MOVIES: The Hobbit [Archive] - The Galactic Senate

James

12-08-2003, 05:48 PM

This is what I found at yahoo.com .... could a Hobbit prequel to LOTR be made? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

BERLIN (Reuters) - New Zealand film director Peter Jackson, tipped to win an Oscar for his "The Lord of the Rings" epic, said Monday he would like to make "The Hobbit" prequel to the trilogy and work with some of the same actors again.

Speaking to journalists in Berlin ahead of the European premiere of the last part of the "Rings" trilogy -- "The Return of the King" -- Jackson said he was sad but also relieved that the mammoth project he has worked on for seven years was over.

"I'm glad there's not a fourth Lord of the Rings film next year," he said. "I feel very tired and exhausted."

"I've been working very hard this year. It was the hardest year of the whole seven really," he said, adding that the last part had twice as many computer-generated shots as the second, "The Two Towers," which won an Oscar for digital effects.

"It's my favorite because it has a stronger emotional depth than the other two films, it has a sense of closure," he said.

Despite his exhaustion, Jackson is not resting on his laurels and said if complex rights issues can be resolved he would like to direct "The Hobbit," J.R.R. Tolkien's prequel to the "Rings" trilogy set some 50 years earlier.

"I'd be interested in doing it because I think it would give continuity to the overall chapter," he said.

While many of the lead "Rings" characters do not appear in "The Hobbit" story, the wizard Gandalf, played by Ian McKellen (news), and Gollum, the cave dweller corrupted by the powerful ring, do and should make a comeback. Arwen, the elf princess played by Liv Tyler (news), could also feature again, Jackson said.

STAND TEST OF TIME

Jackson made movie history by filming all three parts of the "Rings" trilogy simultaneously. The first two films have earned a combined $1.8 billion and won a total of six Oscars

Barrie Osborne, the producer of the trilogy, and Philippa Boyens, the writer, both said they hoped for more Oscars for the third installment, especially one for Jackson's directing.

"The film is a memorable film that will stand the test of time and be around forever and ever. However winning depends on what's happening in the world, what other films are out there that you're competing with," Osborne said.

Boyens added: "Peter didn't make these films to win an Oscar...It's always been really hard for fantasy films or films perceived as fantasy to get that kind of acknowledgement."

Jackson, 42, has certainly not let fame go to his head. He met journalists in an upmarket Berlin hotel barefoot and wearing a faded shirt and threadbare shorts. While he said "Rings" was the hardest thing he would ever do, more challenges await.

"I just love making movies. I have done since I was seven years old," he said.

Jackson will take a few weeks off over Christmas and then start writing the script for his next project, a remake of the classic "King Kong" which, like the "Rings," he will also film in New Zealand, using the same team of special effects experts.

Richard Taylor, whose special effects workshop made 48,000 props for the trilogy and whose work earned two Oscars, says "King Kong" will be even better than Lord of the Rings.

"I have every aspiration to make King Kong much cooler," he said. "It's going to be a very beautiful film."

Phil Tinajero

12-09-2003, 12:00 AM

I'm still not sure on where I stand. I mean, The Hobbit's a fantastic adventure, but because of my absolute love and care for LOTR, I'm just afraid it might just be gilding the lily. These are how precious things are destroyed. And I know I'm overreacting, but I'm just a little cautious. Hopefully, PJ and co. will pour the same love and devotion which they made LOTR with.

And The Hobbit's a much lighter story with more adventure and less drama, I'm unsure how that would continuity to the saga.

goodwije

12-09-2003, 08:15 AM

Well I think "someone" will make it. With the huge, and deserved, popularity of the LOTR films, someone will try to cash in on it by making The Hobbit. It would be a fun movie because the story is so much more light hearted and hobbitesque.

I want PJ to do it so the look and feel remains the same. I also demand Ian to return as the role of Gandalf.. in my mind, although i wasn't convinced when it was originally announced, he IS Gandalf.

More importantly though.. Who would you cast as a young Bilbo?

Darth Vegas

12-09-2003, 09:59 AM

Will The Hobbit be made? Probably.

Will a prequel be made? No, The Hobbit is not a prequel to The Lord of the Rings but The Lord of the Rings was a sequel to The Hobbit.

pre·quel ( P ) Pronunciation Key (prkwl)
n.
A literary, dramatic, or cinematic work whose narrative takes place before that of a preexisting work.

In order to be a prequel, the story must be written after the original work, that is not the case here. The Hobbit was the original work.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>I want PJ to do it so the look and feel remains the same. I also demand Ian to return as the role of Gandalf.[/b][/quote]

There's no doubt of either of these things - if it's made.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Who would you cast as a young Bilbo? [/b][/quote]

There's not really a young Bilbo in The Hobbit, he's 50 years old at the time and he didn't aged much in the 60 years he had the ring (other than hair color, and maybe his skin sags a bit) - Holm looked quite youthful in FOTR. So they would likely stick with Ian Holm, no reason not to - unless he's busy, or doesn't want to do it or whatever. Anything he can't do physically can be handled with cg and stunt doubles.

goodwije

12-09-2003, 02:36 PM

I hope they do not use Holm, he doesnt have the appeal to me as the other cast members have. I hope he uses someone quite a bit younger. I guess he would need to be British, or at least be able to do a convincing British accent, but there are a ton of great young actors out there.

