, Che was shot mostly on 16mm, with some scenes shot on the RED and some on 35mm as well. So it's a real hodge-podge, and I don't remember it exactly right now, but I'm sure that if I took another look at it I could spot what was shot on film and what was digital. That's just the way it goes.

Actually, if I remember correctly, it was shot all on the Red One digital camera. They rented some film cameras just in case as the prototype cameras weren't ready but they made it in time

http://vimeo.com/9031359

adamjohnson

10-23-2010, 12:41 PM

APzombie

10-23-2010, 02:11 PM

It's a real place in NZ when the LOTR crew built it there. If they built it there, couldn't they build another one someplace else?

Don't get me wrong, I think it would be better if they used the same sets and what not, but I don't think it'll be as bad as losing Ian McKellan, Hugo Weaving, or one of the other cast members if they moved filming someplace else.

If i remember correctly from the extended edition behind the scenes, it took almost a year to naturally cultivate the shire before the production team even went there to add houses and doors. Jackson purchased the land and kept it in tact. considering WB wants them to start filming ASAP, they could be fucked if they go to Eastern Europe.

adamjohnson

10-25-2010, 03:28 PM

Check it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tu49X4EsT0&feature=player_embedded#!

Otis_Driftwood

10-25-2010, 07:47 PM

So you'd replace this with another location?

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/film/hobbiton460.jpg

'tis a real place in New Zealand.

Let me set this straight first. I'd NOT relocate if possible. I'd love to see NZ get these movies.

Now, Prof. Tolkien loved England and the UK. That being said, do you not think there are locales that would suit these sets in the UK? Ireland? Eastern Europe? The USA? Sure there are and they would be equally adept as these fictional locales.

Let's just hope that the folks in NZ, especially the union folk, realize what they've endangered here rearing their ugly heads at the most inopportune moment. They've put this production at jeopardy, 1000's of jobs on the line, the countries reputation as a whole and their fledgling movie industry. Gee, thanks for strangling the Golden Goose.

Anyone for a fricassee?

APzombie

10-25-2010, 08:43 PM

http://tvnz.co.nz/q-and-a-news/q-interview-helen-kelly-and-john-barnett-3851374/video?vid=3851237

bigred760

10-28-2010, 08:33 PM

Apparently they're staying in New Zealand. Good stuff.

Otis_Driftwood

10-31-2010, 11:40 PM

Good Deal. I'm just stoked it's finally greenlit.

dannywalker17

11-03-2010, 04:35 PM

IMDb lists Leonard Nimoy as "rumored". I would LOVE for him to be cast as the Elvenking of Mirkwood (as I suggested years ago), but he's supposedly retired. He's a big Hobbit fan, though, and it's a small role, so you never know.

Here's a breakdown. They cast the dwarves much younger than I expected. I definitely overshot it suggesting Ray Winstone for Thorin.

http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2010/10/21/39468-meet-your-hobbit-cast/

bigred760

11-04-2010, 02:02 PM

IMDb lists Leonard Nimoy as "rumored". I would LOVE for him to be cast as the Elvenking of Mirkwood (as I suggested years ago), but he's supposedly retired. He's a big Hobbit fan, though, and it's a small role, so you never know.

I thought he just retired from playing "Spock," since he made an appearance in Star Trek last year. Of course, he may be against playing any character with pointy ears at this point, like a elf. Either the filmmakers or Nimoy might want to avoid any comparisons to Spock.

Otis_Driftwood

11-05-2010, 10:41 PM

Could he be the voice of Smaug or even the Goblin king?

APzombie

11-05-2010, 10:58 PM

sure Nimoy isn't just singing the theme song?

Otis_Driftwood

11-14-2010, 12:36 PM

After thinking about it for a bit, could Nimoy be up for the part of Thrain II...Thorin's father?

Edog4

11-14-2010, 07:55 PM

sure Nimoy isn't just singing the theme song?

I've been around here for awhile, and rarely post, but every once in a while something so golden is said that merits an immediate response.

That was hilarious. Thank you.

For those of you who have never discovered the greatest joy online...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC73PHdQX04

Silverload

11-29-2010, 02:41 AM

Looks like the Hobbit is not going to be shot using the new technology developed by Cameron & Co. Jackson is going with Red's 3D system, which is the old school style of 3D. Instead of using cameras with two robotic lenses that move independently and focus like the human eye, it uses two static stationary lenses side by side (exact same method that has been used since the 50s). :(

http://reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=52300

Otis_Driftwood

11-29-2010, 05:35 PM

dannywalker17

11-29-2010, 06:18 PM

Am I the only one who finds this a little ridiculous? I've done a fair amount of work as an extra and the calls are often race-specific.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101129/ennew_afp/entertainmentfilmnzealandhobbitracism

dannywalker17

12-09-2010, 02:00 PM

corran horn

12-11-2010, 10:27 AM

The latest news:

-Cate Blanchett is officially signed on to return
-Sylvester McCoy (from Dr. Who) is playing Radagast
-Orlando Bloom is expected to return as Legolas
-negotiations are ongoing with Hugo Weaving, Andy Serkis, and Ian McKellen

I'm seeing some backlash over the idea of adding characters that would have been around but weren't mentioned in the books (Galadriel and Legolas). I don't see why it's a big deal. It makes sense to me. People are acting like they're shoehorning in Elijah Wood and Sean Bean or something. Geez.

