The Hobbit movie news

[stormcrow20]

Hello,

I thought that I would post some of the recent news surrounding a film version of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit”, (which set the stage for Lord of the Rings), for those who are either unaware or not up to date on the situation.

For the best article, get the latest issue (October 12th) of Entertainment Weekly, which features a nice cover story named “Return of the Rings?” with Gollum on the cover. Tolkien fans are thrilled to see this amount of coverage, in print most especially, for a project that is in such early stages. The more attention this brings to the situation, the better. The awareness of the general public, in addition to the fans, will brighten the spotlight on the legal situation and those responsible; hopefully making them want to speed things up.

Thankfully, things are already beginning to look good. Here are a few links to start with:

MTV Movies Blog
http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2007/10/10/new-line-ceo-the-hobbit-is-in-the-future/

Let the Hobbit Happen Campaign
http://www.thehobbitfilm.com/

The Frodo Franchise
http://www.kristinthompson.net/blog/

It is being said that there will be two films made, either splitting the story of The Hobbit in two, or having the second film take place in the sixty years between The Hobbit and LotR, thereby connecting the two stories. Most likely, that would include scenes based on information Tolkien later added to the appendices of LotR, like the White Council and their dealings with the Necromancer (Sauron).

The Hobbit story introduces us to a few characters featured in LotR: Gandalf, Bilbo, Elrond and Gollum. If we get to see the White Council, we would also see Saruman, Galadriel, and hopefully a character cut from LotR: Radagast the Brown.

Many of the actors from the Rings trilogy have shown support for the film, if Rings director Peter Jackson is involved. Most notably Ian McKellen (Gandalf) and Cate Blanchett (Galadriel). If Jackson is indeed involved, we could also see the return of Hugo Weaving, Andy Serkis, Christopher Lee and possibly Ian Holm, as their respective characters.

The fans are somewhat divided on what they want to see. Many want Peter Jackson as director, which would mean much continuity with the world and style he established in LotR. Others want to see someone else’s vision of Middle-earth, and a film truer to the lighter tone of the book.

What are your thoughts?

[Tokito's Girl]

I think without Peter Jackson the movie(s) will be completely screwed up or worse. ( remember film version of Doom) But unfortunately Jackson won't be doing The Hobbit and it still being fought over at the present time.

[stormcrow20]

I think without Peter Jackson the movie(s) will be completely screwed up or worse. ( remember film version of Doom) But unfortunately Jackson won't be doing The Hobbit and it still being fought over at the present time.
It's not a fact that Peter Jackson will not direct. It is still a possibility. Bob Shaye has softened his stance on the matter, even complimenting Jackson. I'm sure Peter is still interested, especially once the legal matters are ended. One of the big names at MGM, which owns the distribution rights to The Hobbit, has said that Jackson will direct (of course it would still be Jackson's choice). It has even been suggested that New Line could make their version of The Hobbit without Peter and co., and once the filming rights revert back to Saul Zaentz, MGM will make their own version of The Hobbit WITH Peter and co.

As far as we know, nothing is certain; everything is still up in the air.

[Mrmakee]

Well I was gonna say why not give someone else a chance? But when Doom was mentioned I thought they could stuff it up like that. I think Peter Jackson has done LOTR quite well and should also do the Hobbit. If someone else does do it they probably would be influenced a lot by Jackson and it will be too similar. I say keep Jackson because he did such great work in LOTR. But if he doesnt wanna do it good for him, it will give someone else a chance to do it.

Oh and sorry for the double post, but can someone give me a link or tell me what all the legal stuff is about The Hobbit? I know they haven't done it because of some legal stuff, but I don't know the details.

[stormcrow20]

Here is a great summary of the legal situation…it’s lengthy, but well worth the read if you’re interested: http://www.kristinthompson.net/blog/?p=114

Peter Jackson was having New Line audited for money he is owed for the LotR films, and apparently New Line failed to cough it up. As a result, a judge has fined New Line Cinema $125,000 for withholding and possibly destroying documents. They are set to go to court in January 2008. New Line has decided not to contest it. But it is very possible that they will settle out of court, which NL is well-known for doing.