I really never thought i would be convinced by Elisa Wood (even though i think he is a great actor) as Frodo, but he ended up a great choice. He will need someone with a unusual look, and great chops.

TK, well it is a prequel as far as the movies are concerned. It takes place before any of the movies, so to make it would be a prequel to the movies Pete has already made. I just added that part to argue with you style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif

Darth Vegas

12-09-2003, 02:43 PM

Originally posted by goodwije@Dec 9 2003, 10:36 AM
I hope he uses someone quite a bit younger. I guess he would need to be British, or at least be able to do a convincing British accent, but there are a ton of great young actors out there.

Sorry dude, but it's not gonna happen. Bilbo is not young in the Hobbit, he's 50.

If they find anyone else, it will have to be someone who looks and sounds like Holm, who is brilliant BTW, and did a fine job as Bilbo, IMO.

goodwije

12-09-2003, 02:47 PM

Originally posted by TK-007@Dec 9 2003, 01:43 PM
Not gonna happen. Bilbo is not young in the Hobbit, he's 50.
But that isnt old for a hobbit. Unless i am totally off, which is possible, Frodo is 33 in LOTR, infact i think his b-day is the same day as Bilbo's. It was an important day because he is considered a respectable age, out of his rebelous Tweens.. right?

Darth Vegas

12-09-2003, 03:12 PM

Originally posted by goodwije+Dec 9 2003, 10:47 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(goodwije @ Dec 9 2003, 10:47 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'> <!--QuoteBegin-TK-007@Dec 9 2003, 01:43 PM
Not gonna happen. Bilbo is not young in the Hobbit, he's 50.
But that isnt old for a hobbit. [/b][/quote]
It ain't young either. At 111, Bilbo is supposed to look very much as he did when he was 50, because of his possession of the ring.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Unless i am totally off, which is possible, Frodo is 33 in LOTR, infact i think his b-day is the same day as Bilbo's.[/b][/quote]

In the book he is, when he finally goes on his journey though he was 50, in the movie Frodo's age was disregarded, as was his joint party with Bilbo.

James

12-09-2003, 03:13 PM

I want to see this movie happen: it would detail the finding of the Ring etc, and also make the discovery of Balin's death in FOTR much deeper, so to speak.

goodwije

12-09-2003, 04:39 PM

Originally posted by TK-007@Dec 9 2003, 02:12 PM
In the book he is, when he finally goes on his journey though he was 50, in the movie Frodo's age was disregarded, as was his joint party with Bilbo.
That was kinda my point as well. A little artistic freedom allows them to use a younger actor even though Bilbo was supposed to look older. If they can do it for LOTR, they certainly can do so for The Hobbit.

Darth Vegas

12-09-2003, 05:11 PM

Originally posted by goodwije+Dec 9 2003, 12:39 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(goodwije @ Dec 9 2003, 12:39 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'> <!--QuoteBegin-TK-007@Dec 9 2003, 02:12 PM
In the book he is, when he finally goes on his journey though he was 50, in the movie Frodo's age was disregarded, as was his joint party with Bilbo.
That was kinda my point as well. A little artistic freedom allows them to use a younger actor even though Bilbo was supposed to look older. If they can do it for LOTR, they certainly can do so for The Hobbit. [/b][/quote]
I'm sure they plan on keeping continuity with the other films, and as such this is out of the question.

We already saw Bilbo in Gollum's cave in FOTR, during the prologue, we've had the line from Gandalf to Bilbo "You havn't aged a day", there's no way PJ would just disregard all that and cast a young actor.

I don't think they would cast anyone else as Bilbo unless they absolutely had to.

Mann

12-09-2003, 05:37 PM

Originally posted by TK-007+Dec 9 2003, 06:43 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TK-007 @ Dec 9 2003, 06:43 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'> <!--QuoteBegin-goodwije@Dec 9 2003, 10:36 AM
I hope he uses someone quite a bit younger. I guess he would need to be British, or at least be able to do a convincing British accent, but there are a ton of great young actors out there.

Sorry dude, but it's not gonna happen. Bilbo is not young in the Hobbit, he's 50.

If they find anyone else, it will have to be someone who looks and sounds like Holm, who is brilliant BTW, and did a fine job as Bilbo, IMO. [/b][/quote]
Frodo was like 50 in FOTR....

Darth Vegas

12-09-2003, 05:39 PM

Originally posted by Mann
Frodo was like 50 in FOTR....

God I'm getting tired of repeating myself.

ONLY IN THE BOOK

Anyway when the book starts he's only 33, 17 years passes after Bilbo's 111st birthday party, and that's when he goes on his adeventure.

The films completely disregard all of that.

goodwije

12-09-2003, 06:23 PM

I am no sure i would even go see it if they cast Holm in the lead. He does not have the appeal for me to spend the money on. I would just wait until video. I have a strong feeling i am not alone in that thinking, and that PJ and everyone involved knows it. The bottom line is the only real motivator. If they make "The Hobbit" it will be a few years down the road, and i would be hugely surprised if we saw the other Ian at all.

Darth Vegas

12-09-2003, 06:37 PM

Originally posted by goodwije@Dec 9 2003, 02:23 PM
I am no sure i would even go see it if they cast Holm in the lead. He does not have the appeal for me to spend the money on. I would just wait until video. I have a strong feeling i am not alone in that thinking, and that PJ and everyone involved knows it.
Well, no offense, but that's very short-sighted if you ask me - I seriously doubt PJ has given it a thought at all. I think you're really getting ahead of yourself there. And I think deep down you know you'd watch it - simply because it's another installment to PJ's magnificent saga of Middle-Earth and the Ring, and it would for sure be one of the greatest films to come out in whatever year.

