The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (Dec. 14, 2012)

[hack slash]

Peter Jackson to Return for The Hobbit?
Source: Los Angeles Times, Stuff.co.nz August 10, 2007


New Line Cinema has given "The Lord of the Rings" fans, who want to see director Peter Jackson return for The Hobbit, some hope. Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, studio founder Bob Shaye commented on the matter:

Eager to move ahead with "The Hobbit," New Line has quietly been trying to mend fences with "Rings" filmmaker Peter Jackson, who has sued the company over his share of profits from the first "Rings" films. When asked if it was true that company insiders had been in talks with Jackson's reps, Shaye replied, "Yes, that's a fair statement. Notwithstanding our personal quarrels, I really respect and admire Peter and would love for him to be creatively involved in some way in 'The Hobbit.'"

According to Stuff.co.nz, Ian McKellen also said there was no doubt that a rumored reprisal of his Gandalf role in a film version of The Hobbit would be discussed with Jackson and [Fran] Walsh.

The site contacted Jackson's spokesman, who added: "Peter and Fran have always wanted to 'The Hobbit' but whether that happens is yet to be decided."

[Cody]

Peter Jackson & Bob Shaye Settle; Jackson Will Executive Produce 'Hobbit' (http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/urgent-peter-jackson-jackson-will-executive-produce-hobbit/)

After nearly three years of legal battling and six months of settlement talks, it's all over. Best for all parties, The Hobbit's two films will be made back-to-back for New Line and MGM the way they should be -- under the Academy-Award-winning creative vision of Mr. Lord Of The Rings. Jackson won't be directing this time out, because of his previous commitments to DreamWorks for The Lovely Bones and Tintin trilogy with Steven Spielberg. 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 releasing The Hobbit in 2010 and its sequel the following year, in 2011.

... The deal provides for New Line and MGM to co-produce and share worldwide distribution rights for The Hobbit and its sequel. That provides MGM chairman/CEO Harry Sloan with the shot in the arm he needs to secure more financiing for his struggling studio. Later this morning, Sloan and Shaye will make a joint announcement about the settlement and deal.

I was able to confirm the settlement after news first leaked onto the website TheHobbitBlog.com early this morning. Here's what's been agreed to:

--> MGM and New Line will co-finance and co-distribute The Hobbit and a sequel. New Line will distribute in North America and MGM will distribute internationally.
--> Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh will serve as executive producers of the two films. 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 LOTR Trilogy.

... Peter Jackson issued this sattement: “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 [Lynne], 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.”

Harry Sloan said, "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. 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 said: “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," noted 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.”

[Just Jeans]

They're turning a single book into two films? That seems a little extreme, but I'll be there to see them regardless.

[The Dream Master]

They're turning a single book into two films? That seems a little extreme, but I'll be there to see them regardless.

My guess is that they're going to add a lot of material to make it more of a prequel to the existing Rings trilogy rather than a straight adaptation of The Hobbit. That's the only explanation I can come up with, at least, because it shouldn't take two films to cover the events in The Hobbit.

And Jackson as executive producer isn't nearly as important as the next question: who's directing?

[Just Jeans]

That's what I was thinking, Brett. It's been years since I read The Hobbit, but I don't remember it being terribly long or overly deep. I can't imagine how they'd stretch it into two films without padding it. And will it be two 3-hour epics, or regular ol' hour and a half features? I also wonder if we'll get Ian Holm back as Bilbo? I know he's meant to be younger, but if they can get away with keeping McKellen on, I see no reason not to use Holm.

The director will probably be handpicked by Jackson. I'm not too worried about that, because so long as Jackson is overseeing everything, I expect it'll turn out pretty much okay.

[DRE]

There is plenty of material in the appendices of Lord of the Rings that served as prequel stuff, and that's what I believe will make up the majority of the second film.


Is Sam Raimi still in the running for this? I would love to see his take on it.

[Spade]

That's what I was thinking, Brett. It's been years since I read The Hobbit, but I don't remember it being terribly long or overly deep. I can't imagine how they'd stretch it into two films without padding it. And will it be two 3-hour epics, or regular ol' hour and a half features? I also wonder if we'll get Ian Holm back as Bilbo? I know he's meant to be younger, but if they can get away with keeping McKellen on, I see no reason not to use Holm.

The director will probably be handpicked by Jackson. I'm not too worried about that, because so long as Jackson is overseeing everything, I expect it'll turn out pretty much okay.

I agree with everything you said.

[The Dream Master]

There is plenty of material in the appendices of Lord of the Rings that served as prequel stuff, and that's what I believe will make up the majority of the second film.


Is Sam Raimi still in the running for this? I would love to see his take on it.

Yeah, there's also alot of stuff that's going on in The Hobbit that's only mentioned that could serve as more of a prequel to the existing Rings trilogy, too, if I recall correctly.

I'd like to see Raimi, too, but I can't imagine with Jackson producing that we'll get anyone but a sort of "yes-man" that's going to ape Jackson's style. That's just my guess, though. Besides, a part of me doesn't want to see Raimi do this so he'll do an Evil Dead 4. :X

[Just Jeans]

I said the same thing when he announced he'd be stepping back from Spider-Man 4, Brett. But I assure you we're kidding ourselves if we actually believe Evil Dead 4 is going to happen.

[DRE]

Yeah, I think Sam and Bruce have risen above that lonely cabin within the woods, unfortunately.

[DouglasJ]

Yeah, there's also alot of stuff that's going on in The Hobbit that's only mentioned that could serve as more of a prequel to the existing Rings trilogy, too, if I recall correctly.


Yeah, aspects will end up being changed, expanded upon and dropped. The Ring will obviously be a bit more important than it was in the original novel (Tolkien himself edited the original book to fit more with LOTR) but the ring still remains a simply plot device, to allow allow Bilbo to become invisible to steal the gold,

I think the ring will become much more important, we'll probably see some familliar faces too some of the Elves maybe? to make this feel more like parts 1 and 2 of the Rings story.

Anyone know what they'd like to see these films be called, I can't see them going with "The Hobbit" and "The Hobbit Part 2", it wouldn't surprise me if they stuck "The Lord Of The Rings" onto the front... maybe

"The Lord Of The Rings - The Hobbit"
"The Lord Of The Rings - There And Back Again"

[Just Jeans]

I wouldn't be surprised if "Lord of the Rings" is the subtitle for the film rather than the other way around.

[Apocalypto]

If Jackson isn't at the helm, the only director I'd be comfortable with is Guillermo Del Toro, since Pan's Labyrinth is the only fantasy film that even comes close to comparing to LOTR.

[DRE]

I believe Fran Walsh may end up directing, she did direct a number of scenes throughout the trilogy and she's no doubt some of the talent behind the man.

[The Dream Master]

I've seen Raimi's name thrown around, along with del Toro's and Alfonso Cuaron (director of Children of Men. Out of those three, I think Raimi would be suited very well because Army of Darkness especially shows that he can do whimsical fantasy with a bit of a dark edge (which I guess will be required if they're adding in material that isn't exclusive to The Hobbit). Of course, del Toro did a fine job with Pan's Labyrinth, so I wouldn't mind him either.

You know who I'd like to see? I know it'll probably never happen, but Ridley Scott would be a fantastic choice. The man's directed two bona-fide masterpieces (Alien, Blade Runner), and one excellent fantasy film already (Legend).

[Deathscythe]

I'd dig Sam Raimi, but no Bruce Campbell as Gandalf please.

[The Dream Master]

The bigger question to me is how Raimi would be able to fit the car into The Hobbit.

[Cody]

The bigger question to me is how Raimi would be able to fit the car into The Hobbit.

It'd probably be left out, like it was for The Quick and the Dead. I still think he should've gotten the car into that movie anyway, barely visible (unless you were really looking for it) in a shadowy background.

Guillermo del Toro addresses rumors (http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2007/12/will-guillermo.html)

This morning, just 24 hours after New Line and MGM announced that Peter Jackson will executive-produce The Hobbit and its sequel, EW met with Guillermo del Toro, the Oscar-nominated director of Pan’s Labyrinth, who is rumored to be a possible contender for taking the helm. Del Toro flew into New York from London (where he's in post-production on next year's Hellboy II) to do press for the Spanish ghost movie he exec-produced, The Orphanage. He gamely answered our Middle Earth queries.

EW: There’s been so much speculation about who will direct these movies. Have you been approached?
GUILLERMO DEL TORO: You know, I think I’ve been abroad too long. I’ve heard some rumblings, but nothing official. I don’t want to think about it because it’s such an eventuality. It’s the only Tolkien book I read. I tried my best to read Lord of the Rings, the trilogy. I could not. I could not. They were very dense. And then one day, I bought The Hobbit. I read it and I loved it. So it would be a privilege. But listen, I wish I knew. At this stage, after Hellboy II, I’m unemployed. [Laughs]

EW: So when you hear about the project and your possible involvement, your reaction isn't: "Oh no way!"
DEL TORO: No, no, no, not at all. I do get those reactions on other things. Many things where people say, "Well, what about you for this?" And I go, "No, that’s not a good match." But I met Peter and Fran [Walsh, Jackson's life/creative partner] when we were trying to do Halo. I think what they’re doing in New Zealand is amazing. What they’re doing, in terms of the way they approach filmmaking — the way I see it is, it’s Hollywood the way God intended it. Because it’s a filmmaker’s dream and a filmmaker's facility. So it’s heaven. The question is: Will I go to heaven? I have no idea.

EW: The idea of you and Peter Jackson working together is enough to make every geek’s head explode.
DEL TORO: It would make my head explode! But you know, I think it’s an eventuality. I would love to, but as my agent says, "You’re currently unemployed." [Laughs]

[Just Jeans]

Del Toro has long been a favorite of mine to do an new adaptation of The Neverending Story, so I think he'd be a good choice for The Hobbit. I'd rather see him tackle the project than Sam Raimi, actually.

[killingvector]

I've seen Raimi's name thrown around, along with del Toro's and Alfonso Cuaron (director of Children of Men. Out of those three, I think Raimi would be suited very well because Army of Darkness especially shows that he can do whimsical fantasy with a bit of a dark edge (which I guess will be required if they're adding in material that isn't exclusive to The Hobbit). Of course, del Toro did a fine job with Pan's Labyrinth, so I wouldn't mind him either.

You know who I'd like to see? I know it'll probably never happen, but Ridley Scott would be a fantastic choice. The man's directed two bona-fide masterpieces (Alien, Blade Runner), and one excellent fantasy film already (Legend).

Ridley Scott would be an excellent choice, as is Cuaron; Children of Men is some kind of masterpiece. There is truly a great talent pool available to make a film of this calibre successful.
ADDED:
Del Toro has long been a favorite of mine to do an new adaptation of The Neverending Story, so I think he'd be a good choice for The Hobbit. I'd rather see him tackle the project than Sam Raimi, actually.


I really need Del Toro working on At the Mountains of Madness instead of another Tolkien picture.

[Just Jeans]

The second prequel a "bridge" film. (http://www.chud.com/index.php?type=news&id=13253)

I've been surprised by the angst on display from internetters in regards to Peter Jackson's planned two Hobbit films. I would have thought that if any human being on Earth had earned the benefit of the doubt when it came to Tolkein's work, it was Jackson (and his collaborators). And yet here are people who, upon hearing only that Jackson wants to do two prequel films for The Lord of the Rings, are fretting about stretching The Hobbit out beyond belief or about Jackson not understanding the tone of the story. It's just weird - this guy got it right already, so let's cut him some slack until we know for sure what's going on.

We may now actually know a little more about what's going on. Elijah Wood spoke with MTV Movies Blog about the prequel films today, saying that he'd be happy to be involved with the second one. Why the second one? That would be a bridge movie. “I haven’t spoken to him directly about it [but] I’ve e-mailed him, and as far as I know, the two films that they’re doing, one will be ‘The Hobbit’ and another will take place between the 60 years that happened between ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings,’” he told MTV. See? Now all of you guys can relax a little bit.

Wood says that he would be happy to show up in a reprise of his Frodo role if asked; obviously Frodo wouldn't have a lot to do in a bridge film, but he could make a nice cameo. As for what would make up the bridge film - a bunch of lore from the Silmarillion? Aragorn hunting Gollum? The tribulations of the White Council? Bilbo teaching Frodo the ways of love? - that's locked in Jackson's head at the moment. Although I'm sure that won't stop some people from getting all freaked out about it.

