Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies

[fernandito]

Peter Jackson Talks Hobbit Rumors
Updates on scripts, casting, more.
by Scott Collura


April 16, 2010 - Those freakin' Internet rumors. Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em. Though as far as Peter Jackson is concerned, he can live without them -- especially when they're about his upcoming Hobbit adaptations. And today he's setting the record straight on the status of the project.

Moviefone asked him about the scuttlebutt that the first film has been delayed, to which Jackson replied that there's more butt than scuttle to be found in such talk.

"Well, it's not really been delayed, because we've never announced the date," he says. "I mean it's sort of interesting because the studio [MGM] has never greenlit The Hobbit, so therefore The Hobbit has never been officially announced as a 'go' project, nor have we ever announced a date. But there's so much interest that people -- newspapers and magazines, of their own account, say, 'Ah, it's likely to film in May, it's likely to film in June, it's likely to film in September.' People make this stuff up. And then if it's not filming in June, you get a story saying, 'The Hobbit's been delayed.' But it's never actually been announced."

(Not the actual Peter Jackson)

So what is going on with the pictures? Jackson says the script was just delivered to the studio last week -- the first draft of the second of the two screenplays, that is. The first script is already with them.

"So the studio's got both scripts now, which is a milestone; and if anything was holding it up, it was us doing the screenplays, because we'd just been writing as fast as we can, but it took us this long to get them finished," he explains. "So we take whatever responsibility there is for the speed. And we're now in the process of budgeting the films, and then hopefully we'll get to a budget the studio [people] are happy with, and they'll greenlight the movies and we'll announce the shooting dates. I'd be pretty optimistic that we'll be shooting before the end of the year. I would imagine October, November, we'd be shooting by. I'm not announcing it, though."

As for casting, no actors have signed on yet -- not even those from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. But Jackson hopes to start making announcements regarding casting by the middle of the year. They have done "a little bit" of auditioning, however.

So there you have it -- all straight from Jackson himself. Look Ma -- no rumors!

[Tatts4Life]

There shouldn't be any more announcements about ANYTHING dealing with this movie until they make the announcement saying "We are now filming". It kills me every time I come in here only to see it's been delayed, Filming starts soon, There's no green lit for the movie yet. Talk about a cock tease.

[fernandito]

GDT: No Hobbit Start Date
MGM's financial crisis is holding up production.


IGN Movies participated in a press conference yesterday with filmmaker Guillermo del Toro to talk about Splice, the new sci-fi/thriller that he exec produced. During the conference a few tidbits of information leaked out about the long-anticipated Hobbit film, which has been stymied by the financial woes of its debt-ridden studio, MGM.

"It's not greenlit. That's categorical. It's not greenlit," del Toro stressed. "There can't be any start date, really, until the MGM situation gets resolved because they do hold a considerable portion of the rights and it's impossible to make a unilateral decision by New Line or Warner. We really believe that dates will be known after the fact of MGM's fate. Whether they stay and get supported or they get bought or they transfer some of the rights, nobody knows. We've been caught in a very tangled negotiation."

Del Toro did say, however, they are already prepared to start working on the film once MGM's situation has been resolved. "We have designed all the creatures," he said. "We have designed the sets, the wardrobe. We have done animatics and planned very lengthy action sequences. We have scary sequences and funny sequences and we are very, very prepared for when it's finally triggered, but we don't know anything until MGM is solved."

Del Toro also dispelled the rumor going around about the film receiving the 3D treatment. "3D has been discussed literally once in the room," he said. "The budget and the schedule and everything we're handling -- the cost of the film and the number of days it would take to shoot -- is being handled right now without looking towards 3D. Is there a chance it would become 3D in the future? Maybe. But right now it's not being planned as such."

[fernandito]

Guillermo del Toro leaves 'The Hobbit'

After spending the last two years developing "The Hobbit" as his latest directing project, Guillermo del Toro has announced he is leaving the helm of the J. R. R. Tolkien adaptation.

“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,” Guillermo wrote in his announcement on "Lord of the Rings" fansite TheOneRing.net. “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."

He said he would continue to co-write the screenplays with Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Phillippa Boyens.

The walls started to crumble for del Toro in recent weeks as the uncertain future of MGM put the project, which was to have been two movies, in a limbo state. The producers had been hoping to be in production this summer but no greenlight was forthcoming.