And I'm 100% certain that the success of LOTR has nothing to do with the actors (and especially not Elijah Wood), as much as it does with the fact that it is LOTR, and it looked like a really good movie.

People around the world didn't put down 2 billion dollars to see Elijah Wood.

They weren't casting to help sell tickets, they were casting who was best for the role.

People around the world will put down a ton of cash to see this flick because it's The Hobbit - because it's telling the story of what came before LOTR, Ian Holm being the lead will not keep people from buying tickets.

If Ian doesn't play him, so be it, but there's not a strong enough reason, other than sickness or death, for him not to. IMO.

Darth Vegas

12-09-2003, 06:42 PM

And maybe, just maybe I'm a little too overzealous about all this.

goodwije

12-09-2003, 06:51 PM

Just being honest, and i believe the casting in fact has a lot to do with the success of these films. The movies where amazingly cast, even Bilbo, for a background character, which is all he is in the LOTR. There have been many, many attempts to bring LOTR to the big screen before, not one was ever successful, most didn't even get off the ground. Traditionally people have simply not been interested. The look and feel, the writing, and the cast are exactly what is pulling most people in.

Elijah Wood is a fantastic actor and his skill, and look is as very important. Lets face it Elijah is not at all how hobbits are explained in the books, and he is very different than Frodo is presented.

The Hobbit is mostly drawves, only one hobbit. So basically only one actor with no make-up (or limited make-up). The dwarves are also fairly one sided, while Bilbo's journey is on several levels. It will take a much stronger actor than Ian Holm to not only pull people in, but to pull it off.

OK, i am done arguing this. We disagree.. oh well.

Darth Vegas

12-09-2003, 07:12 PM

Originally posted by goodwije@Dec 9 2003, 02:51 PM
Just being honest, and i believe the casting in fact has a lot to do with the success of these films.
The cast is perfect, every last one of them, it's so good you forget about who you're watching and see only the characters - but it's still not the main reason the films have been so successful, at the box office that is.

These flicks don't have real star power, they have very talented, but not so well known actors.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>It will take a much stronger actor than Ian Holm to not only pull people in, but to pull it off.[/b][/quote]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/censored.gif

Dude, Ian Holm is a very talented actor. There's no doubt at all that he can pull it off. Just hear praise of him from the cast and crew on the dvd's, especially from Ian McKellan and Peter Jackson, he's fantastic.

I think Ian McKellan would love more than anything to work with Holm again, he loved working with him. And so did Peter Jackson.

That being said, he's not irreplaceable, but replacing his is not a necessity for this film to be good and successful.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>OK, i am done arguing this. We disagree.. oh well.[/b][/quote]

Okey dokey.

James

12-09-2003, 07:48 PM

If the films disregarded how Frodo was 50, how long was it between the time Gandalf left to find out about the Ring and when he returned??

I always think that Frodo was about 50 when he left.

Mann

12-09-2003, 08:33 PM

Originally posted by TK-007+Dec 9 2003, 09:39 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TK-007 @ Dec 9 2003, 09:39 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'> <!--QuoteBegin-Mann
Frodo was like 50 in FOTR....

God I'm getting tired of repeating myself.

ONLY IN THE BOOK

Anyway when the book starts he's only 33, 17 years passes after Bilbo's 111st birthday party, and that's when he goes on his adeventure.

The films completely disregard all of that. [/b][/quote]
So what? In FOTR he IS 50, and obviously younger than alot of hobbits. 50 is a young age for hobbits, as Bilbo was younger when he was about 50 in The Hobbit. I think the movie says that Bilbo and Frodo were the same age when they start out, as the book does.

Mann

12-09-2003, 08:36 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Dude, Ian Holm is a very talented actor. There's no doubt at all that he can pull it off. Just hear praise of him from the cast and crew on the dvd's, especially from Ian McKellan and Peter Jackson, he's fantastic.

I think Ian McKellan would love more than anything to work with Holm again, he loved working with him. And so did Peter Jackson.

That being said, he's not irreplaceable, but replacing his is not a necessity for this film to be good and successful.
[/b][/quote]

I think that both Ian's would like to work again. I think they are bth fantastic.

that said, If someone thinks another actor is not up to snuff, must he be ridiculed?

DblDwn

12-09-2003, 08:47 PM

I was asking 4 months ago, on this site, if anyone thought that Jackson would do a Hobbit film after he was done with the trilogy.

I'm glad to see that it is a possibility. I think it would be awesome.

Phil Tinajero

12-10-2003, 01:07 AM

I'd think I'd want them to use Ian Holm mostly for continuity reasons. In the FOTR film, PJ said that only a few weeks had passed since Gandalf left after discovering the One Ring at Bag End. It was shortened to give the film a faster pace, which was a good idea.

And I suppose Frodo could be 50 when leaving the Shire in the film, but I've always thought that it's a little different since Hobbits have different calenders with shorter months and shorter years, so that may have something to do with it.

But who cares, the movie's great and was more exciting than the book, in my opinion.