[redragon]

I really need Del Toro working on At the Mountains of Madness instead of another Tolkien picture.

I'm a little torn here. I would love to see Del Toro tackle The Hobbit, Pan's Labyrinth was a masterpiece. Yet I've been dying for him to adapt At The Mountains Of Madness for years.

[The Dream Master]

Interesting news that the second film won't be so much The Hobbit, but just a bridge film. I could get into that, especially if it means The Hobbit is completed in one film.

[Cody]

Del Toro doubles up for 'Hobbit' (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i331d7d05b8008476b2fae087024a2b8e)

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.

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.

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."

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.

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 on writing and directing roles, opting instead to become an executive producer with approval over creative elements of the pair of films.

Because of the strike, no writer has been hired to adapt Tolkien's children's classic, though that process will be fast-tracked once it's resolved. Del Toro and Jackson will oversee "Hobbit's" writing.

Principal photography for the films, which will be shot simultaneously, is tentatively set for 2009. The production budget is estimated at $150 million per film. The release of the first film is slated for 2010 and the second in 2011.

"Hobbit," which Tolkien initially wrote for his children, was published in the U.K. in 1937 to wide acclaim. It centered on Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who joins a group of dwarves and the wizard Gandalf on a quest to find the treasure of a dragon named Smaug. Tolkien went on to write "The Lord of the Rings" 17 years later.

Del Toro is putting the finishing touches on Universal's summer release "Hellboy 2: The Golden Army" and recently produced the critically acclaimed ghost story "The Orphanage." He is repped by Endeavor and Exile Entertainment.

[Just Jeans]

I was just headed here to post SyFy Portal's article about this. If Del Toro does sign the dotted line, I hope he brings his own sense of style to The Hobbit, rather than trying to emulate Jackson's.

[Cody]

Del Toro told (http://www.aintitcool.com/node/35428) Knowles that he would adhere to what Jackson established, but expand the universe with the environments and creatures.

[Just Jeans]

Adhering to what Jackson established isn't tantamount to mimicking Jackson's directorial style.

[The Dream Master]

I think Del Toro is above simply mimicking Jackson's style. I expect the same sort of look to the film, and I expect all the WETA designs to carry over, but everything else will probably be different.

[Just Jeans]

In the end it depends on what Jackson wants him to do. Jackson is ultimately the guiding hand over the whole thing.

[The Dream Master]

I would hope Jackson lets Del Toro do his thing. I'm guessing he will; otherwise, why go out and sign such a big name when you could have brought in a hired gun for Jackson to essentially control?

[Just Jeans]

...why go out and sign such a big name when you could have brought in a hired gun for Jackson to essentially control?

Because whether or not del Toro ends up being a hired gun, his name has got more appeal than some nameless new guy who has never handled this sort of thing. Del Toro also has experience with the fantasy genre, so he's got that going for him.

Del Toro has got such a different style from Peter Jackson that I just can't see them letting him do it all his own way. I also wonder how constricted he'll be when it comes to the musical score.

[The Dream Master]

I'd be shocked if anyone other than Howard Shore did the score for this, just for continuity's sake.

As for Del Toro, he's shown a bit of versatility in the past, so I can see this end up being its own thing while also keeping in line with what Jackson's trilogy established. Alot of this will also have to do with who they hire as a cinematographer as well.

[Just Jeans]

I don't mind if Shore composes the score -- I dig his work -- but I don't think it should utilize the same main theme or leitmotifs.

My only hope is that Del Toro can hit some middle ground between his and Jackson's style. Del Toro has proven he's a good director, but I think this will be the first time he's worked on a franchise in which he's stuck with certain creative barriers.

[The Dream Master]

I'd be shocked if the main LOTR themes weren't utilized to some extent (particularly the Shire themes), but I'm hoping there's a lot of new material, too.

[Just Jeans]

The Shire themes are pretty much the only ones I'd want to hear in The Hobbit. I always associated the main LOTR theme with the Fellowship, so I think it'd feel a bit out of place in this film.

[Scarecrow]

Overall though, it all seems to be prettyy good news. :D

- Scarecrow

[The Dream Master]

It's official: Del Toro directs the Hobbit (http://movies.ign.com/articles/849/849112p1.html)

February 1, 2008 - It was reported earlier this week that Spanish filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro had been in negotiations to direct both The Hobbit and another film based on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien for New Line Cinema and MGM. Del Toro has now been announced as having officially signed on to direct the two films.

According to the British newspaper The Guardian, the announcement was made at the French premiere of the del Toro-produced thriller The Orphanage. "Today is a big day because we are announcing what everyone wanted to hear, which is that he will be directing The Hobbit," the host reportedly told the audience as he introduced del Toro.

Oscar winner Peter Jackson, who directed the Lord of the Rings trilogy, will executive produce The Hobbit. The screenplay cannot be worked on, however, until after the writers' strike ends.

New Line and MGM have tentatively penciled in principal photography for the two films -- which will be shot back-to-back -- for 2009, with a budget of $150 million per film. The first is slated for release in 2010, with the second the following year.

The Hobbit, written by Tolkien in 1937, takes place many years before The Lord of the Rings and centers on young Bilbo Baggins, who, along with a group of dwarves and Gandalf the wizard, embark on a quest to steal the treasure of Smaug the dragon. The first movie will reportedly tell this story, while the second will show events immediately preceding the beginning of The Fellowship of the Ring.

[Just Jeans]

If you'd told me a year ago that we'd be looking forward to Guillermo Del Toro's The Hobbit, I'd have guffawed. This is excellent news.

[Apocalypto]

Indeed, he's the only replacement I would've accepted.

[Kane Lives]

I've never followed the Lord of the Rings Universe that closely, but I've liked almost all of Del Toro's films. This could be really interesting.

[Scarecrow]

Brilliant news!

This is going to be stunning!


- Scarecrow

[The Dream Master]

Maybe it's not such a sure thing after all. From Dark Horizons: (http://www.darkhorizons.com/news08/080204e.php)

Think "Pan's Labyrinth" helmer Guillermo Del Toro is all set to direct the upcoming film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit"? Think again.

"The reality is that the Hobbit story has broken early because the negotiations have not ended and The Hobbit is not a sure thing...The reality is, I will know that it's happening when we have the final word and I am fully and officially on board" Del Toro tells Total Film.

He adds that "I think what happens very often is that these rumours have a way of becoming real or not. I don't expect The Hobbit to be troublesome. But you know, then again, it may never happen... or it may!".

Does he want to do it? "I would LOVE it. I bought all the Tolkein books that were available in Mexico when I was 11 years old, but the one that I read at 11 years old was The Hobbit. So it left an indelible mark in my imagination."

[Apocalypto]

Eh, it's official.

There's no freaking way in hell it won't happen.

[Just Jeans]

Del Toro's comments come across like the metaphorical equivalent of a prick tease. Like he knows he's doing it, but he's trying to be uber coy about it.

[The Dream Master]

For the record, I do think it's going to happen. I just felt like that article was worthy enough to post, and I didn't want everyone to break out the popsicles just yet.

[Just Jeans]

I certainly agree it was worth posting, Brett.

But I think the only way this won't happen is if Del Toro drops dead or New Line suddenly goes bankrupt.

[DouglasJ]

Look's like The Hobbit may be in trouble...

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/hobbitnews.php?id=41842

The complaint seeks, among other things, in excess of $150 million in compensatory damages, as well as punitive damages, and a declaration from the Court that the plaintiffs have a right to terminate any further rights New Line may have to the Tolkien works under the agreements, including The Hobbit, due to the serious and material nature of the breach of the agreements.

[Spade]

Well damn, I hope the movie gets made. I am pretty excited about watching it.

[Heart]

Del Toro on Hobbit Lawsuit (http://movies.ign.com/articles/852/852192p1.html)

February 14, 2008 - Earlier this week, the estate of author J.R.R. Tolkien sued New Line Cinema over profits from the studio's Oscar-winning, blockbuster Lord of the Rings trilogy, a move that cast doubt on the possibility of their feature film adaptation of Tolkien's The Hobbit. The estate is seeking a court order giving them the right to terminate any rights New Line may have to make films based on other works by Tolkien, including The Hobbit.

Guillermo del Toro was in talks to direct both The Hobbit and a follow-up film when the suit was filed. IGN UK got the chance to speak with del Toro today about the project and the pending litigation.

"I hope it gets resolved and I hope it happens. I hope we get to do it, but so far it's not a reality. We are still in talks about it, so it's not a fact that we are set in stone to do it," del Toro told IGN. "This is a setback that is keenly timed I feel, but not necessarily on something that was a reality for me. So I cannot feel disappointed about something I'm yet to have."

Del Toro continued, "I would love to do it though. It would be a dream. But at the moment I am completely at the mercy of the forces of destiny. I'm finishing Hellboy II and then, obviously, I can do one of my smaller more obscure films. I'd be perfectly happy to do so - I will never, never chase a big project endlessly. Either it happens or I move on and do a small, tight-budget film on my own."

[Cody]

The ink is on the paper. (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117984595.html?categoryid=13&cs=1)

In a major step forward on “The Hobbit,” Guillermo del Toro has signed on to direct the New Line-MGM tentpole and its sequel.
The widely expected announcement -- which had been rumored for several weeks -- came Thursday afternoon jointly from exec producers Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, New Line president Toby Emmerich, and Mary Parent, newly named chief of MGM’s Worldwide Motion Picture Group.

Del Toro’s moving to New Zealand for the next four years to work with Jackson and his Wingnut and Weta production teams. He’ll direct the two films back to back, with the sequel dealing with the 60-year period between “The Hobbit” and “The Fellowship of the Ring,” the first of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy.

New Line is overseeing development and will manage production. Both pics are being co-produced and co-financed by New Line Cinema and MGM, with Warner Bros. distributing domestically and MGM handling international.

Del Toro won’t leave for New Zealand immediately as he’s still in post-production on U’s “Hellboy 2,” due out in July. His previous pic, “Pan’s Labyrinth,” was released through New Line’s Picturehouse and set a record as the highest grossing Spanish language film in U.S. box office history.

The official signing of Del Toro comes four months after New Line settled a lawsuit with Jackson over “The Lord of the Rings” and announced that it had agreed with MGM to turn J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Hobbit” into two live-action films. Sam Raimi had been preceived as the initial front-runner as director but Del Toro had emerged in recent months as the likely candidate.

The studios didn’t give a start date on production and don’t yet have a script. Though no screenplay deal’s been set, it’s expected that the “LOTR” scripting team of Jackson, Walsh and Philippa Boyens will collaborate with Del Toro.

With Del Toro blocking out four years for the project, it’s likely that the studios are aiming at starting shooting next year and releasing the films in late 2011 and 2012.

Jackson’s WETA stages, post-production and visual effects facilities -- built for “The Lord of the Rings” -- will be used for both films. And New Zealand will again be the site of Middle-earth, with the story centering on Bilbo Baggins taking the Ring of Power from Gollum.

[DRE]

Great news. I can't wait for this, I know McKellen will be back and as long as they don't get Shia La Beouf as Bilbo, I'll be happy.

[Apocalypto]

I'll be happy if they never get Shia La Beouf to play anything ever again since all he can play is Shia La Beouf.:)

And, great news.:)

[Scarecrow]

Excelllent, can't wait for this film!

- Scarecrow

[Just Jeans]

Good news, although I was hoping the first film might be out by 2010.

I guess they finally settled the legal issues with Tolkien's grandson?

I'll be happy if they never get Shia La Beouf to play anything ever again...

So long as Spielberg has a pulse, you're liable to be disappointed.

[Apocalypto]

Tough to be disappointed when I expect nothing from him...and he delivers nothing everytime.

[Monkey]

Still don't understand why they're making two flicks. I heard that one would be "The Hobbit" and the other would be something in the Tolkien universe. Only, what would that other movie be? If not, I don't see how you can justify making two movies for the Hobbit when there was only 3 for the entire LOTR trilogy... Then again, we're talking serious dolla dolla. They're going to make the most of their film rights.

WB is going to make the last Harry Potter novel into two movies, so it's not unheard of.

I remember watching Fellowship of the Ring in the theaters. When the movie ended (to be continued), there was an old couple complaining about the film having no ending. Wonder what rock they've been living under...

[Apocalypto]

McKellan is officially cast...

http://movies.yahoo.com/mv/news/ap/2...959376000.html

[The Dream Master]

And the award for least surprising news goes to...