Agreed. I figured Blanchett would be back when they mentioned, last year sometime, that the White Council (of which Galadriel and Radagast are members) would be a part of the story. As for Legolas, I'm not surprised. After all, Mirkwood is a major part of the story, and his father Thranduil is a major character, so why not? Plus, I stopped giving Tolkein purists any credibility after Jackson's showed you could tinker with some parts of LOTR while staying true to the spirit of the story.

Otis_Driftwood

12-27-2010, 08:52 AM

When do they start shooting? Anyone know? Seems like I read somewhere, perhaps on TORN, that shooting would begin in the next few weeks?! I figured it would be soon, seeing that it is starting Summer in NZ. Maybe sometime in February?

Just itching for some good "Hobbit" news.

dannywalker17

12-29-2010, 03:28 PM

Yeah I thought it was January or February, but you'd think we'd be hearing more news tidbits.

Otis_Driftwood

01-08-2011, 11:43 AM

New Hobbit stuff. TORN is saying that Elijah Wood will be reprising his roll as Frodo Baggins for the Hobbit. I suppose you have to tie in LOTR w/Hobbit in some way and what better way than have some flashbacks w/Frodo.

http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2011/01/07/41520-elijah-wood-will-be-in-the-hobbit/

bigred760

01-08-2011, 11:47 AM

I wonder in what capacity Frodo will be used; flashbacks, like Otis Driftwood mentioned is probably a good bet. Or it could just something to tie the two franchises together. He'll be in the final scenes of the second movie and that'll be it.

ScaryFreak1827

01-08-2011, 12:26 PM

I'm glad to hear Elijah Wood is returning as Frodo; I'd imagine he'll be used either in the prologue or the epilogue. I'm all for continuity with this series and seeing him Gandalf, Gollum (voiced by Serkis), Galadriel, Elrond, and Legolas again will be awesome :D

APzombie

01-08-2011, 01:57 PM

i figured aside from Mckellen, Blanchet and maybe Weaving would return. The amount of characters from LotR's coming back is a little discomforting. I wouldn't want them to turn The Hobbit into a self reflecting circle-jerk. It should stand on it's own two (big) feet.

That being said, even if Legolas was in the books (which he is not), I would still protest Bloom coming back, becasue he is a terrible actor and it is a poorly written, boring character.

Otis_Driftwood

01-10-2011, 10:31 PM

Well, looks like the regulars are all just about signed on. TORN is reporting the signing of Ian McKellen and Andy Serkis today.

Here it is:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/heat-vision/ian-mckellan-set-return-gandalf-69960

Monotreme

01-11-2011, 05:07 AM

Excellent. I still feel like this is teetering on the brink of disaster, but I really, REALLY hope PJ can still bring the goods.

ilovemovies

01-11-2011, 05:42 AM

Monotreme

01-11-2011, 06:59 AM

Teetering on becoming a disaster? I mean, it might not reach the same heights as The Lord of the Rings Trilogy did, but there is no way this movie will be anything less than magnificent. I new that the moment Peter Jackson decided to return to the director's chair.

I love PJ as much as the next guy - but mainly pre-LOTR PJ. Of course, that trilogy was a masterpiece of cinema. But his two films since then have been very lackluster, especially the last one (Lovely Bones). I'm afraid to say it, but I feel like PJ has lost his touch, which happens sometimes to directors who get in over their heads - the hubris kicks in. The Hobbit seemed like it was going to be interesting and different when Guillermo del Toro was involved - bring some new blood into the mix - but now with post-LOTR PJ back at the helm, filming in digital and in 3D, bringing back Orlando Bloom and Elijah Wood... I kind of wish these films would just stand on their own. Not to mention all the production issues this film has been plagued with. I really, sincerely hope that I am wrong and these turn out to be a masterpiece. But for now, I'm still not 100% on board, with the way things are going.

ilovemovies

01-11-2011, 07:09 AM

bigred760

01-11-2011, 08:43 AM

Peter Jackson should've been the first and only choice. I had no problem once it was announced that del Toro was going to do it, but PJ would make it connect better to the LOTR trilogy. And I'm glad to see all the actors that can return to this universe return to it - like Serkis, McKellan, Lee, etc.