Darth Vegas

12-10-2003, 08:22 AM

Originally posted by Mann+Dec 9 2003, 04:33 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mann @ Dec 9 2003, 04:33 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'> Originally posted by TK-007@Dec 9 2003, 09:39 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-Mann
Frodo was like 50 in FOTR....

God I'm getting tired of repeating myself.

ONLY IN THE BOOK

Anyway when the book starts he's only 33, 17 years passes after Bilbo's 111st birthday party, and that's when he goes on his adeventure.

The films completely disregard all of that.
So what? In FOTR he IS 50, and obviously younger than alot of hobbits. 50 is a young age for hobbits, as Bilbo was younger when he was about 50 in The Hobbit. [/b][/quote]
For the last frickin time, Frodo is not 50 in the film, PJ has spoken, so it is.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'> I think the movie says that Bilbo and Frodo were the same age when they start out, as the book does.[/b][/quote]

No, there is no such line in the film at all.

Mann

12-10-2003, 11:19 AM

Originally posted by TK-007+Dec 10 2003, 12:22 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TK-007 @ Dec 10 2003, 12:22 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'> Originally posted by Mann+Dec 9 2003, 04:33 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mann @ Dec 9 2003, 04:33 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'> <!--QuoteBegin-TK-007@Dec 9 2003, 09:39 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-Mann
Frodo was like 50 in FOTR....

God I'm getting tired of repeating myself.

ONLY IN THE BOOK

Anyway when the book starts he's only 33, 17 years passes after Bilbo's 111st birthday party, and that's when he goes on his adeventure.

The films completely disregard all of that.
So what? In FOTR he IS 50, and obviously younger than alot of hobbits. 50 is a young age for hobbits, as Bilbo was younger when he was about 50 in The Hobbit. [/b][/quote]
For the last frickin time, Frodo is not 50 in the film, PJ has spoken, so it is.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'> I think the movie says that Bilbo and Frodo were the same age when they start out, as the book does.[/b][/quote]

No, there is no such line in the film at all. [/b][/quote]
ther's also no such line that disproves this either. The books make it pretty clear, so why can't we just go along with it.

The only few time anyone mentions age is with Aragorn and Gandalf, a breifly with Elrond, so everyone else is subject to whatever age. Hobbits age differently, so we are open to interpret how old they were. Since the films don't say it, we have to go to the books, which say he's 50.

goodwije

12-10-2003, 11:21 AM

You know i thought i noticed that the sky in the Shire during the day is blue....

Just checking to see if you two would argue about it.

Darth Vegas

12-10-2003, 11:23 AM

Mann you can argue all you want til' pigs fly, my above statement (which I will not repeat) is 100% infallible fact. Period.

Mann

12-10-2003, 11:24 AM

Originally posted by goodwije@Dec 10 2003, 03:21 PM
You know i thought i noticed that the sky in the Shire during the day is blue....

Just checking to see if you two would argue about it.
http://e.deviantart.com/emoticons/r/rofl.gif

Mann

12-10-2003, 11:25 AM

Originally posted by TK-007@Dec 10 2003, 03:23 PM
Mann you can argue all you want til' pigs fly, my above statement (which I will not repeat) is 100% infallible fact. Period.
because the word of Bond is law.... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/saber.gif

Darth Vegas

12-10-2003, 11:37 AM

No because Peter Jackson, Phillipa Boyens, and Fran Walsh said so. They talked about their decision to cut out those 17 years of Frodo waiting at Bag End, they knew the fans may not like it, buts it's the way it is.

James

12-10-2003, 04:22 PM

Hello?? I asked a question, no one's answered. I think that's a bit rude. .... but this thread's just been taken over with an argument between Mann and Bond style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mad.gif

goodwije

12-10-2003, 04:44 PM

I do not think they imply any specific amount of time James, but it is not supposed to be very long. Long enough for Gandalf to travel and check things out, a few months i would bet.

Mann

12-10-2003, 04:46 PM

Originally posted by James@Dec 10 2003, 08:22 PM
Hello?? I asked a question, no one's answered. I think that's a bit rude. .... but this thread's just been taken over with an argument between Mann and Bond style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mad.gif
It was answered i think by Bond, through the argument.

I think the GS needs to understand, me and Bond just have this argument thing...everywhere. Well, Bond has it with anyone, and its not something people should get mad about. It is on topic.

Phil Tinajero

12-10-2003, 11:45 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>God I'm getting tired of repeating myself.

ONLY IN THE BOOK[/b][/quote]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>For the last frickin time, Frodo is not 50 in the film, PJ has spoken, so it is. [/b][/quote]

Woah, woah. When did everyone get so angry all of a sudden? Bond, what's the problem? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mellow.gif

James

12-11-2003, 01:36 AM

Originally posted by Jedi Master Gandalf@Dec 11 2003, 04:45 PM
Woah, woah. When did everyone get so angry all of a sudden? Bond, what's the problem? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mellow.gif
Mann and Bond are always having a go at each other, it gets kind of annoying. It's a bit rude too, as their arguments take over threads that could be interesting to discuss. It's ok Gandalf just try to ignore them.

Mann

12-11-2003, 01:49 AM

um, ok and your two posts about us contribute exactly what to the discussion?

save the talking about us behind our backs for pms.

James

12-11-2003, 02:07 AM

It contributes to your so-called discussion by trying to end the pointless argument.

Stop the arguments NOW or I'll ask a mod to close this thread.