In all seriousness, I'm glad Del Toro's committed to keeping things in line with the trilogy. I'm up for another couple of flicks about people walking. :X

[Deathscythe]

I second the no thanks at LaBeouf, I'll watch this though.

[The Dream Master]

Yeah, forget LeBouf. Cast this guy as Bilbo. He fuckin' nailed the part once already.

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m229/JOHN_BRUNO/randall-graves-20334.jpg

[Just Jeans]

Still don't understand why they're making two flicks. I heard that one would be "The Hobbit" and the other would be something in the Tolkien universe.

The first film is based on The Hobbit, the second film is based on the sixty year gap between The Hobbit and Fellowship of the Ring.

According to my sister, there is enough fictional material set within the Tolkien universe -- outside the main series of novels -- to complete another film.

[Apocalypto]

Yeah, there's quite a bit of info on the characters lives in the appendices of the books.

[Scarecrow]

They could be making these films for YEARS if they mine the extra material.

- Scarecrow

[Just Jeans]

Del Toro Plans To Be Faithful To 'The Hobbit' (http://www.syfyportal.com/news425159.html)

Guillermo del Toro, who will be directing the two-film adaption of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit," wants the films to re-create the spirit of the book.

"I'm trying to be faithful," del Toro said in a new interview with SciFi Wire. "I'm trying to re-create on the screen the feeling I had when I was 11 in my bed reading the book. How excited I got. How great I thought it was. That's what I'm trying to honor."

The films will not be similar in style to the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, according to del Toro, nor will they be like other fantasy films he has directed, such as "Hellboy" and "Pan's Labyrinth."

"I know that for a fact I gravitated towards the novel," said del Toro. "So there's something there that echoes with me very strongly, which is not the case with most fantasy."

According to Del Toro, the first film, which is scheduled to begin shooting later this year in New Zealand, is still in the early stages of planning and isn't officially in preproduction yet.

"There is a lot of work already being done on our parts," del Toro said, "but real preproduction will not start until late July."

"The news came very joyously during the post-production of Hellboy II," he said about being handed the reigns for "The Hobbit." "But at the same time, it was the most miraculous and beautiful monkey wrench in a lot of things that we were planning, both in life plans that I have to put to bed from now until December in order to become celibate and dedicate my entire energy to 'The Hobbit.'"

The bit that caught my interest is how Del Toro says the films won't be like the Peter Jackson films, because originally they were saying all of the creature designs and whatnot would carry over.

[Scarecrow]

I think it's possible to carry over certain design elements and and stuff and still have a unique feel by the director.


- Scarecrow

[DouglasJ]

Yeah, I think the designs etc. will stay the same. I'm pretty sure they're referring to the tone of the flick, i.e the almost wide eyes innocence of The Hobbit vs the (for lack of a better word) darker times of Lord Of The Rings.

[Cody]

Having 9 years pre-planned would probably cause me to have a mental collapse (bigger than the ones I usually have), but Del Toro seems to take it well.

Guillermo Del Toro booked thru 2017 (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117991560.html?categoryid=13&cs=1)

Many top film directors have no idea what their next movie is. But Guillermo del Toro is now booked through 2017. And maybe beyond.
Universal — which has a three-year first-look deal with the helmer inked in June ’07 — and del Toro are making a long-term commitment by setting up four directing projects, including remakes of "Frankenstein," "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" and "Slaughterhouse-Five."

The fourth project is an adaptation of "Drood," a Dan Simmons novel acquired by U that will be published in February by Little, Brown.

Of course, del Toro’s first priority is New Line and MGM’s "The Hobbit," to which he has committed the next five years. He has begun writing "Hobbit" with Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, collaborating via video conferencing and trips to New Zealand every three weeks.

While it’s difficult, if not impossible, to plan projects five years into the future, at this point U execs think "Drood" is the most likely to be del Toro’s first post-"Hobbit" directing vehicle.

If both sides have their way, the helmer will belong to Universal after "The Hobbit" wraps.

In addition to the four pics, the studio still has its sights set on del Toro’s pet project, an adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s "At the Mountains of Madness."

As if that is not enough to keep him busy, U also has on the horizon an adaptation of David Moody’s apocalyptic novel "Hater" that del Toro will produce with Mark Johnson but not direct, and "Crimson Peak," a gothic romance spec script by del Toro and his "Mimic" collaborator Matthew Robbins, which del Toro will produce but not direct.

While he busies himself with "Hobbit," del Toro will outline the other projects and hire writers. The pics will be supervised at del Toro Prods. by his manager, Gary Ungar, who’ll be exec producer of the films and will oversee the slate with development director Russell Ackerman and U exec Scott Bernstein.

"No one expected ‘The Hobbit’ to come about; it was the most marvelous monkey wrench tossed into my life," del Toro said. "I consider (the new deals) the renewal of my marital vows with Universal."

U production prexy Donna Langley said the helmer’s "Hobbit" hiatus will only delay plans to dive into the del Toro business.

"We came out the other side of some tough conversations with a stronger bond and sense of long-term commitment," Langley said. "Guillermo is in the most prolific time of his life … Joe Johnston on ‘The Wolf Man’ showed us the importance of entrusting the Universal franchise monsters to experienced filmmakers with voices. That was a big impetus for our decision to go with Guillermo to put his creative stamp on these properties."

Langley said she is intrigued by "Drood," in which Simmons supposes that survival from a catastrophic train crash changed author Charles Dickens, plunging him into the depths of London depravity and possibly turning him to murder before he wrote his final novel, "The Mystery of Edwin Drood."

"It’s the fantasy and gothic horror world Guillermo finds comfortable," Langley said. "It feels like a great fit for where (we expect) Guillermo will have evolved as a filmmaker five years from now."

Frankenstein represents a longtime fascination for del Toro, who has made his home a memorabilia shrine to the Karloff monster from the 1931 U film.

"To me, Frankenstein represents the essential human question: ‘Why did my creator throw me here, unprotected, unguided, unaided and lost?’ " del Toro said. "With that one, they will have to pry it from my cold dead hands to prevent me from directing it."

On "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," del Toro wants to stick more closely to Robert Louis Stevenson’s prose and explore the addictive high the repressed Jekyll experienced as his murderous alter ego.

Del Toro plans to provide a more literal interpretation of "Slaughterhouse-Five" than in the 1972 film adaptation, hewing closely to the Vonnegut novel about a prisoner in a German WWII POW camp who travels through time and space.

"There are ways that Vonnegut plays with and juxtaposes time that was perhaps too edgy to be tackled on film at that time," del Toro said.

Meanwhile, del Toro is awaiting word on whether U will embrace a follow-up to "Hellboy 2: The Golden Army." The big-budget film opened in the heat of summer and fell short of blockbuster status in the U.S. but has performed well overseas.

"I think they’ll decide when the last euro hits the piggybank," del Toro said. "We laid the groundwork to have a magnificent third act. I’d like to return to an action franchise with 60-year-old actor Ron Perlman, because he’ll be scratching at that age when I get to it."

Langley said the studio is interested and may work with del Toro to add a TV series and online segments to broaden the following before making the series finale.

Del Toro is repped by Endeavor and Exile.

[Scarecrow]

The creatures in this are going to look FANTASTIC.


- Scarecrow

[Sean [The Wildcard]]

Del Toro Updates: (http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/firstshowing/%7E3/469316078/)

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_n3eH1jI8AZ8/STGmmt3amYI/AAAAAAAAMhs/OqGgmVwRh-U/s1600/guillermodeltoro-smaug-mesh-img.jpg
As part of a promotion for the new Hellboy II Blu-Ray, Guillermo del Toro participated in an online chat with fans last weekend. As always, del Toro usually provides some minor updates on The Hobbit during chats like this, and he revealed a few details actually worth mentioning. Thanks to BilboHobbit.com for providing the transcript of the chat. Most importantly, del Toro says that filming will begin in 2010 and that The Hobbit (to eventually be split into two films) will shoot for 370 days. Considering a typical film shoot is usually only a few months, that's a shocking number, but certainly necessary for this adaptation.

Gullermo also said that he's hoping to work with the following past collaborators: Hellboy comic book author Mike Mignola during the "design stage for a week or two", concept artist Wayne Barlowe, cinematographer Guillermo Navarro of all of del Toro's previous films, and special effects house Spectral Motion. None of this is official, but he's hopeful they will all join. Most of these people have worked with Guillermo before on everything from Pan's Labyrinth to Hellboy II, which will make them a perfect addition to The Hobbit team on top of everyone from the Lord of the Rings films.

As for the special effects and creatures, del Toro mentioned that they're really focusing on the Goblin Kingdom, the dragon Smaug, and the Spiders of Mirkwood in regards to creature design. "We will be pushing them to the edge of technology where we will fuse animatronics and CGI into a seamless new art form in creating creatures." While Hellboy II had a lot of recognizable puppets, del Toro says that The Hobbit will feature more of a seamless mix. "You will see some mind-boggling mixture of CGI / puppetry like never before. The demarcation of where one technique ends and the other begins will NOT be as clean as in HBII or Blade II or Pan's Labyrinth. I am going to push further than ever on both fronts."

It's always a huge relief to hear from Guillermo del Toro, because every time he talks about The Hobbit, I gain even more confidence in him. To be honest, I was worried after Hellboy II that he might not be able to still pull it off, but it sounds like Peter Jackson is making sure they're doing it exactly right. "The challenge is to create and expand a massive universe and be as immersive as the [Lord of the Rings] trilogy was. To approach Tolkien's book with the right mixture of reverence, enthusiasm and invention."

[Cody]

Jackson/Del Toro Talk Hobbit (http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=24610)

We’ve known for a while that Peter Jackson and Guillermo Del Toro’s eagerly-awaited adaptation of the Lord Of The Rings prequel, The Hobbit, would comprise two movies, due in December 2011 and 2012. But the make-up of those two movies has been up for debate… until now.

We spoke exclusively to both Del Toro and Jackson for our birthday issue, and they told us the latest, which is…

“We’ve decided to have The Hobbit span the two movies, including the White Council and the comings and goings of Gandalf to Dol Guldur,” says Del Toro.

“We decided it would be a mistake to try to cram everything into one movie,” adds Jackson. “The essential brief was to do The Hobbit, and it allows us to make The Hobbit in a little more style, if you like, of the [LOTR] trilogy.”

So there you go. The second film will not, as had previously been suggested, bridge the 60-year gap between The Hobbit and the start of Fellowship Of The Ring.

[The Dream Master]

The Rebuilding of Hobbiton Has Begun (http://www.comingsoon.net/news/hobbitnews.php?id=57280)


TheOneRing.net reports that rebuilding of Hobbiton has begun for the filming of The Hobbit and its sequel. The first film is scheduled for a December 2011 release, followed by the second film in December of 2012. The site says:

The re-building of Hobbiton has begun, with the planting of hedgerows and fruit trees. An extension to the path that passes in front of Bag End has been marked out also. There will be several new Hobbit holes dotted along its length.

Also, Jackson Shoots Down Some Rumors (http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/14662/jackson-shoots-down-hobbit-rumors)

The rumors reached fever pitch the other day that director Peter Jackson would be announcing casting news for "The Hobbit" at this year's Comic-Con in San Diego. Not so fast.

"No, we won't be announcing Bilbo for a little while. We're starting to think about casting, but we're knee-deep in the script right now. And when we do go to actors, they're probably going to ask to see a script, so we're powering ahead with getting the first draft done" the director told Empire Magazine the other day in the lead-up to the event.

Jackson also says that he's undecided as to his next directorial effort once he wraps "The Lovely Bones". Jackson says "We are developing a couple of projects which are potentially films that I'd direct for next year. Temeraire is still on the cards. But those are really taking a second place at the moment."

Naomi Novik's fantasy novel series "Tenemaire" revolves around English and French armies fighting in the Napoleonic wars with dragons.

[Just Jeans]

The Telegraph says David Tennant has been tipped to play Bilbo. (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/5849482/Doctor-Whos-David-Tennant-tipped-to-play-Bilbo-Baggins-in-The-Hobbit.html)

The 38-year-old is tipped to play Bilbo Baggins in the big screen adaptation of JRR Tolkien's book.

The Scottish star leads a list of stars, including James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe, vying to play the title role of Bilbo Baggins in "The Hobbit." The film – which may be split in two – is based on Tolkien's children's book prequel to The Lord Of The Rings hit series.

Tennant is due to make his debut appearance at the world's biggest science-fiction and fantasy convention Comic-Con in the US next week.

