"The Hobbit" - 2 FILMS

[docm]

Hollywood Reporter article....<br /><br /><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr /><p><b>Del Toro doubles up for 'Hobbit'</b><br /><br /><font color="yellow"><b>Guillermo del Toro is in talks to direct back-to-back installments of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit," which is being co-financed by New Line and MGM.</b></font><br /><br />Del Toro's name was on a short list of directors who could tackle the project, one of the most anticipated literary adaptations of the past decade. An ill-chosen director for "Hobbit" could put billions of dollars at stake for New Line and MGM and could turn off an audience that encompasses millions of passionate readers, Tolkien fans and obsessive geeks.<br /><br />Few filmmakers have the cachet that del Toro has, as well as a deep love for the source material, an assured grasp of fantasy filmmaking and an understanding and command of geek culture as well as its respect. Del Toro has built that goodwill through such films as the Oscar-nominated "Pan's Labyrinth," "Hellboy," "Blade 2" (which was made by New Line) and "The Devil's Backbone."<br /><br />For New Line, making "Hobbit" had become a priority in the wake of its billion-dollar success of the Oscar-winning "The Lord of the Rings" movies, which were co-written and directed by Peter Jackson. Jackson wanted to adapt "Hobbit," but when he got into a dispute with the studio over profit participation, the project went into limbo; neither New Line nor MGM, both rights-holders to the film, wanted to risk alienating fans of the trilogy by making an adaptation that didn't have Jackson's involvement.<br /><br />The December resolution of the Jackson suit, facilitated by MGM CEO Harry Sloan, paved the way for "Hobbit" to get back on the road to the screen. However, because of other commitments that included "The Lovely Bones" and "Tintin," Jackson could not take</p></blockquote> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[starsinmyeyes44]

I'm so glad to see things moving along on this project. Now to see who will be cast in the leading roles! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#ff00ff">In the book of life, the answers aren't in the back.<br /></font><strong>Charlie Brown</strong></p> </div>

 

[a_lost_packet_]

Great news! At least the controversy that was holding it up is over. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1">I put on my robe and wizard hat...</font> </div>

 

[shadow735]

Crap this sucks, I wanted Peter Jackson to direct this, now I am really bummed out. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[a_lost_packet_]

So did I. However, he's still part of it as a producer and has some creative control. I think having that and the fact that this project is no longer "on hold" is enough for now.<br /><br />I was bummed out as well. But, I bow to necessity. At least he's still involved in it. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1">I put on my robe and wizard hat...</font> </div>

 

[flynn]

Looks like his Dambusters remake has died a death as well. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font color="#800080">"All God does is watch us and kill us when we get boring. We must never, ever be boring" - <strong>Chuck Palahniuk</strong>.</font> </div>

 

[jcdenton]

Guillermo del Toro is a pretty good director, but his movies generally have dark moods and tones to them. I'm not sure his style would go well with the Hobbit. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[a_lost_packet_]

So, with the Hobbit being announced as two films, where do you think they'll stop the first one?<br /><br />I vote the first will end after the party's capture by the Wood Elves. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1">I put on my robe and wizard hat...</font> </div>