Darth Vegas

12-11-2003, 02:54 AM

Originally posted by Jedi Master Gandalf@Dec 10 2003, 07:45 PM
Woah, woah. When did everyone get so angry all of a sudden? Bond, what's the problem? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mellow.gif
Just a silly argument really that got a bit out of hand, which no one should've argued with it in the first place - if you've watched the film and read the book, you know this aspect of the book has been changed, it's a fact that you just have to deal with.

James, it's ok dude. Just continue on the topic, there's no problem here...

Obi-Stu

12-18-2003, 10:05 AM

All this because PJ said if approached, who wouldn't mind doing the Hobbit.

Darth Vegas

12-18-2003, 09:06 PM

Well not just that...New Line Cinema has aquired the rights to make the film they just don't have the rights to distribute it (United Artists does), and that's part of the reason they havn't gone ahead with the film - that and Pete's busy with Kong.

But there's every chance of this film being made, it's almost a certainty.

Obi-Stu

12-19-2003, 07:12 AM

I'm sure it will be too.

T-bone

12-20-2007, 08:08 AM

boom

Tovor

12-20-2007, 10:08 AM

Weren't we discussing the Hobbit in the LOTR thread? :confused:

Orandhite

12-20-2007, 10:38 AM

We were. We were wrong.

Tovor

12-20-2007, 11:20 AM

I didn't know my ADD was that bad. :scratchchin:

Orandhite

12-20-2007, 12:15 PM

Meh, it was okay. :wink:

Morridini

12-20-2007, 04:36 PM

Woot, reopened thansk to me!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway, big news: http://www.thehobbitblog.com/?p=41

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

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

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

* Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh will serve as Executive Producers of two films based on “The Hobbit.” New Line will manage the production of the films, which will be shot simultaneously.

* Peter Jackson and New Line have settled all litigation relating to the “Lord of the Rings” (LOTR) Trilogy.

Said Peter Jackson, “I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to put our differences behind us, so that we may begin a new chapter with our old friends at New Line. ‘The Lord of the Rings’ is a legacy we proudly share with Bob and Michael, and together, we share that legacy with millions of loyal fans all over the world. We are delighted to continue our journey through Middle Earth. I also want to thank Harry Sloan and our new friends at MGM for helping us find the common ground necessary to continue that journey.”

“Peter Jackson has proven himself as the filmmaker who can bring the extraordinary imagination of Tolkien to life and we full heartedly agree with the fans worldwide who know he should be making ‘The Hobbit,’” said Sloan, MGM’s Chairman and CEO. “Now that we are all in agreement on ‘The Hobbit,’ we can focus on assembling the production team that will capture this phenomenal tale on film.”

Bob Shaye, New Line Co-Chairman and Co-CEO comments, “We are very pleased we have been able to resolve our differences, and that Peter and Fran will be actively and creatively involved with ‘The Hobbit’ movies. We know they will bring the same passion, care and talent to these films that they so ably accomplished with ‘The Lord of the Rings’ Trilogy.”

“Peter is a visionary filmmaker, and he broke new ground with ‘The Lord of the Rings,’” notes Michael Lynne, New Line Co-Chairman and Co-CEO. “We’re delighted he’s back for ‘The Hobbit’ films and that the Tolkien saga will continue with his imprint. We greatly appreciate the efforts of Harry Sloan, who has been instrumental in helping us reach our new accord.”

The two “Hobbit” films – “The Hobbit” and its sequel – are scheduled to be shot simultaneously, with pre-production beginning as soon as possible. Principal photography is tentatively set for a 2009 start, with the intention of “The Hobbit” release slated for 2010 and its sequel the following year, in 2011.

The Oscar-winning, critically-acclaimed LOTR Trilogy grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide at the box-office. In 2003, “Return of the King” swept the Academy Awards, winning all of the eleven categories in which it was nominated, including Best Picture – the first ever Best Picture win for a fantasy film. The Trilogy’s production was also unprecedented at the time.

Doze

05-02-2008, 12:36 AM

Hobbit News
Empire Online had a few moments with Sir Ian McKellan at the UK Speed Racer premiere. McKellan all but confirmed that he’d returns as Gandalf in Guillermo Del Toro’s Hobbit films.

Only days ago, Andy Serkis also said he’d been speaking with the director about reprising his role as Smeagol/Gollum.

--------------------------------------

Guillermo Del Toro talks about ‘The Hobbit’ (http://www.nightly.net/movies/guillermo-del-toro-talks-about-plans-for-the-hobbit/)
Link: http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/04/25/28747-guillermo-del-toro-chats-with-torn-about-the-hobbit-films/
[/URL]
[URL="http://www.nightly.net/z/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/guillermo-del-torothumbnail.jpg"]http://www.nightly.net/z/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/guillermo-del-torothumbnail.jpg (http://www.nightly.net/news/movies/)
Last week came the official announcement that Guillermo Del Toro would be directing The Hobbit and its sequel. TheOneRing.net (http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/04/25/28747-guillermo-del-toro-chats-with-torn-about-the-hobbit-films/) was able to talk to Del Toro about the much-anticipated project.
Regarding the cast and who has given interest in returning, Del Toro shared this:
“I had the most charming meeting with Sir Ian, and all bureaucracy pending, he’s on board, as is Andy Serkis,” he said. “We will continue giving you progress reports as the occur. It is our intention that we will not lose any of the key elements.”
We have also been told that Del Toro is going to move to New Zealand for four years with Peter Jackson to film. Del Toro’s film Pan’s Labyrinth used some studio sets to simulate the outdoors, and TheOneRing.net asked if he planned on doing the same for The Hobbit.
“I think green screen photography is exactly like CGI, it is a tool, I don’t think it should be overused. Things like ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ and ‘The Devil’s Backbone’ are incredibly dependent on location, we shot on location for more than half the time. Those locations can be enhanced by technology however, both digital and physical. What I would like to avoid is the recreation of the natural environments in CG, I don’t like doing that. The movie is essentially a journey movie, I think you need to use locations as much as possible.”
Del Toro says that he plans to focus more on animatronics and less on pure CGI than seen in Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films and wants to push that technology forward much like the original series pushed CGI technology.