Monotreme

01-12-2011, 02:48 PM

I actually dug The Lovely Bones. It wasn't a great movie, but it was an interesting one and I liked it.

King Kong took a while to get off the ground, but once did it was, at times, exquisite and breathtaking and truly thrilling to behold. It's not quite on LOTR level, but it comes pretty damn close at it's best. It's a flawed film, but still fantastic IMO.

So I got no problems with Jackson. I don't think he's lost his touch at all. And nobody knows this world better than he does. I was relieved and excited when Jackson came back on board as director.

And truth be told, I don't think Del Toro is as great as people claim him to be. Pan's Labyrinth was an interesting combination of a gritty war time story and fantasy but I don't think it's quite the masterpiece people claim it to be.

Well, to each his own. I thought that King Kong was the bloated, overlong, overdense, overdone, over-everything result of PJ's hubris, and that The Lovely Bones was one of the most disastrous movies in recent memory, and that Pan's Labyrinth is one of the freshest and most striking films of the last decade. But that's just me :) I know PJ knows this world better than anyone. But there was pre-LOTR PJ and post-LOTR PJ. And all I can hope is that the very indie-oriented PJ from LOTR will prevail over mainstream post-LOTR PJ.

Cinexcellence

01-15-2011, 03:26 AM

With the recent cast additions, I can rest easy. Just have to wait now. :)

venom718

01-20-2011, 10:55 AM

i must say this....i ignored this movie as lame because i hadnt read the book.But i have finally read the book...and i must say.....i want to see this film so bad now.New Fan Right here!!(points at himself)

Otis_Driftwood

01-20-2011, 07:59 PM

Congrats Venom on reading one of the best fantasy books you'll ever read. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I have (a mighty task indeed).

I too can't wait!

dannywalker17

02-05-2011, 03:20 PM

Apparently PJ had to have emergency surgery a week ago. Somehow I never saw anything about it in the news until a couple days ago. It's not expected to delay production.

Not to mention all the production issues this film has been plagued with.

LOTR went through just as many issues--even a major last-minute recasting (for the better). The Hobbit is just much more under the microscope.

bigred760

02-06-2011, 12:55 AM

LOTR went through just as many issues--even a major last-minute recasting (for the better). The Hobbit is just much more under the microscope.

LOTR had issues, but I think the The Hobbit's has been much more of a problem (or problems). The Hobbit has been plagued by legal issues, production company issues, money issues, which has led to more issues - like its director getting tired of waiting and leaving the production.

I think LOTR's biggest issue was whether or not it was going to be two movies or three. PJ finally convinced New Line to make it three. I don't think the re-casting of Aragorn was that big a deal.

Monotreme

02-06-2011, 01:47 PM

LOTR had issues, but I think the The Hobbit's has been much more of a problem (or problems). The Hobbit has been plagued by legal issues, production company issues, money issues, which has led to more issues - like its director getting tired of waiting and leaving the production.

I think LOTR's biggest issue was whether or not it was going to be two movies or three. PJ finally convinced New Line to make it three. I don't think the re-casting of Aragorn was that big a deal.

Let's not forget the union issues The Hobbit had earlier, with the New Zealand actor's union threatening to boycott the film, almost causing them to have to re-locate to Europe, which as we all know, is NOT Middle Earth. LOTR was pretty much smooth sailing once they figured they were doing 3 films and the financing was in place. It certainly didn't have all these legal/production company/union issues that The Hobbit is going through. Last minute re-casts are not uncommon for major motion pictures, I don't see that as being a particularly big issue.

dannywalker17

02-06-2011, 09:47 PM

Also, Saoirse Ronan has joined the cast.

strawdog17

02-07-2011, 08:27 AM

http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2011/02/06/42126-start-of-shoot-date-announced-for-%E2%80%98the-hobbit%E2%80%99-movies/START OF SHOOT DATE ANNOUNCED FOR ‘THE HOBBIT’ MOVIES

February 6th, 2011 by xoanon | Discuss | 2 Comments and 119 Reactions

Monday 7 February, Wellington – Production company, 3Foot7 Ltd, is pleased to announce that the first day of principal photography for THE HOBBIT will be Monday 21 March, 2011.

This date has been chosen following practical considerations of the filming schedule requirements, actor availability and the NZ seasons. Shooting will take place at Stone Street Studios in Miramar and on location around New Zealand.

Confirmed cast include: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Ken Stott, Graham McTavish, William Kircher, James Nesbitt, Stephen Hunter, Rob Kazinsky, Aidan Turner, Peter Hambleton, John Callen, Jed Brophy, Mark Hadlow, Adam Brown, Cate Blanchett, Andy Serkis, Mikael Persbrant, Sylvester McCoy and Elijah Wood. Director, Sir Peter Jackson, comments: “Despite some delays we are fully back on track and very excited to get started.”

Lee, Ronan, and Weaving not on the list....:(