That put pressure del Toro, who has a laundry list of development projects outlined for the next 10 years, in a position of cutting bait or staying on for more uncertainty. The director moved his wife and children to New Zealand for the shoot, and the first movie was aiming for a December 2012 release.

"The blessings have been plenty, but the mounting pressures of conflicting schedules have overwhelmed the time slot originally allocated for the project," said del Toro in his statement. "Both as a co-writer and as a director, I wish 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."

Jackson stated he understood del Toro's position: "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. 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."

Jackson said development on "Hobbit" would continue apace, although his statement did not specifically address any possible postponement of the release date.

"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," he said.

[fernandito]

Guillermo del Toro leaves 'The Hobbit'

After spending the last two years developing "The Hobbit" as his latest directing project, Guillermo del Toro has announced he is leaving the helm of the J. R. R. Tolkien adaptation.

“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,” Guillermo wrote in his announcement on "Lord of the Rings" fansite TheOneRing.net. “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."

He said he would continue to co-write the screenplays with Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Phillippa Boyens.

The walls started to crumble for del Toro in recent weeks as the uncertain future of MGM put the project, which was to have been two movies, in a limbo state. The producers had been hoping to be in production this summer but no greenlight was forthcoming.

That put pressure del Toro, who has a laundry list of development projects outlined for the next 10 years, in a position of cutting bait or staying on for more uncertainty. The director moved his wife and children to New Zealand for the shoot, and the first movie was aiming for a December 2012 release.

"The blessings have been plenty, but the mounting pressures of conflicting schedules have overwhelmed the time slot originally allocated for the project," said del Toro in his statement. "Both as a co-writer and as a director, I wish 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."

Jackson stated he understood del Toro's position: "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. 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."

Jackson said development on "Hobbit" would continue apace, although his statement did not specifically address any possible postponement of the release date.

"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," he said.


*Will be merged later*

[Still Servant]

This is awful news In fact, it pretty much ruined what's left of my day.

I know there is a lot of business that is holding this project up, but MGM has to realize that the faster they green light The Hobbit, the faster they will make truck loads of money.

If it means you have to red light every crappy movie that you will release in the next 4 years, then do it.

I don't blame del Toro, you can't ask him to wait forever. I mean, they haven't even announced who's playing Bilbo yet.

It's ridiculous.

[ArtherEld]

First thought that came to my mind: fuckpiss.

[Ruthful]

Wait, I thought Peter Jackson was directing it?

[ArtherEld]

God... watch it be Michael Bay...

[JRM]

[Rjeso]

This is such a bummer, because I love anything that del Toro's ever had a hand in, but I'd rather see his list of other projects get under way than see it all held up because of two Hobbit movies. Peter Jackson's already involved as a producer and he's got nothing on his plate at the moment, directorially-speaking, so I hope he steps up to the bat and continues lending his exceptional Middle Earth expertise to the project in a more direct way (pun semi-intended, hee).

[disel24]

It's unfortunate BUT I'm glad Del Toro realized that there was nothing to be done for the situation and moved on.

He's a fantastic artist and has some great things lined up (Hellboy 3 being one of them) and I hope to GOD that whoever takes over directing these films isn't a total cockbite and knows to treat the material with respect.

[Rjeso]

Hellboy 3.

[Empath of the White]

I was looking forward to his take on Middle Earth, especially the scene in Mirkwood. Ah well, bring on At the Mountains of Madness and Hellboy 3!

[turtlex]

You know, I'm wondering if something else might be in play here - The Hobbit, it's gonna have a built in fan base and is practically gauranteed to make good money. Why hasn't another studio bid for it and picked it up, bought it from MGM? Especially since Del Toro was attached?

[fernandito]

Peter Jackson Will Direct The Hobbit?
LOTR fans rejoice... Jackson to head back to the Shire.
LOTR fans rejoice! Peter Jackson is in talks to direct The Hobbit.

Deadline is reporting that Jackson is currently in negotiations with MGM and Warner Bros. to direct both of the Hobbit films.

Late last month, Guillermo del Toro exited the director's chair after spending nearly two years working on The Hobbit in New Zealand. Rumors started swirling around the Web after del Toro's departure that Neill Blomkamp (District 9) or David Yates (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince) would fill in as director. But Deadline says no offers were ever made.

- Getty Images
"Yes! The Hobbit is mine! My precious..."