Miasmo

05-14-2008, 10:26 AM

Del Toro says that he plans to focus more on animatronics and less on pure CGI than seen in Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films and wants to push that technology forward much like the original series pushed CGI technology.This is good. I can think many of us can agree there is a director very close to us that could have benefited from this approach.

Morridini

05-14-2008, 11:49 AM

What's "animatronics"?

Miasmo

05-14-2008, 12:08 PM

Basically... Robo-Puppets. Electronics used with puppetry to give a more lifelike feel to the creature.

Doze

05-14-2008, 12:14 PM

OT Yoda = animatronics (only what they can do today is even better)
PT Yoda = CGI

Farscape did a nice mix of both. So I totaly agreed with you Miasmo. Nice.

Morridini

05-14-2008, 01:30 PM

You agree with me? Miasmo was the one saying stuff.

Doze

05-14-2008, 02:14 PM

Fixxed, Thanks.

Justin

05-15-2008, 10:13 PM

Gulliermo del Toro is definitely the right guy for the job. I am EXTREMELY glad Sam Raimi didn't end up doing it.

Grand Admiral Thrawn

05-16-2008, 02:35 AM

I just hope his team researches the languages/pronunciations like Jackson's team did for names, like Smaug, for instance. Oh, I can just see it now: stuck with a bunch of actors pronouncing it "Smog". :doh:

To answer your unasked question: Yes, I am a pronunciation geek and I do get annoyed when things aren't pronounced correctly :) Although, I must say there are some pronunciations written by Tolkien that I really do not like and have stuck with the 'wrong' versions. For instance: Khazad-dum should actually be pronounced CHAH-ZAHD-doom, rather than KAH-ZAHD-doom, as KH in Sindarin/Quenya/Khuzdul is pronounced as CH (as indicated in the Appendices of The Return of the King). So this also means that Grishnakh should be pronounced GRISH-nahch rather than GRISH-nahk. But I really don't like the sound of either so I find myself continuously using the 'wrong' pronunciations. So... I guess I should be a little less strict on other people :D

Grand Admiral Thrawn

05-16-2008, 02:28 PM

Weta are excited to be hosting this one-hour live online chat on our website www.wetaNZ.com. Please check the start time for your time zone below:

Los Angeles (Pacific) - Saturday, 24 May 1:00 p.m.
New York (Eastern) - Saturday, 24 May 4:00 p.m.
London - Saturday, 24 May 9:00 p.m.
Paris, Berlin, Rome - Saturday, 24 May 10:00 p.m.
Sydney - Sunday, 25 May 6:00 a.m.
Wellington, Auckland - Sunday, 25 May 8:00 am

See you at the Unexpected Party!

Text of PJ's letter follows:
Several years ago - it seems a lifetime now - I invited 20 questions from fans right at the start of embarking on The Lord of the Rings trilogy. For me, it was an important and enjoyable moment, when I was able to begin a relationship that helped define our attitude to that unique project. It gave me a sense of responsibility that stayed etched in my brain for the next 5 years.
Well, the time has come again! With us right on the cusp of beginning pre-production on The Hobbit, and its companion movie, it seems fitting to do the same thing again.
It’s also fitting that our director, Guillermo Del Toro, will join me in answering the questions, since he will be bringing his considerable personal vision to these two movies. It’s my moment to hand the baton to Guillermo. It’s time for him to address your concerns.
So this is how it will work: we ask fans with an interest in The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings to send one question to this website (http://www.wetanz.com/party/). Ask us anything! Guillermo and I will select and answer the 20 most common questions, so we can both attempt to address the key issues as best we can.
Our answers will be released during a one hour live web chat, hosted by Weta, with both Guillermo and myself logged on. In addition to answering your 20 questions - for the entire hour, we’ll take additional live questions and chat about the projects with anybody who’s interested.
Please send us your questions and Register for the live chat (http://www.wetanz.com/party/register/) - and we’ll talk to you in a couple of weeks.
Cheers,
Peter Jackson

This will be a good chance for some good questions...

JMAS

05-16-2008, 02:41 PM

OK, just noticed this thread. I saw mention of Gulliermo del Toro as directing? Is Peter Jackson having anything to do with this project?

Grand Admiral Thrawn

05-16-2008, 09:30 PM

Yeah, him and Fran are producing it. I just found out about this two months ago and when I started telling all my friends about it, they said: "Man, where've you been for the past year or two?" :doh:

Jjm3233

05-16-2008, 09:40 PM

My only concern is the second movie - what "extra" things are going to happen between the movies?