A quote from the FF article: “Given that Peter’s lawyers have finally mentioned $100 million as their estimate of the sum involved just for the first film, the settlement could grow to astronomical proportions. Still, more and more it looks as if New Line may soon bite the bullet and settle the case out of court, avoiding a protracted struggle which they might lose anyway.”

A quote from New Line Cinema’s Michael Lynne in an interview by Charlie Rose earlier this year: “We have a disagreement with Peter about auditing. It happens a lot. It ought to be resolvable. What happens in going forward in terms of working together or not, the future will tell.”

Another snippet: “In August Peter and partner Fran Walsh issued a statement: ‘Peter and Fran have always wanted to do The Hobbit but whether that happens is yet to be decided.’ ... It sounds like they’re ready, and they are well aware that their fans are, to say the least, eager to hear that they will be making the film.”

Apparently, Peter Jackson is still being strongly considered to either direct or executive produce The Hobbit. He’s definitely still in the running.

Also, Jackson and co. will wrap up their work on The Lovely Bones soon, so it’s quite possible that their schedule can be shifted to fit in The Hobbit.

[Nicholas]

Well, Peter Jackson, if he doesn't decide to direct, will hopefully be at least Executive Producer. But sadly I do not see anyone else being able to direct The Hobbit as well as Jackson. Fans have been dying to see this movie, and if it turns up to be screwed up royally...well there might be retribution or something. :shrug:

[Darth Evan]

When I heard of the Hobbit possibly being made into a movie I was eager to wait until its made. Then I found out that Peter Jackson isn't going to direct. That shattered the idea completly. I am severely disappointed.

[sidewinder]

When I heard of the Hobbit possibly being made into a movie I was eager to wait until its made. Then I found out that Peter Jackson isn't going to direct. That shattered the idea completly. I am severely disappointed.


Look Peter Jackson is one hell of a director but whoever will be directing the film let's give him a shot. Harry Potter did not have the same director in the two first movies as in the Prisoner Of Askaban but it turned out to be a kick @$$ movie.

[Kid_A]

Someone help me because it's been a long time since I read the Hobbit... but how likely do you think it would be that Ian Holm would return as Bilbo? Wasn't Bilbo supposed to be much younger during the time frame of the Hobbit? I know they can do a lot with FX make up, but wouldn't you think they'd find a 'younger version' of Ian for the movie?

[sidewinder]

Well they will probably find another actor. That is what they did with 'Cannibal Rising'.

[Tokito's Girl]

That is what they did with 'Cannibal Rising'.

It is Hannibal Rising actually. As to your previos post about HP not having the same director; HP isn't has hard to do as the Hobbit would be. If you don't have a director that really understands special effects then it is going to ruin the whole movie and alot of people liked the way that Jackson did LOTR and they don't want to see the movie adaptation of the Hobbit screwed up.

[Hockeyruler]

Look Peter Jackson is one hell of a director but whoever will be directing the film let's give him a shot. Harry Potter did not have the same director in the two first movies as in the Prisoner Of Askaban but it turned out to be a kick @$$ movie.

i dunno, but the HP series wasn't very good for me. It didn't stick to the book very well. LOTR however was totaly awesome, it didn't skip nearly as many things. It changed Farimirs retreat into a charge, and it didn't have the Rangers give aragorn the message, it had elrond in the movie. but if you go to HP... it just isn't as good. In my oppinion.

We want the same middle earth, not a different version. And i want to feel moved the way jackson made the first 3 move me. Aside from the g@y frodo they were perfect.

[sidewinder]

How can you say that frodo was gay? Oh and by the way, the new director will know what kind of Middle earth he has behind so i don't think he will change the scenery much (for the sake of him and our poor money)