"He will shortly take the reins over from Guillermo del Toro, after Jackson extricates himself from other project obligations that caused Jackson and manager Ken Kamins to initially deny he would be the director," explains the site. "While Jackson's camp has been tight-lipped, I'm told that the case is being made to MGM's owners to loosen the purse strings and make the movies happen. The impetus for these talks is that Jackson will be the director of both of The Hobbit films, which will be shot back-to-back in his New Zealand backyard."

Along with his writers Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, Jackson is scheduled to go to London and Los Angeles over the next couple of weeks to meet "the most impressive" actors who are under consideration for the film.

We will keep you updated on this developing story as more details unfold!

[Still Servant]

Once Del Toro backed out, I felt it was inevitable for P.J. to step in.

I'm not shocked or disappointed. I would have loved to see Del Toro take a shot at it, but he couldn't wait forever.

[DoctorDodge]

Ok. Initially, I was dissapointed that Del Toro left the director's chair of The Hobbit, seeing as how much I love the imagination displayed in Pan's Labyrinth and the Hellboy films (also going at the possibility of a third one!), but if Peter Jackson does get to direct The Hobbit, then they'd have the only other man capable of doing it justice, if the LotR films are anything to go by. I'm crossing my fingers for this to happen!

Spoiler:

Even if his King Kong remake was seriously crap.

[Tatts4Life]

With the Hobbit movie then movies I was hoping that it would be PJ mainly because I LOVED the first movies with the look and everything and wanted it to look the way the LOTR movies did. When the announced Del Toro I was too afraid that it would look like a hobbit version of Hellboy or Pan's Labyrinth.

[ManOfWesternesse]

[B][I]Peter Jackson Will Direct.......

Good news!

[frik]

If I remember correctly, the first part of The Hobbit would hit theatres December 2011. That turned into December 2012 and now 2013 is mentioned as the most likely target date.
The possibility of PJ directing The Hobbit movies is great news indeed. I do love, and admire, del Toro's work, but the Lord of the Rings trilogy is among the best ten hours I've ever spent in the cinema.

Oh, and I love PJ's King Kong!

sk

[Empath of the White]

I too enjoyed the remake. At least we can expect more consistency between the LOTR films and The Hobbit as far as visuals are concerned. I would have liked to seen Middle Earth in the vein of Hellboy/Pan's Labyrinth, but I can imagine Del Toro's take would be a drastic difference.

[Tatts4Life]

I too enjoyed the remake. At least we can expect more consistency between the LOTR films and The Hobbit as far as visuals are concerned. I would have liked to seen Middle Earth in the vein of Hellboy/Pan's Labyrinth, but I can imagine Del Toro's take would be a drastic difference.

This was my major concern too.

[fernandito]

Do We Have Our Bilbo?
Longtime fan fave for the lead role may still be in play.
September 8, 2010
by Jim Vejvoda

Even though rumors spread earlier this week that scheduling conflicts were going to prevent him from taking the job, a new report suggests that it's still possible for fan favorite Martin Freeman to play Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit.

Entertainment Weekly claims that, although recent reports said Freeman's commitment to playing Dr. John Watson in the second season of the BBC series Sherlock had effectively killed his chances of playing Bilbo, sources close to the production tell them "New Line and MGM, the studios backing the Hobbit films, have since come back to Freeman with a proposed schedule that would allow him to shoot both projects. All parties are currently negotiating a deal."

Source.

[fernandito]

Hobbit Inches Closer
Jackson on the verge of finalizing directing deal.
October 4, 2010
by Scott Collura

Peter Jackson is on the verge of finalizing a deal to direct the two Hobbit films while talks between MGM and Warner Bros., both of which have a stake in the films, get closer to giving the dual projects a greenlight.

According to The Wrap, Jackson's "deal is all but complete, according to individuals close to the project. Both Jackson's directing fee and percentage of the gross have been settled, though a number of lesser deal points remain outstanding."


Of course, he replaces Guillermo del Toro, who left The Hobbit after the project was repeatedly delayed.

Inevitably, as the two films finally approach becoming a reality, talk of a 3D production has also come up.

"At Warner's, executives are eager to get production under way, given that sets are already built in New Zealand and the cast is chafing on hold for a start date," reports the site. "About $30 million has already been spent on the project, the first part of which is scheduled to hit theaters Dec. 19, 2012."

Meanwhile, the BBC says that New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has spoken out about the union dispute that some have said could lead to the production leaving his country. Key said that the government was taking "the unusual step of holding initial discussions with those involved in a move to break the deadlock on pay."