Grand Admiral Thrawn

05-16-2008, 10:14 PM

Yeah... I'm skeptical but curious all the same.

I'll have to do some research myself, but the way I see it, Tolkien wrote enough historical information that it is possible one could actually be able to find out almost exactly what happens in between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Even just in the Appendices of The Return of the King. It's very possible that the sequel may focus on things elsewhere in Middle-earth. Perhaps it will contain Gandalf's and Aragorn's quest for Gollum, and into the Mines of Moria. Perhaps we'll see Balin at Moria even before that. There are many possibilities. The only way we could really get "screwed" is if they decide to have the whole thing focus on Bilbo...

Jjm3233

05-17-2008, 01:12 AM

Yeah, three hours of him wandering the shire avoiding the sackville-baggins!

Grand Admiral Thrawn

05-17-2008, 01:55 AM

I like it! It has such excellent potential!

:laughing:

P-Ray

05-17-2008, 09:53 AM

Jjm3233

05-17-2008, 10:15 AM

P-Ray

05-17-2008, 10:26 AM

That's what they are saying P-Ray, but is it a sequel to The Hobbit, or a prequel to LOTR? My problem is that while we do have a fair idea what went on, none of it brings a resolution - so how much monkeying around with the mythology will happen?
Gotcha!

I'm sure fans may not be thrilled with the leway(?) the story could take from already established canon:wink:

JMAS

05-17-2008, 12:12 PM

I had thought they were just making The Hobbit into two movies.

P-Ray

05-17-2008, 02:01 PM

I had thought they were just making The Hobbit into two movies.
That's what I thought!

Talcy

05-17-2008, 04:21 PM

Nope. It will be one film for The Hobbit and a film about the years inbetween, where Sauron begins to reconstitute himself and the forces of darkness draw back to Mirkwood, Gollum leaves the Misty Mountains, the rebuikding of Barad'dur begins, Aragorn hunts Gollum with Gandalf and where Gandalf begins to start piecing things together - in the Unfinished Tales, there is a chapter where Tolkien essentially explains that the events of The Hobbit were partly engineered by Gandalf as he suspected that the One Ring was out there. I imagine Saruman's early interest in the One Ring and his drifting from the ways of the White Council will also be covered.

The second film might very well be called The Hunt for the Ring, as the chapter in Unfinished Tales is called.

So the second film will lead into the Lord of the Rings but will still be it's own thing and not a mere continuation of The Hobbit. Jackson and Del Toro have explicitly stated that this is the case.

P-Ray

05-21-2008, 10:29 AM

3 actors contacted!

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/hobbitnews.php?id=45328

empire21

05-22-2008, 07:15 AM

3 actors contacted!

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/hobbitnews.php?id=45328

Interesting. :scratchchin:

Morridini

05-22-2008, 08:31 AM

Gollum and Gandalf makes perfect sense, but why Aragorn?

Also, as the ring stopped Bilbo from aging, wouldn't it work to have the same actor as in The Fellowship of the Rings?

Jjm3233

05-22-2008, 09:09 AM

I would assume Aragorn is for the second movie, where many people speculate we will see events that take place between the Hobbit and FoTR.

Talcy

05-22-2008, 11:16 AM

Gollum and Gandalf makes perfect sense, but why Aragorn?

Also, as the ring stopped Bilbo from aging, wouldn't it work to have the same actor as in The Fellowship of the Rings?

Because the One Ring is fictional and Ian Holm is not. He's 76 years old and most likely not up for it.

P-Ray

05-22-2008, 11:32 AM

Because the One Ring is fictional and Ian Holm is not. He's 76 years old and most likely not up for it.
:laughing:

Morridini

05-22-2008, 12:20 PM

Because the One Ring is fictional and Ian Holm is not

Or so they want us to believe.

Grand Admiral Thrawn

05-23-2008, 02:14 AM

Forgive me if I'm repeating, I can't remember whether I said this already or not but: depending on the budget of the film, I think it is very possible they could still use Holm, and apply the Stewart/McKellan technique. Remember in X-Men 3: The Last Stand for the flashback sequence they digitally masked Ian and Patrick's faces with pictures of them when they were younger. And it looks absolutely amazing.

But like I said, it would depend on budgets. Because I'm sure that's not a digital effect that comes cheap.

Jjm3233

05-24-2008, 01:56 PM

Probably not GAT, but I think after all the money the LOTR made, they'll spring for some digital corrections.

P-Ray

05-24-2008, 09:13 PM

Jackson and Del Toro talk the Hobbit!

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/hobbitnews.php?id=45413

Grand Admiral Thrawn

05-24-2008, 11:04 PM

Excellent, you can also get the chat-transcript here:

http://www.wetanz.com/holics/index.php?itemid=695&catid=2

To get right to the bones if you don't feel like reading through the 60 questions, here are some of the important ones answered, but I'll put it in spoiler tags in case you'd rather read the transcript for yourself.