And Rings director Peter Jackson is also expected to announce his choice for the role when he attends.

Geoff Boucher of the Los Angeles Times, said yesterday: "David Tennant just happens to be making his very first trip to the San Diego expo to promote "Doctor Who," a television series that he will soon be leaving behind. "Peter Jackson, the producer of the two-film "Hobbit" series that begins its theatre run in 2011, is also slated to appear this year, and, well you can see the dot-connecting possibilities. ...

"I think Tennant would be exceptional in the role."

In the Lord of the Rings Trilogy Bilbo Baggins was played by the veteran actor Sir Ian Holm. But in The Hobbit he is a sprightly 50 years old – although hobbits live to be well over 150 years old.

Tennant is currently filming St. Trinian's, The Legend of Fritton's Gold, and will be last seen as the tenth Timelord in a Christmas special.

Several members of the original cast are returning, including Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf.

And Christopher Lee – who played Saruman – has announced he would like to come back, too.

The 86-year-old said: "I've read the books time and again. Originally Saruman The White and the rest of the wizards, or the Istari as they call them, were immortal.

"When it all started, Saruman was the noblest, the finest, the bravest, the most dependable and reliable of them all, he was number one. But somewhere, somehow, and it was never actually explained, he turns.

"I'd be interested in seeing how that transition from good to evil occurred and, yes, of course I would return to the role if I was asked."

But Peter Jackson says no one's been cast yet. (http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=25349)

It's being rumoured here and here that the casting of Bilbo Baggins for The Hobbit may be announced at Comic-Con next week. Daniel Radcliffe, James McAvoy and David Tennant are all rumoured to be in the running for the role - but according to what Peter Jackson told us when we spoke to him recently, the fans shouldn't be holding their breath for a 'Con announcement.

"No, we won’t be announcing Bilbo for a little while," he said when we asked about a Comic-Con announcement. "We’re starting to think about casting, but we’re knee-deep in the script right now. And when we do go to actors, they’re probably going to ask to see a script, so we’re powering ahead with getting the first draft done.”

We also asked him what he's planning to do next after The Lovely Bones, but he's not yet sure. "I haven’t yet decided what I’ll be directing after that. At the moment we’re concentrating on writing a couple of little movies with Guillermo [Del Toro]. A couple of small films! (Laughs) And that’s going to take us another few months of writing to do.

"But we are developing a couple of projects which are potentially films that I’d direct for next year. Temeraire is still on the cards. But those are really taking a second place at the moment..."

Temeraire, of course, is his mooted adaptation of Naomi Novik's fantasy-lit saga, in which French and English forces wage the Napoleonic wars with enormous battle-dragons. A heady blend of sea battles and bloody big monsters, we reckon it would be a perfect fit for the Lord Of The Rings director.

For more from Peter Jackson — on District 9, his thoughts on Temeraire and why he and Del Toro are currently obsessed with pixellated zombie Nazis — pick up the next issue of Empire, on sale July 30.

[Just Jeans]

Well, the legal issues are all cleared up, so now the film can move forward.

Legal path clear for Hobbit movie (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8245300.stm)

A film version of JRR Tolkien's novel The Hobbit is to go ahead after its producers settled a legal row with the author's heirs.

They sued New Line Cinema for a reported $220m (£133m) in compensation, based on breach of contract and fraud. The suit claimed the US company failed to pay royalties due after the success of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Its settlement, for an undisclosed sum, paves the way for director Guillermo del Toro's two films based on the book. New Line plans to release The Hobbit in 2011, followed by another movie drawing from other Tolkien works. Alan Horn, president of the studio's parent company Warner Bros Entertainment, said the firm was "pleased to have put this litigation behind us".

"We all look forward to a mutually productive and beneficial relationship in the future," he added.

Charitable work

Published in 1937, The Hobbit follows the treasure-seeking adventure of Bilbo Baggins who obtains the ring that was the focus for the Lord of the Rings.

The trilogy's film adaptations, released between 2001 and 2003, made an estimated $6bn (£3.26bn) worldwide and won 11 Oscars.

However, in February 2008, the trustees of Tolkien's estate filed the suit claiming New Line had paid it nothing other than an upfront fee of $62,500 (£32,000).

They claimed historic film deals specified the estate was entitled to 7.5% of all profits made by any movies based on the former Oxford don's work. The Tolkien Trust, a British charity which supports causes across the world, will be one of the main beneficiaries of the legal settlement.

Christopher Tolkien, the author's son, said: "The trustees regret that legal action was necessary but are glad that this dispute has been settled on satisfactory terms that will allow the Tolkien Trust properly to pursue its charitable objectives.

"The trustees acknowledge that New Line may now proceed with its proposed films of The Hobbit."

[The Dream Master]

Legal Issues Resolved (http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=58922)


The Tolkien Trust (a UK registered charity), New Line Cinema, and HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. have resolved the lawsuit relating to the "Lord of the Rings" films.

The claim was filed in February of last year. HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. and the trustees of the JRR Tolkien Estate were co-plaintiffs in the claim, which concerned plaintiffs' participation interest in the "Lord of the Rings" films released between 2001 and 2003. The precise terms of the settlement are confidential.

Commenting on the settlement, Christopher Tolkien said: "The Trustees regret that legal action was necessary, but are glad that this dispute has been settled on satisfactory terms that will allow the Tolkien Trust properly to pursue its charitable objectives. The Trustees acknowledge that New Line may now proceed with its proposed films of 'The Hobbit.'"

Warner Bros.' President & Chief Operating Officer Alan Horn said: "We deeply value the contributions of the Tolkien novels to the success of our films and are pleased to have put this litigation behind us. We all look forward to a mutually productive and beneficial relationship in the future."

The "Lord of the Rings" films produced by New Line are among the most successful films ever created and were released in 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively.

JRR Tolkien is the world-renowned author of works including "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit." The Tolkien Trust is a UK registered charity that has made grants to charitable causes all over the world totaling over $8 million in the last five years alone.

New Line became a unit of Warner Bros. Entertainment in March 2008.

[Cody]

I believe you both.

[The Dream Master]

Wow, Jeans and I must have posted that at the same time. :o

[The Dream Master]

Start of Filming Delayed (http://www.totalfilm.com/news/filming-on-the-hobbit-delayed?cid=OTC-RSS&attr=news&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+totalfilm%2Fimdbnews+%28Total +Film+IMDb+aggregate%29)

According to Gandalf himself, Sir Ian McKellen, the shoot was originally expected to be underway in Spring 2010.

Now Peter Jackson has given a more conservative estimate of starting in the middle of the year, quashing any hopes of getting our hands on any casting notes or on-set pics for a few more months.



The writing dream team of PJ, Lord of the Rings cohorts Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, and new-boy Guillermo Del Toro are still working together on the script, and there is still no official studio greenlight.

A finished script is required before the budget can be accurately estimated, so hopefully they’ll be getting the cheques signed off soon.

Perhaps the buzz surrounding PJ’s latest directorial effort The Lovely Bones will help get the ball rolling. Fingers crossed, we’ll need a mega-blockbuster fix once the dust has settled on Avatar.

[Cody]

The latest from Peter Jackson (http://insidemovies.moviefone.com/2010/04/16/peter-jackson-the-hobbit-rumors-screenplay/)

Is it true that filming on 'The Hobbit' has been delayed until the end of the year?
Well, it's not really been delayed, because we've never announced the date. 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.

We've just delivered the script. Literally last week, we delivered the second of the two screenplays -- the first draft. 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. 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.

When would you get down to the final stages of casting Bilbo Baggins?
We haven't signed any actors up yet, because we couldn't do that until they greenlight the movie. But I would imagine that if we get a green light within the next month or two, we would be hopefully making some casting announcements by, I guess, the middle of the year. We've done a little bit of auditioning, but we haven't really done any meetings with actors or anything yet. We've just been totally committed to the scripts. Everything's a little bit later than what people assume it is. I think people think we've been sort of doing secret casting.

You keep reading announcements like, "They're definitely going to have these three actors from the previous films ..."
I know, I know. No, there's no definite ... I mean, any character that's returning from 'The Lord of the Rings,' we obviously would love the same actors to play. But even those actors haven't been approached yet, or there [haven't] been any deals done. And the studio wouldn't organically do any of that until they've greenlit the film.

I'm afraid impatient 007/Tolkien fans might kidnap the lion.

[The Dream Master]

Coming December 2013: (http://www.imdb.com/news/ni2250786/)

Warner Bros. and IMAX Corp. have just issued a joint press release announcing a partnership through 2013 that will include placing upwards of 20 Warner Bros. films into IMAX theaters, as well as conventional theaters. The biggest news to come out of this whole thing is a tentative release date for The Hobbit of December 2013, two years after its initial date of December 2011. We assume part one will debut in 2013 and part 2 in 2014, but the press release doesn't mention the two-parter and only lists it as simply The Hobbit.

While that's certainly a bummer for you Tolkien freaks, the good news is that both Batman 3 and Superman are part of this 20-picture deal, which means both of those films will hit theaters at some point between now and 2013. If I were a guessing man, I'd say we'll probably get Batman 3 during the summer of 2012 and Superman during the summer of 2013. Other films listed include Gravity, Dark Shadows and Fury Road (aka Mad Max 4), though none of them were given release dates.

[Cody]

Calendar correction (http://www.heatvisionblog.com/2010/04/the-hobbit-not-delayed-on-track-for-2012-exclusive-.html)

“The Hobbit” is coming to theaters sooner than you think, but later than you initially thought.

Let's clear it up.

Warner Bros. is scheduling Peter Jackson and Guillermo del Toro’s two-part adaptation of “The Hobbit” for December 2012 and December 2013.

A confusion over release dates surfaced earlier today when Imax announced an overall, 20-film, three-year deal with Warners. In outlining which films would be included, Imax incorrectly gave 2013 as the release date for the first “Hobbit” movie.


But 2013 is two years later than the 2011 release date that New Line and MGM targeted for the first installment when the two companies originally announced the movies in December 2007.

However, 2011 proved not to be a realistic date and instead served more as a guideline, according to insiders, because when it was first announced, no scripts were written, nor schedules or budgets drawn up.

While the project is taking a bit longer than the filmmakers anticipated, it is now on track for 2012 -- rather than the 2013 date mentioned in the Imax release.

The second movie’s script was turned in to the studio a couple of weeks ago, and all parties are starting to break down the financials for the movies now.

Warners moved quickly to set the calendar straight in the wake of the Imax release, and by midday, the giant-screen-format company said it was going to send out a correction, officially making 2012 the new date for the first “Hobbit” movie.

[Cody]

With no start date in sight thanks to MGM's troubles, Guillermo Del Toro departs “The Hobbit” (http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2010/05/30/36920-guillermo-del-toro-departs-the-hobbit/)

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.

[Alex DeLarge]

As sad as this is for the Hobbit, this clears del Toro's schedule up big time. Frankenstein, Hellboy 3, At the Mountains of Madness, Dr. Strange... All of these (though I'm sure not all of them will be made), I can't wait to see earlier now.

[DouglasJ]

Damn MGM! And damn whoever it is that kept giving them extensions!

[Apocalypto]

Very discouraging, but in all honestly, I'm more psyched for Hellboy 3 anyway.

[The Dream Master]

Peter Jackson isn't ruling out (http://www.studiobriefing.net/2010/06/peter-jackson-may-yet-direct-the-hobbit/) directing the films himself:

It now appears that Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson could wind up directing the two-part Rings prequel, The Hobbit, after all. Following the decision by director Guillermo del Toro to walk away from the production because of the delays brought about by the protracted sale of MGM, which owns the rights to the The Hobbit and is coproducing the movie with Warner Bros., Jackson’s manager said that prior commitments to other studios would prevent Jackson from directing The Hobbit. But Jackson told New Zealand’s The Dominion Post today (Tuesday), “If that’s what I have to do to protect Warner Bros’ investment, then obviously that’s one angle which I’ll explore.” And it did appear that it was unlikely that another top director could be brought on board until after the sale of MGM is completed — whenever that may be. And even Jackson himself might find himself involved in making another film by that time. “The other studios may not let me out of the contracts,” he told the Dominion Post. “The key thing is that we don’t intend to shut the project down,” he added. Meanwhile, Del Toro told the New Zealand newspaper that he had moved his family to Wellington two years ago to work on the script and the development of the movie and noted that he had dreamed of turning The Hobbit into a movie from the time he was a child. “So it was very personal to me,” he said. “I know [the delays have] been very frustrating for everybody.”

[Apocalypto]

Neil Blompkamp would be great, as long as he's willing to put the time in, but I'd hate to see this push District 10 way back.

[The Dream Master]

Blomkamp isn't directing: (http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/2008-12-6-motion-captured/posts/want-to-know-who-s-not-directing-the-hobbit-neill-blomkamp)

I have a feeling we're in for a lot of this.

Ever since Guillermo Del Toro's dramatic announcement that he was dropping out as director of "The Hobbit," speculation has been running wild about who will step in to replace him.

One school of thought has Peter Jackson eventually giving in to pressure and making the films himself. I can understand why Jackson wouldn't want to direct "The Hobbit," but I can also understand why anyone involved in financing two "Hobbit" movies would want the guy who directed "The Lord Of The Rings" to be the one calling the shots.

Based on everything I've heard the last few weeks, I don't believe Peter will end up making the movie. I think they will find someone else, and I think they'll find that someone else sooner rather than later. I'm still not sure who's actually planning to pay for the film, what with MGM's financial issues and the whole complicated rights issue in the first place. Still, there seems to be some confidence that they'll get things worked out in time to let someone roll film in January of next year.

But who?

This week, TheOneRing.net reported that Neill Blomkamp's name had started showing up on production breakdowns as the director of the film. And almost as soon as that story exploded everywhere, The Vulture contacted the people who actually, you know, represent Blomkamp, and they firmly denied the story.

My guess is that Blomkamp wouldn't be interested. I've heard that he has made it fairly clear to everyone on his team that he doesn't want to make giant studio franchise films. I think almost-but-not-quite making "Halo" had a profound and positive effect on Blomkamp. He was forced to make "District 9" outside the system, and he ended up making it his way without compromise, and he got a Best Picture nomination and an unlikely box-office hit as a result.

He's smart to work with Media Rights Capital on his new sci-fi film, rumored to be an original that isn't based on any source material. He's looking at an ownership position on this thing, and he's making something personal, something he controls, outside the studio system the same way he made "District 9." He's got such a great angry original voice that I'd almost hate to see him waste his time bringing someone else's story to life, especially if he's taking visual cues from the work that already exists on "LOTR," meaning he wouldn't really have much to bring to the film. He'd be a traffic cop.

There's so much misinformation and conflicting information out there about this right now. My feeling is that MGM lost Del Toro because they weren't ready to make the film, and right now, there's not much more that's going on than that. They can't make the film.

We're a long way from hearing names for director or cast on this one. If MGM rushes and makes a decision on this that no one's happy with, they might as well pull the plug on "The Hobbit" now. There are very few projects that will ever be made that will suffer the level of scrutiny that this will have to endure during production. Let's hope level heads prevail as they move forward, and that the end results are worth all the sturm und drang so far.

[The Taff]

Peter Jackson Will Direct The Hobbit? (http://movies.ign.com/articles/110/1102074p1.html)

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.

"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!

[The Dream Master]

Well...I guess I could "settle" for Jackson in place of Del Toro. ;)

[Just Jeans]

I just hope Jackson is doing it because it's genuinely something he wants to do, and not because there simply isn't anyone else suitable for the job.

[Just Jeans]

Is Former Dr. Who Sylvester McCoy Our New Hobbit? (http://www.bleedingcool.com/2010/07/16/is-former-dr-who-sylvester-mccoy-our-new-hobbit/)

Back when The Lord of the Rings trilogy were being cast, the final two up for Bilbo Baggins were apparently Ian Holm, who won the part, and Sylvester McCoy, who did not. Myself, I’ve never heard this officially confirmed but it does seem to be a ‘fact’ that fans pass around as though certified.

Is McCoy, then, the best option to take over the role for the upcoming Hobbit movies?

Last night, the good people of Screenrush somehow ended up meeting Sylvester McCoy. The how and why are not important to our story – we care about what was said and that, according a tweet I caught this morning, was that he’s been cast in The Hobbit.

Not given an audition. Not offered a role. Actually cast in the part.

I got back in touch with Screenrush and they confirmed that this was something they were told directly by a friend of McCoy. Of course there’s always a chance this friend was telling a fib, or had somehow failed to make themselves perfectly clear, but…

Peter Jackson is doing a world tour seeing actors for roles in the film right now, and he was recently in London. Nothing here is sounding too improbable. I say let’s roll with it for a while and see what the official response is.

Holm is now approaching 79 years of age and McCoy is almost 67. This age difference is pretty much equivalent to the gap between production on the two film series. But does that make sense? Isn’t The Hobbit’s Bilbo supposed to be, and appear, significantly younger?

I don’t have any recent images of McCoy to judge but when I myself crossed paths with McCoy a couple of years ago, I guess he was looking rather younger than Holm. Besides, moviemakers have this thing called makeup and, more recently, these things called computers so the naked eye just shouldn’t be trusted too much.

[Just Jeans]

Former Doctor Who, Sylvester McCoy, in talks to join the cast. (http://www.dunoon-observer.com/index.php/news/1-news/827-chieftain-confirms-exciting-new-role=%22_blank%22)

Mr McCoy told the Standard that contrary to widespread internet rumours, he's not vying for the role of Bilbo in The Hobbit (due to start filming next year) - but is one of two actors being considered for one of the wizard parts.

"I am being cast in The Hobbit," he said. "We're currently in negotiations - there are two of us under consideration. It's not the Bilbo role, but could be bigger."

Really hope this pans out.

[Cody]

Martin Freeman as Bilbo? (http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/09/08/hobbit-martin-freeman/)

Yesterday, the British newspaper The Sun ran a story saying that Martin Freeman (a.k.a. Tim from the original U.K. Office) had to decline an offer (and seven-figure payday) to play Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson’s Hobbit movies due to a scheduling conflict: The actor was already committed to shoot the BBC series Sherlock, in which he plays Dr. Watson. That’s all true, but according to sources close to the Hobbit production, it’s not over yet. 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.

Good news, right? What do you think? Is Freeman the right guy to play the titular hobbit in Jackson’s next epic trip to Middle Earth? How will Freeman’s Bilbo compare to Ian Holm’s? Whose feet will be hairier?

Gandalf says filming January (http://www.cinemablend.com/new/The-Hobbit-May-Start-Filming-In-January-Bond-23-Next-Summer-20636.html)

With developments moving forward in the sale of MGM to co-financing company Spyglass Entertainment, things are looking up for the future of James Bond and The Hobbit. While the studio still has to refinance in order for things to become official, things are looking up to the point where start dates are beginning to be mentioned.

First up comes The Hobbit. We recently heard that MGM is fighting to have Martin Freeman play the lead role in the film by offering him a shooting schedule that would work around his other commitments. This idea, of course, makes no sense if MGM doesn't have a planned production date yet, but it now appears that they may. The Bolton News caught up with Sir Ian McKellen about the film and not only did he confirm that he will be returning as Gandalf (there was some question after comments he made earlier this year), but has said that the aim is now to begin production this January.

[Alex DeLarge]

I hope it doesn't interfere with new Sherlock! Freeman was excellent in that and I'd hate for him not to return.

[Just Jeans]

I hope it doesn't interfere with new Sherlock!

Well, the article does specifically address that:

New Line and MGM ... have since come back to Freeman with a proposed schedule that would allow him to shoot both projects.

So no worries about interfering with Sherlock. That's assuming any of it is true. This is The Sun, after all.

[Cody]

The Hobbit is Go (http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=70790)


The two films based on “The Hobbit” are now greenlit and will begin principal photography in February 2011, under the direction of Peter Jackson, it was jointly announced today by Toby Emmerich, President and Chief Operating Officer, New Line Cinema, Alan Horn, President and Chief Operating Officer, Warner Bros. and Steve Cooper, co-Chief Executive Officer of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

“Exploring Tolkien’s Middle-earth goes way beyond a normal film-making experience” Jackson says, "It’s an all-immersive journey into a very special place of imagination, beauty and drama. We’re looking forward to re-entering this wondrous world with Gandalf and Bilbo - and our friends at New Line Cinema, Warner Brothers and MGM”.

“Peter is a filmmaker of incomparable ability; having him return to Middle-earth to produce and direct is a dream come true. A true original, Peter is a gifted story-teller, visionary director and pioneer in film technology,” said Emmerich. “Reuniting with Peter, Fran and Philippa truly makes it feel like we are going ‘there and back again.’”

“There is no human being on the planet as qualified as Peter Jackson to direct these films,” said Horn. “Peter is incredibly talented and has the creative vision and experience to bring this beloved property to life in a way that no other filmmaker could. And the team of Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens has proven through their work on the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy that no one is more skilled at transforming Tolkien's written words into a vibrant, living language that makes the audience believe they are not merely visiting Middle-earth, but actually living in it. We couldn’t be more thrilled and look forward to seeing ‘The Hobbit’ take shape under Peter’s stewardship and the team he is putting together.”

"MGM is excited to move forward and add to the successful 'Lord of the Rings' franchise," said Cooper. "Under Peter's direction, the films will undoubtedly appeal to fans of the original 'LOTR' trilogy and also bring the stories to a new generation of fans."

Jackson, who directed all three “Lord of the Rings” films, will helm the two films back-to-back, telling the story of “The Hobbit” in two parts. Jackson will utilize groundbreaking visual effects and his incomparable story-telling to bring J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel to the big screen. Both Hobbit movies will be filmed in Digital 3-D, using the latest camera and stereo technology to create a high quality, comfortable viewing experience. Jackson also co-wrote the screenplays with Fran Walsh, Phillipa Boyens and Guillermo del Toro.

“The Hobbit” is being co-produced by New Line Cinema and MGM, with New Line managing production, Warner Bros Pictures handling domestic distribution and MGM distributing internationally. Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Carolynne Cunningham are producing the films, with Phillipa Boyens as co-producer and Ken Kamins as executive producer.

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 11 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.

[Cody]

Cast announcements (http://www.deadline.com/2010/10/peter-jackson-sets-first-names-for-the-hobbit/)

The castings were announced by New Line Cinema COO/president Toby Emmerich, Warner Bros COO/president Alan Horn, MGM co-CEO Steve Cooper, and Jackson. ...

Martin Freeman is set to play Bilbo Baggins, the adventurous Hobbit whose adventures and discovery of the One Ring leads the story up to The Lord of the Rings. Freeman has appeared in films ranging from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and Hot Fuzz to Love Actually.

Richard Armitage (MI-5 and Captain America: The First Avenger) will play Thorin Oakenshield, leader of the Company of Dwarves which sets off to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from a thieving dragon.

Aidan Turner (Being Human) and Rob Kazinsky (EastEnders) will play Kili and Fili, members of the Company of Dwarves.

Graham McTavish (Secretariat) will play Dwalin, John Callen (Power Rangers Jungle Fury) will play Oin; Stephen Hunter (All Saints) will play Bombur, and Mark Hadlow (King Kong) plays Dori, while Peter Hambleton (The Strip) will play Gloin. ...

"Despite the various rumours and speculation surround this role, there has only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us," Peter Jackson said. There are a few times in your career when you come across an actor who you know was born to play a role, but that was the case as soon as I met Martin. He is intelligent, funny, surprising and brave -- exactly like Bilbo and I feel incredibly proud to be able to announce that he is our Hobbit."

Of Armtage, Jackson said: "Richard is one of the most exciting and dynamic actors working on screen today and we know he is going to make an amazing Thorin Oakenshield. We cannot wait to start this adventure with him and feel very lucky that one of the most beloved characters in Middle Earth is in such good hands."

On his choices of Turner and Kazinsky, Jackson said, "Rob is an extremely talented young actor with a huge career in front of him. I'm thrilled that he has agreed to take on the role of Fili. Besides his talent as an actor, Rob is also a champion sword fighter and I'm looking forward to seeing the damage he can do to a horde of marauding Goblins ... Aidan is a wonderfully gifted young actor who hails from Ireland. I'm sure he will bring enormous heart and humor to the role of Kili."

As for the rest of the Dwarves played by McTavish, Callen, Hunter, Hadlow and Hambleton, Jackson said: "Graham is a terrific actor, with a great depth of experience, which I know he will bring to the role of Dwalin. I have worked with Mark Hadlow on many projects, he is a fantastic actor...I am also proud to annouce the casting of New Zealand actors as Peter Hambleton, John Callen and Stephen Hunter. Fran and I know that they will bring great depth and talent to our Company of Dwarves."