Howard Shore will be returning to score The Hobbit and "Film 2" (F2, as they're calling it). He will reprise the original themes but of course compose new themes as well.
Del Toro and PJ hope to complete the events of The Hobbit novel in the first film. And the second film will bridge the events between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring. Del Toro and PJ both gave some ideas of what they're hoping to show us in the second film: some scenes with the Istari (Wizard) Council, in which we'll see Saruman again, plus Radagast, and Gandalf of course. Both also said that they would love to have the original fellowship members appear in the second film, such as Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, etc. And Del Toro comfirmed that if this would indeed happen they would definitely get the original actors (Bloom, Davies, Mortensen).
Del Toro said the film was stay as true to the book as possible. All the animals that talk in the book will talk in the movie (Gwaihir, the wargs, the trolls, and of course, Smaug).
Del Toro confirmed that he will used most of the original designs from the trilogy. However he said that he would be making some alterations to the goblins and talking-wargs.
Del Toro said that, like PJ did with the trilogy, he will use as much physical stuff as possible, including "big-iatures" and prosthetics.
They will be attempting to get ahold of the original Hobbiton used in the trilogy and they hope to build more onto it.
Del Toro and PJ said that F2 may also show us where Gandalf disappears to during the events of The Hobbit. This would include the Istari Council, as mentioned above.
PJ will be as involved with the film as possible. He will be writing the script/story with Del Toro, Fran Walsh, and others.
Del Toro and PJ both stated that they are unsure at this time about Ian's involvement with the film.
Alan Lee and John Howe will be returning as the art designers.

Those are the most important things. But there are many more interesting questions that are answered. So check it out!

P-Ray

05-28-2008, 10:59 AM

The Hobbit (http://www.movies.com/the-hobbit/d932831/scifi)
The Hobbled Peter Jackson and Guillermo Del Toro recently announced their plans to have all relevant cast members return, with shooting to begin in 2010. Meanwhile. J.R.R. Tolkien's son is suing to prevent the film from even being made. If he wins, Jackson and Del Toro can just make The Bobbit about Hilbo Haggins and Mandalf the Magician searching for a mystical ankle bracelet.

movies.com

Morridini

05-28-2008, 11:32 AM

I guess he sue to not make the sequel in between?

Talcy

05-28-2008, 01:14 PM

He's not sueing for those reasons. His lawsuit threatens an injunction against any new films unless a financial situation between the Tolkien estate and New Line is sorted out. Now New Line have been consumed by Warner Brothers and Bob Shaye is now out of the picture, it might get resolved.

Grand Admiral Thrawn

05-28-2008, 01:22 PM

MAAAN!! I love Christopher, but I'm really unhappy with him right now. What he doesn't understand is that A) Hardcore Fans will always love the books more and B) People who have never read the books who go to see these movies then want to read the books. :doh:

I understand that he wants to preserve his dad's vision and he doesn't want anyone else to take the reins, but really, if he were to really look at it he'd realize it really only helps J.R.R.'s vision.

empire21

05-28-2008, 05:55 PM

Well, this is certainly good news. :giveup:

Talcy

05-28-2008, 07:46 PM

I understand that he wants to preserve his dad's vision and he doesn't want anyone else to take the reins, but really, if he were to really look at it he'd realize it really only helps J.R.R.'s vision.

Again, this is not about that. It is about a legal situation where a substantial amount of money is owed to the Tolkien estate. Anyone in that position would use the most obvious piece of leverage - retention of rights and prevention of exploitation of said rights.

It is not about Christopher Tolkien wanting control. It's about New Line cooking the books, just like they did with Jackson and Wingut Films.

Grand Admiral Thrawn

05-28-2008, 09:05 PM

Again, this is not about that. It is about a legal situation where a substantial amount of money is owed to the Tolkien estate. Anyone in that position would use the most obvious piece of leverage - retention of rights and prevention of exploitation of said rights.

It is not about Christopher Tolkien wanting control. It's about New Line cooking the books, just like they did with Jackson and Wingut Films.

Ah, I missed your first post. I must have been typing my reply when you posted it. Okay, this I can understand.

P-Ray

08-20-2008, 04:41 PM

writing begins!

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/hobbitnews.php?id=48093

P-Ray

10-05-2008, 08:54 AM

Del Toro on The Hobbit!

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/hobbitnews.php?id=49378

Jjm3233

10-05-2008, 12:50 PM

Well I am glad to see its moving forward.

P-Ray

11-12-2008, 11:57 AM

Hobbit update!

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=50460

P-Ray

11-29-2008, 10:03 AM

The Hobbit films to shoot for 370 days!

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/hobbitnews.php?id=50900

Morridini

11-29-2008, 11:46 AM

So release around Christmas 2011 then?

Talcy

11-29-2008, 12:04 PM

Hey, Mike Mignola's working on it. Good. :)

kopernikuz

11-29-2008, 01:45 PM

I hope Bilbo has a giant stone hand, lol.

P-Ray

11-29-2008, 01:50 PM

I hope Bilbo has a giant stone hand, lol.
:laughing:

Grand Admiral Thrawn

11-30-2008, 10:13 PM

Well, after finally watching Hellboy II: The Golden Army and seeing what Guillermo is capable of, I have to say that I am really getting excited about The Hobbit duology! I think the thing that attracts me most about him is that, where creatures are concerned, he doesn't use CGI unless it is completely and utterly impossible to do with any real material (i.e. the Forest Nature deity and the Rock-man). So I am starting to really get hyped up about this.

Completely off topic, but; as soon as I saw Prince Nuada fighting with two swords against the ogre-guards.... Long white hair... Dark clothing... Two swords...... My eyes began to widen in excitement at the thought... of a Drizzt Do'Urden movie :) That would be so awesome. Although Salvatore has already said that he didn't really want them to do that because then people would remember Drizzt because of the movie and not because of the books.