Possibilities:

None of this is set, but I've heard that James Nesbitt and David Tennant are up for roles, and that Ian McKellan and Andy Serkis are expected to reprise Gandalf and Gollum, though I don't believe they have made deals. Stephen Fry, Saoirse Ronan and Bill Nighy (as the voice of the dragon Smaug) are possible participants, and Aiden Turner is in contention for the Elf King.

[Sutter Cane]

I seriously read that casting announcements post as, "Morgan Freeman as Bilbo Baggins..." Haha.

[Scarecrow]

Aiden Turner? Brilliant! Being Human is an amazing series, he's one of the bets screen vampires we've had so it'll eb amazing to see him in this.


- Scarecrow

[Just Jeans]

Sylvester McCoy confirmed. (http://gallifreynewsbase.blogspot.com/2010/10/sylvester-mccoy-wins-role-in-hobbit.html)

Sylvester McCoy has told fans he has been cast as Radagast the Brown in the upcoming film The Hobbit.

Rumours of the Seventh Doctor's involvement in the Peter Jackson film have been around for a while but this is the first conformation from the actor that he has been offered a role in the movie.

McCoy was speaking at the Armageddon Expo in Auckland yesterday, It is understood that McCoy had meetings in Wellington with Jackson and co-producer and co-writer Philippa Boyens last week, where he was offered the role, but that no contracts have yet been signed.

The Hobbit is slated for release in two parts, the first due in 2012. Production is currently delayed due to a dispute involving the New Zealand branch of Actors Equity.

[Cody]

Casting: the new batch (http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2010/12/07/41135-torn-exclusive-cate-blanchett-ken-stott-sylvester-mccoy-mikael-persbrandt-join-cast-of-peter-jackson%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%9Cthe-hobbit%E2%80%9D/)

Cate Blanchett (“Lord of The Rings” trilogy, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”) will reprise her role from “Lord of The Rings” trilogy as Galadriel, the Lady of Lothlorien.
Ken Stott (“Charlie Wilson’s War”, TV’s “Rebus”) will play the Dwarf Lord Balin,
Sylvester McCoy (TV’s “Doctor Who”) will play the wizard Radagast the Brown
and well-known Swedish actor, Mikael Persbrandt (“Everlasting Moments”, “Day and Night”) will play the shape-shifter Beorn.
British actor Ryan Gage (“Outlaw”, TV’s “Doctors”) will play Drogo Baggins,
with New Zealand actors Jed Brophy (“Lord of The Rings” trilogy, “District 9”) playing the role of the dwarf Nori,
and William Kircher (“Out of the Blue”; TV’s “Legend of the Seeker”) rounding out the company of Thorin Oakensheild in role of the dwarf Bifur.

[The Taff]

Uhhhhh, why is Galadriel there?

[Cody]

Andy Serkis (http://www.deadline.com/2011/01/andy-serkis-signed-to-reprise-gollum-in-the-hobbit/), Ian McKellen (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/heat-vision/ian-mckellan-set-return-gandalf-69960), and Elijah Wood (http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2011/01/07/41520-elijah-wood-will-be-in-the-hobbit/) are in.

How Frodo is involved:

As readers of “The Hobbit” know, the tale of “The Downfall of The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit or There and Back Again,” are contained in the fictional “Red Book of Westmarch.” In Peter Jackson’s LOTR films, the book is shown on screen and written in by Bilbo and Frodo and handed off to Sam Gamgee. (Not explained on film are Sam’s progeny later having the book and being Wardens of the Westmarch — hence the book’s title.)

The fictional book, and either the telling from it or the reading of it, will establish Frodo in the films experiencing Bilbo’s story. Viewers are to learn the tale of ‘The Hobbit’ as a familiar Frodo gets the tale as well.

Since the speculation is now everywhere around the interwebs, TORn can confirm that as of now, the plans are to feature Frodo in the opening sequence of the films.

[DouglasJ]

Uhhhhh, why is Galadriel there?

It has been hinted that the film will show the metting of the White Council which takes place during, but is never shown in The Hobbit.

Galadriel is a member. Since it's unlikely that Saruman will appear, PJ probably wants as many familliar faces as possible.

[Cody]

Filming has been delayed slightly (http://www.aintitcool.com/node/48248), due to Jackson having surgery for a perforated ulcer.

Saoirse Ronan? (http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=73553)

Saoirse Ronan has joined the cast of The Hobbit, according to an interview with casting director Ros Hubbard conducted by The Irish Film & Television Network.

Though her part is still unknown, Ronan is listed alongside fellow Irish actors Aidan Turner and James Nesbitt.

"[W]orking with Peter Jackson is like working with a family," says Hubbard, "So they’ll have a great time. Saoirse’s family will go too. Everyone is very close and very loving on those sorts of jobs. It’s not like typical studio movies at all."

[Just Jeans]

Cameras roll on 'The Hobbit' (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110321/ap_en_mo/as_new_zealand_the_hobbit)

WELLINGTON, New Zealand – Cameras started rolling Monday on director Peter Jackson's production of "The Hobbit," following months of delays on the prequel to his Oscar-winning "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

Hollywood studio funding problems, a threatened actors' boycott and ulcer surgery for Jackson have plagued pre-production on the $500 million, two-movie project.

The director posted a studio news release on his website Monday saying production has commenced in New Zealand on the much-anticipated project.

British actor Martin Freeman will star as hobbit Bilbo Baggins alongside Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett and Orlando Bloom in twin movies of J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy novel about a short, hairy-footed hero.

The films are expected to take up to two years to make, with the first timed for release in late 2012.

"The Hobbit" is a prequel to "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy by Tolkien that Jackson helmed to blockbuster film success in 2001-03, winning best-picture and best-director Oscars for the finale.

Jackson underwent surgery last month for a perforated stomach ulcer, pushing back the start of filming at least by several days.

Last October, New Zealand changed labor laws and tipped in extra tax breaks for Hollywood studios MGM and New Line Cinema to ensure the Hobbit films would be made in the country.

The changes mean actors and others working on the films will be hired as contractors not employees. The union had wanted local actors and other production workers to be hired as full-fledged employees on union contracts.

New Zealand received a huge boost to its tourism and film-making industries from "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

Freeman, whose films include "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" and "Hot Fuzz" but who may be best known from Ricky Gervais' "The Office" television comedy, has said playing Baggins is the role of a lifetime.

[Cody]

Jackson on filming 48fps (http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=76341)


I thought I'd address the news that has been reported about us shooting THE HOBBIT at 48 frames per second, and explain to you what my thoughts are about this.

We are indeed shooting at the higher frame rate. The key thing to understand is that this process requires both shooting and projecting at 48 fps, rather than the usual 24 fps (films have been shot at 24 frames per second since the late 1920's). So the result looks like normal speed, but the image has hugely enhanced clarity and smoothness. Looking at 24 frames every second may seem ok--and we've all seen thousands of films like this over the last 90 years--but there is often quite a lot of blur in each frame, during fast movements, and if the camera is moving around quickly, the image can judder or "strobe."

Shooting and projecting at 48 fps does a lot to get rid of these issues. It looks much more lifelike, and it is much easier to watch, especially in 3-D. We've been watching HOBBIT tests and dailies at 48 fps now for several months, and we often sit through two hours worth of footage without getting any eye strain from the 3-D. It looks great, and we've actually become used to it now, to the point that other film experiences look a little primitive. I saw a new movie in the cinema on Sunday and I kept getting distracted by the juddery panning and blurring. We're getting spoilt!

Originally, 24 fps was chosen based on the technical requirements of the early sound era. I suspect it was the minimum speed required to get some audio fidelity out of the first optical sound tracks. They would have settled on the minimum speed because of the cost of the film stock. 35mm film is expensive, and the cost per foot (to buy the negative stock, develop it and print it), has been a fairly significant part of any film budget.

So we have lived with 24 fps for 9 decades--not because it's the best film speed (it's not by any stretch), but because it was the cheapest speed to achieve basic acceptable results back in 1927 or whenever it was adopted.

None of this thinking is new. Doug Trumbull developed and promoted a 60 frames per second process called ShowScan about 30 years ago and that looked great. Unfortunately it was never adopted past theme park use. I imagine the sheer expense of burning through expensive film stock at the higher speed (you are charged per foot of film, which is about 18 frames), and the projection difficulties in cinemas, made it tough to use for "normal" films, despite looking amazing. Actually, if anybody has been on the Star Tours ride at Disneyland, you've experienced the life like quality of 60 frames per second. Our new King Kong attraction at Universal Studios also uses 60 fps.

Now that the world's cinemas are moving towards digital projection, and many films are being shot with digital cameras, increasing the frame rate becomes much easier. Most of the new digital projectors are capable of projecting at 48 fps, with only the digital servers needing some firmware upgrades. We tested both 48 fps and 60 fps. The difference between those speeds is almost impossible to detect, but the increase in quality over 24 fps is significant.

Film purists will criticize the lack of blur and strobing artifacts, but all of our crew--many of whom are film purists--are now converts. You get used to this new look very quickly and it becomes a much more lifelike and comfortable viewing experience. It's similar to the moment when vinyl records were supplanted by digital CDs. There's no doubt in my mind that we're heading towards movies being shot and projected at higher frame rates.

Warner Bros. have been very supportive, and allowed us to start shooting THE HOBBIT at 48 fps, despite there never having been a wide release feature film filmed at this higher frame rate. We are hopeful that there will be enough theaters capable of projecting 48 fps by the time The Hobbit comes out where we can seriously explore that possibility with Warner Bros. However, while it's predicted that there may be over 10,000 screens capable of projecting THE HOBBIT at 48 fps by our release date in Dec, 2012, we don’t yet know what the reality will be. It is a situation we will all be monitoring carefully. I see it as a way of future-proofing THE HOBBIT. Take it from me--if we do release in 48 fps, those are the cinemas you should watch the movie in. It will look terrific!

[The Dream Master]

We've got titles and release dates: (http://www.badassdigest.com/2011/05/30/you-can-now-pencil-in-two-titled-hobbit-movies-into-your-datebook)

The first, which hits theaters on December 14, 2012, will be The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, while the second, on December 13, 2013, will be The Hobbit: There and Back Again.

So I guess this thread defaults to being about the first movie, but keep talking about the second one in here too. Or something.

[Cody]

Casting (http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/20/hobbit-cast-adds-evangeline-lilly-dame-edna-and-sherlock-holmes/): Evangeline Lilly, Barry Humphries, and the voice of Benedict Cumberbatch.

Official pictures (http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20504849,00.html#20980350) of Bilbo and Gandalf.

[The Taff]

HOLY SHIT, IT'S GANDALF! THERE HE IS!

Eeeeeeeeeeee...

[The Dream Master]

That's exciting.

[Cody]

Confirmed (http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=85222): Trailer attached to Tintin (http://www.f13community.com/board/showthread.php?t=1184).

[WesReviews]

Trailer, here (http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=85322).

http://www.comingsoon.net/nextraimages/hobbit-poster.jpg

[Monkey]

G0k3kHtyoqc
A whole year. Guh. Looks done to me. They should bump it to an earlier month, say... January?

[Chex]

But the world will be destroyed by then due to the...uh....meteor? Prophecy of Doom? World implodes? Whatever the cause of destruction is.

This is just filmakers trolling the public.

"Here's the first half of the movie! Yeah, it's good isn't it? Want to see more? Well, why not....uh oh, world's dead!!"

Seriously though, a year is just too long. I'll probably forget about it in a few weeks though so by next summer when new stuff emerges about it, I can get all excited again for it.

[The Dream Master]

Not going to watch it; gonna let it punch me in the face tomorrow when I see Tintin in IMAX.

[Just Jeans]

Looks done to me.

That's because they'll have focused on the scenes they wanted to be in the trailer, to make sure they're done in time to launch it. Meanwhile, the rest of the film is probably still far from done (and Jackson won't be able to focus all his effort on finishing it until they've finished shooting the second movie, which isn't out until 2013).

[Biosynthnut v.2]

I will pick my jaw up off the desk later.... CAN'T WAIT.

[The Dream Master]

FOWEJWJEOIWOJE

Holy SHIT. Incredible. The only thing that sucks is that it doesn't say "in theaters RIGHT NOW."

[Freddy Krueger]

Looks a-fucking-mazing. The end of the trailer with Gollum sneaking up on Bilbo gave me chills. Between this and The Dark Knight Rises, 2012 is going to be a hell of a year for movies.

[The Dream Master]

Between this and The Dark Knight Rises, 2012 is going to be a hell of a year for movies.

People have been looking at me like I'm a nut when I tell them that DKR might be my fifth most anticipated movie of next year; it's seriously that stacked with it, The Hobbit, Skyfall, Django, and Prometheus. Oh, and that Avengers movie is probably gonna be pretty good. :X

[Monkey]

Looks a-fucking-mazing. The end of the trailer with Gollum sneaking up on Bilbo gave me chills. Between this and The Dark Knight Rises, 2012 is going to be a hell of a year for movies.
You know damn right. When I saw the trailer for Dark Knight Rises, I peed myself a little.

Avengers looking great, too. 2012: year of the blockbuster.

And yeah, 'that one guy'. I know Hobbit will need to be edited and maybe they have some more filming to do yadda yadda. I'm just sayin... I'll watch a 'beta' version of the movie. :)

Weird thing is, the LOTR trilogy was based on books that were all longer than The Hobbit. Hollywood is breaking up novels (Potter, Twilight, Hobbit) to double their $$$ these days. Hobbit could have been done in a one-shot, but I'm not complaining. I hope each movie is at least two hours long...

One word of advice, though. I wouldn't buy the movie when it hits DVD/blu-ray. I'm sure they'll come out with an extended version of each flick down the road. The main reason I haven't bought LOTR on blu-ray is I've already picked up each DVD version... bought the movies twice. Same thing with Star Wars (VHS then DVD). I'm done buying movies for the third time. Quit raping me already. :|

[The Taff]

The part of this trailer that still gives me goosebumps is the end...

Gandalf: You will have a tale or two to tell when you come back.

Bilbo: Can you promise that I will come back?

Gandalf: ...No.

*Image of Bilbo in the background. Camera pans down to show the Ring laying on the ground*

Gandalf: And if you do, you will not be the same...

OOF, every damn time! This is easily the most anticipated movie for me in 2012. I still have super fond memories of the three years of the LOTR trilogy. It'll be wonderful to have that sensation again. In many ways, I think LOTR is the movie series that defined my teenage movie going years.

Far over the Misty Mountains cold,
To dungeons deep and caverns old,
We must away, ere break of day,
To seek our pale enchanted gold.

The dwarves of yore made mighty spells,
While hammers fell like ringing bells,
In places deep, where dark things sleep,
In hollow halls beneath the fells.

For ancient king and elvish lord
There many a gleaming golden hoard
They shaped and wrought, and light they caught,
To hide in gems on hilt of sword.

On silver necklaces they strung
The flowering stars, on crowns they hung
The dragon-fire, on twisted wire
They meshed the light of moon and sun.

Far over the Misty Mountains cold,
To dungeons deep and caverns old,
We must away, ere break of day,
To claim our long-forgotten gold.

Goblets they carved there for themselves,
And harps of gold, where no man delves
There lay they long, and many a song
Was sung unheard by men or elves.

The pines were roaring on the heights,
The wind was moaning in the night,
The fire was red, it flaming spread,
The trees like torches blazed with light.

The bells were ringing in the dale,
And men looked up with faces pale.
The dragon's ire, more fierce than fire,
Laid low their towers and houses frail.

The mountain smoked beneath the moon.
The dwarves, they heard the tramp of doom.
They fled the hall to dying fall
Beneath his feet, beneath the moon.

Far over the Misty Mountains grim,
To dungeons deep and caverns dim,
We must away, ere break of day,
To win our harps and gold from him!

The wind was on the withered heath,
But in the forest stirred no leaf:
There shadows lay be night or day,
And dark things silent crept beneath.

The wind came down from mountains cold,
And like a tide it roared and rolled.
The branches groaned, the forest moaned,
And leaves were laid upon the mould.

The wind went on from West to East;
All movement in the forest ceased.
But shrill and harsh across the marsh,
Its whistling voices were released.

The grasses hissed, their tassels bent,
The reeds were rattling--on it went.
O'er shaken pool under heavens cool,
Where racing clouds were torn and rent.

It passed the Lonely Mountain bare,
And swept above the dragon's lair:
There black and dark lay boulders stark,
And flying smoke was in the air.

It left the world and took its flight
Over the wide seas of the night.
The moon set sale upon the gale,
And stars were fanned to leaping light.

Under the Mountain dark and tall,
The King has come unto his hall!
His foe is dead, the Worm of Dread,
And ever so his foes shall fall!

The sword is sharp, the spear is long,
The arrow swift, the Gate is strong.
The heart is bold that looks on gold;
The dwarves no more shall suffer wrong.

The dwarves of yore made mighty spells,
While hammers fell like ringing bells
In places deep, where dark things sleep,
In hollow halls beneath the fells.

On silver necklaces they strung
The light of stars, on crowns they hung
The dragon-fire, from twisted wire
The melody of harps they wrung.

The mountain throne once more is freed!
O! Wandering folk, the summons heed!
Come haste! Come haste! Across the waste!
The king of freind and kin has need.

Now call we over the mountains cold,
'Come back unto the caverns old!'
Here at the gates the king awaits,
His hands are rich with gems and gold.

The king has come unto his hall
Under the Mountain dark and tall.
The Worm of Dread is slain and dead,
And ever so our foes shall fall!

Farewell we call to hearth and hall!
Though wind may blow and rain may fall,
We must away, ere break of day
Far over the wood and mountain tall.

To Rivendell, where Elves yet dwell
In glades beneath the misty fell.
Through moor and waste we ride in haste,
And whither then we cannot tell.

With foes ahead, behind us dread,
Beneath the sky shall be our bed,
Until at last our toil be passed,
Our journey done, our errand sped.

We must away! We must away!
We ride before the break of day!

[DD77]

Kinda wish this came out before the trilogy. Oh well should be great.

I agree with some posts above. I forget there's so many anticipated films finally hitting theaters this year. For some reason I keep thinking this is an off year and everything is a 2013 release.

[Apocalypto]

The Lord of the Rings completely changed the way I viewed cinema for the rest of my life. It blended elements of every genre so well that it turned me into a movie buff rather than strictly a horror movie buff, it made me care far more about the effort and skill it takes to make movies so I could see their value beyond 'just entertainment,' and made me start caring more about the characters in movies than I ever previously came close to.
The Return of the King midnight show is the greatest experience I've ever had in a movie theater in my entire life.

This had a bigger impact on my life than any movie franchise of all time...just based on that massive effect it's had on me this would have to be my most anticipated movie of the year, despite quite a few of my favorite characters from the trilogy not being involved in any way.

[The Dream Master]

The part of this trailer that still gives me goosebumps is the end...

For me, it's when Shore's big, orchestral version of "Over the Misty Mountains Cold" kicks in. In fact, I just got chills just thinking about it. I know it'll never happen, but I hope there isn't another trailer for this because the first one is perfect.

As for experiences...I saw all three (with the first two being the Extended Versions) the day ROTK came out. One of top moments in my theater-going life, though I would put FvJ and Episode I slightly ahead--forgetting the quality of each, just going on an anticipation thing--I'd waited for the former for like 10 years, and Phantom Menace was literally a lifetime of waiting, so they're ahead by default.

[The Taff]

For me, it's when Shore's big, orchestral version of "Over the Misty Mountains Cold" kicks in. In fact, I just got chills just thinking about it. I know it'll never happen, but I hope there isn't another trailer for this because the first one is perfect.

As for experiences...I saw all three (with the first two being the Extended Versions) the day ROTK came out. One of top moments in my theater-going life, though I would put FvJ and Episode I slightly ahead--forgetting the quality of each, just going on an anticipation thing--I'd waited for the former for like 10 years, and Phantom Menace was literally a lifetime of waiting, so they're ahead by default.

I grew up with a father who wore a Lord of the Rings belt buckle. The anticipation was beyond high for the trilogy when it was announced.

I suffered through the Balrog scene in Fellowship. I had gone through a large theater drink and had to piss like no tomorrow, but I did not want to miss what was one of the biggest scenes in the first book because of goddamn liquid expulsion.

Out of all the the big movie events I've had growing up, Lord of the Rings still takes the cake. It's followed closely by Spider-Man then Star Wars: Episode 1.

[Monkey]

I've seen every one of the LOTR in theaters. I'd say my greatest thrill in a cinema was watching Avatar 3D, drinking rum & coke. Felt like I was in a different world.

This, too, is my most anticipated movie for this year and probably for the rest of my life. Too jaded to get much excited by any other flick. I am only sure of three things: death, taxes, and this movie will be fucking amazing.

[WesReviews]

I hope this is more Two Towers and Return of the King and less Fellowship of the Ring.

[Just Jeans]

Oddly, I seem to recall liking Fellowship the best of the three. But I haven't seen them since the theater, so my memory could be cheating. I should really see the extended editions sometime.

[The Dream Master]

I think LOTR might be the only trilogy where it's impossible for me to pick a favorite. All three are masterpieces. I guess if I were forced to pick, I'd say ROTK is the best just because it's the payoff. But the first hour to ninety minutes of Fellowship are really, really magical and some of the best examples of world/universe building ever.

[WesReviews]

Fellowship was sooooooo paaaaaaainfully duuuuuuuuull. I mean, I get that you have to set up the story for people who've never read the books, but my God...

[The Taff]

To each their own, Wes.

I adore Fellowship myself. Return of the King is my favorite of the three, however. To this day it will completely destroy me by the end.

[SlasherFreak]

I had the old dvds, but decided I need to upgrade and get the extended edition blu rays last week. They should be here today!

Im not a huge LOTR guy..but I read the books, I thought the movies were really good too. I like the animated trilogy as well!

Should be stunning in hi def...
ADDED:
it will be my first time seeing the extended editions as well..

[DouglasJ]

I love all three, Fellowship is brilliant, Two Towers is better, Return of the King is the best. Going to see The Hobbit is going to be amazing.

[The Dream Master]

Ten minutes of this (presented in 48fps) were presented at CinemaCon today, and some of the stuff I hear is...troublesome. I know I haven't seen it with my own eyes, but lots of people ( Devin Faraci, for one (http://badassdigest.com/2012/04/24/cinemacon-2012-the-hobbit-underwhelms-at-48-frames-per-secon#disqus_thread)) are pretty much in agreement that the new format makes the film look like...well, TV. Like video. So, not like a film. I don't know if this is really all that surprising, but it seems to confirm that 24fps kind of defines what a film "looks" like, or at least what they have looked like.

I'm still really intrigued to see it, but I won't be at all surprised if I find it too jarring. I don't really want movies to look like live TV events, I don't think.

[The Taff]

Yeah, I've heard a lot of people don't like higher frames per second. Ever since I've gotten my new TV last year I've been running everything at a higher FPS and it's just gotten to the point where I actually don't see it anymore. Going back to a lower fps is what ends up jarring for me.'

It's the same with HD images. What was originally a "WOW, THAT'S CRISP" reaction has become just the norm. I just don't have any non-HD screens around me anymore, so when I see one it's freaking shocking; like watching a TV from the 70s.

Not saying it's like that for everyone, but I think it could possibly be an adjustment period thing.
ADDED:
You know, I'd be interested to see a study on the long term effects of exposure to this higher fidelity stuff has, whether it be beneficial or detrimental.

Unfortunately, such studies are stupidly hard to conduct without breaking some near universal morals and shoving a kid in a skinner box.

[The Dream Master]

It's definitely going to be an adjustment. Even the people who saw it and liked it have admitted that it's very weird, which makes sense because, outside of a few techie demos over the years, no one's ever seen a film at 48fps (and one might argue that The Hobbit technically isn't either since it's digital, which may also be one of the contributing factors to why it looks a bit off).

Comparing it to HD is sort of similar, I guess...I'd say the two are like different threads from the same yarn because I do think the immediate reaction to 48fps is going to center on how nice and clear everything looks. But even resolution changes aren't as fundamentally altering as frame rate, which might weirdly be more subtle and more noticeable at the same time because it's more concerned with how much our brains are literally processing from the source.

Still, I definitely want to see it, but I'm glad there will be 24fps showings available (hell, there might not be any 48fps showings at all if theaters don't get equipped for it by December). I think there will literally be too much to take in between seeing a movie like The Hobbit AND seeing 48fps at the same time, so my second viewing will probably be in the new format. It's weirdly exciting, but, at the same time, I already know that I hate it when TVs add that artificial motion-smoothing/high refresh rate stuff to movies because it looks weird. 48fps sounds like it'll look at a lot like that--at least until film-makers figure out how to really tinker with it and perfect it.

[The Taff]

Yeah, it'll take time. Really, when you think about it, it being relative is a reasonable explanation.

It's the uncanny principle. Things just feel off from the norm despite being so similar, and that's inherently unsettleing.

[WesReviews]

I'm 100% against 48fps, for the record.

I can't stand when I go to someone's house and they've got their TV and Blu-Ray player set to a faster frame rate and everything looks like some kind of damn PBS filmed play or something.
ADDED:
But you don't have to take my word for it.

Actual reactions from CinemaCon...

"There will be plenty for fans to savor. However, the richness of Jackson’s imagery, while beautiful, was marred because the 48 frames made each scene too crisp, if that’s possible. It looked more real, in fact — too real. Instead of an immersive cinematic experience, Middle Earth looked like it was captured as part of a filmed stage play,” -- The Wrap.

"Here's what The Hobbit looked like to me: a hi-def version of the 1970s I, Claudius. It is drenched in a TV-like - specifically 70's era BBC - video look. People on Twitter have asked if it has that soap opera look you get from badly calibrated TVs at Best Buy, and the answer is an emphatic YES.

It looked completely non-cinematic. The sets looked like sets. I've been on sets of movies on the scale of The Hobbit, and sets don't even look like sets when you're on them live... but these looked like sets. The other comparison I kept coming to, as I was watching the footage, was that it all looked like behind the scenes video. The magical illusion of cinema is stripped away completely." -- Devin Faraci, Bad Ass Digest.

"I’ll admit the footage is such a radical change from what I expected, it’s going to polarize audiences. The 3D looked great and the new 48fps drastically reduces eye strain. That’s the good news. The bad news is the 48fps is so jarring that I’m not sure casual moviegoers will enjoy it…. You no longer have motion blur. You no longer can hide stuff in the darkness… By the end of the presentation, I wasn’t sure I wanted to watch the entire movie in this new 48fps format. This is definitely not what I expected to say. Ultimately, it just didn’t look cinematic and it sort of looked like HD TV.” -- Steve Weintraub, Collider.

"It looked like a made-for-TV movie. It was too accurate -- too clear. The contrast ratio isn't there yet -- everything looked either too bright or black" -- a projectionist to The L.A. Times.

"48FPS is a big change, a drastic change from the 80 years of 24FPS footage, that we're used to, and it will take a while to get into it. But I noticed problems where it seemed like movement was running at double the speed as the rest of the footage, even though it was all in sync. It was odd, even awkward, and a bit weird to see, and a bit weird to get into. But was it just unfinished, raw footage? Will it look better finished by December?" -- Alex Billington, editor of First Showing.

[Alex DeLarge]

Here's what The Hobbit looked like to me: a hi-def version of the 1970s I, Claudius. It is drenched in a TV-like - specifically 70's era BBC - video look.

Sorry, I love stuff like I, Claudius and that 70s BBC look. If watching The Hobbit makes it feel like Middle-Earth as shot like an HD version of classic Doctor Who and Blake's 7, awesome.:D

[Freddy Krueger]

I guess one thing we can be thankful for is that most theaters probably won't be equipped to show the film at 48 fps, so we'll most likely be seeing it at a blessed 24 fps. At least, I hope so. :shifty:

[The Dream Master]

I would say I was 100% curious about it with some reservations, but, the more I hear, the more I'm sure I won't see The Hobbit in 48fps on the viewing. Second viewing for sure, though.

I guess one thing we can be thankful for is that most theaters probably won't be equipped to show the film at 48 fps, so we'll most likely be seeing it at a blessed 24 fps. At least, I hope so.

Considering it's going to cost like $10,000 per projector to upgrade, yeah, there's a good chance your local theater will only have one auditorium with 48fps since they're literally not going to need it again for a while.

[Biosynthnut v.2]

Fellowship was sooooooo paaaaaaainfully duuuuuuuuull. I mean, I get that you have to set up the story for people who've never read the books, but my God...

That's how I felt watching it the first time. But after watching it dozens of times later, I love it.

[Monkey]

Yeah, I've heard a lot of people don't like higher frames per second. Ever since I've gotten my new TV last year I've been running everything at a higher FPS and it's just gotten to the point where I actually don't see it anymore. Going back to a lower fps is what ends up jarring for me.
Same here.

Man, I love watching blu-ray with the motionflow cranked to the maximum setting. It seems 'real' to me. There's a button to turn the TV into 'movie' or 'theater' mode, but then I feel like I might as well be watching it on DVD.

48fps. Too crisp? Too real? Sign me up. :)

[The Taff]

Same here.

Man, I love watching blu-ray with the motionflow cranked to the maximum setting. It seems 'real' to me. There's a button to turn the TV into 'movie' or 'theater' mode, but then I feel like I might as well be watching it on DVD.

48fps. Too crisp? Too real? Sign me up. :)

I'm watching The Incredible Hulk right this moment and I just don't see the motionflow at all. I know it's on and I know it's set to high, but...

*Shrug* I can't see it no matter how much scrutiny I watch it with. I did when I first bought the TV, but I suppose I've just adjusted.

[The Dream Master]

I'm blaming you guys when movies start looking like soap operas. :(

[The Taff]

Not much you can do...

*Puts on sunglasses*

...As the world turns...

[Monkey]

If soap operas were more like LOTR... All My Children wouldn't have been cancelled.

[The Dream Master]

Just slap in a LOTR Blu-ray or DVD with the 120/240hz setting engaged, and they can at least look one in the same!

Seriously, my eyes can't get past it. I cringe when I see it because the difference between video and film is like night and day to my eyes, and that's basically what those settings do because they're better suited for video sources. Applying them to film content is like trying to fit a round peg into a square hole because the numbers don't match up and the TV's trying to compensate for it.

[WesReviews]

If I wanted 100% reality, I wouldn't watch movies in the first place.

I think some of these asshole "pioneers" like Jackson, Cameron, etc. somehow forget that. Makes me question just how big of fans of movies they really are.

Methinks they're bigger fans of technology.
ADDED:
Every horror movie from now on is going to look like Blood Cult. :cry:

[The Dream Master]

I'm all for pioneering, and I think both these guys are doing it because they really believe it'll make movies better. It's just something that's probably best suited for experimental baby steps because just slapping 48fps onto a 24fps mindset as far as lighting and shutter speeds go will be weird. Going all in on something like The Hobbit is a bold move for a lot of reasons.

If anyone can end up making it work, it'll be Cameron, and I'm obviously going to withhold judgment until I see it with my own eyes anyway. But if the Cinemacon reaction is any indication, it's going to be so divisive that we'll probably end up with both formats.

And if it doesn't work at all, there's nothing wrong with saying an attempt to pioneer failed outright.

[Darth Sinister]

If I wanted 100% reality, I wouldn't watch movies in the first place.

I think some of these asshole "pioneers" like Jackson, Cameron, etc. somehow forget that. Makes me question just how big of fans of movies they really are.

Methinks they're bigger fans of technology.

They're fans of both, but doing everything they can to reinvent the experience of going to the movies. Hollywood has been pushing for cleaner movies with the best quality picture and sound for years. It's no wonder that we've reached this plateau.

Seriously, my eyes can't get past it. I cringe when I see it because the difference between video and film is like night and day to my eyes, and that's basically what those settings do because they're better suited for video sources. Applying them to film content is like trying to fit a round peg into a square hole because the numbers don't match up and the TV's trying to compensate for i

In the end, you and I won't matter. Thirty to forty years from now, the newer generation will be used to 48fps and will deem 24fps as old and archaic. Just as many of us are used to all the other advantages of pushing the technology has wrought.

[The Dream Master]

Well, yeah, I would argue that I do matter if we're talking about something I personally may not like. I know I won't be able to stop it if 48fps steamrolls ahead and takes over (and I think it's a huge assumption to think it will), but that's kind of stating the obvious. But it'll matter big time if something I really like suddenly becomes weird to watch because the format is so alien to the medium; seriously, if these reports aren't hyperbolic, we're going to have to rewire our brains in terms of how we perceive "film" (which will be so far removed from actual film that we might as well just exclusively call them movies).

The next time you go to the movies and they're advertising for one of those Metropolitan Opera or Shakespearian play broadcasts, take a good look at it. You notice how it makes you feel like you're sitting in a theater actually watching a play on stage before you? That's what 48fps could conceivably do to movies. It'll be so unlike film because our brains are conditioned to subconsciously register 24fps and lower frame rates as "film." Anything higher than that is something else, and I think it would be a huge mistake to lose the texture of the medium if there's no way to work within 48fps to keep it from looking like you're sitting right there watching actors on sets.

Sure, if someone grows up with it, it's a different story--but, quite frankly, I'm not worried about them. I'm worried if I'm going to be able to adapt. I know I'm sounding hyperbolic myself, but believe me--48fps is the biggest thing to happen to movies since sound was introduced. Even going to wider aspect ratios wasn't this big of a deal.

[The Taff]

Sure, if someone grows up with it, it's a different story--but, quite frankly, I'm not worried about them. I'm worried if I'm going to be able to adapt. I know I'm sounding hyperbolic myself, but believe me--48fps is the biggest thing to happen to movies since sound was introduced. Even going to wider aspect ratios wasn't this big of a deal.

I like the plateau metaphor Darth used. We're either going to climb it and see what's at the top and where it leads, or we're going to try to migrate around it into another unknown.

No matter which way we choose, we're forgoing one potential future of possibilities for a different future of possibilities. It's not likely movies will remain the same no matter what choices we choose, it just matters which direction we head in.

Personally, my vote is for climbing the plateau.

[The Dream Master]

I can tell you what the top of a plateau leads to: nothing. If you get to the top of it, it's flat. If you're applying that metaphorically, you're describing something that's topped out and won't change. If anyone should be making plateau metaphors, it's the hardline 24fps guys who would argue that what we have now serves as a perfect place to stop considering we've been hanging out on that plateau for 80 years.

But no one's saying not to push forward and tinker and explore. Obviously, I'm hugely curious about what 48fps will look like, but, if it ever looks good, it won't be until a few tries probably. I honestly suspect that The Hobbit footage doesn't look that impressive to most people because of other factors besides just the high frame rate; it's a combination of that and other factors that'll get worked out as directors keep using it.

But if it never ends up working quite right, then it just doesn't work--I have a feeling it's going to be one of those things people will get used to or won't, and I personally hope I will adjust because I don't want to theoretically be contending with getting over it every single time there's a 48fps movie. I've wanted this stuff to work ever since I heard Ebert yap about it years and years ago--he's been advocating it for like two decades, ever since someone (Douglass Turnbull, maybe) actually showed it off one time.

[The Taff]

I can tell you what the top of a plateau leads to: nothing. If you get to the top of it, it's flat. If you're applying that metaphorically, you're describing something that's topped out and won't change. If anyone should be making plateau metaphors, it's the hardline 24fps guys who would argue that what we have now serves as a perfect place to stop considering we've been hanging out on that plateau for 80 years.

I figured it more as a long term travel metaphor more than a mountain climbing one, with 48fps representing the tougher road and 24fps being the comfortable way around. Both paths lead somewhere on the long term. But I get what you're saying, as well.

[The Dream Master]

Well, I was being a semantic jackass, really, but I think you can say that 24fps is one plateau. 48fps would be akin to coming down from it and climbing another, maybe bigger plateau. Actually, I think that's a good way to describe it because it is going to be such an uphill battle for a lot of people. I would like to say "most" people, but I'm not sure if general audiences really think all that hard about how films look one way, while video looks another way. Most will probably notice that The Hobbit looks a little weird from what they're used to but think nothing of it once it's done.

[Just Jeans]

A lot of digitially produced TV shows actually scrub the framerate to make them look like film. I recall seeing Doctor Who deleted scenes a while back that looked like they were shot on home video due to the excessively high framerate the camera shot at, and the footage was put on the DVDs without having the "frame scrubbing" process put to it first.

It is an adjustment trying to watch it, but ultimately I think it looks way better than the lower frame standard. Action is crisper, more smooth. I think the only reason it looks wrong is because we're so used to the lower FPS. I have the same problem when a PC game spikes into the 60 FPS range. It looks... wrong somehow.

What's weird is the trailer released earlier in the year looks like it had the frame scrub applied to it.

[The Dream Master]

The trailer released earlier is being played back in 24fps, so that would probably explain that (there's rumors that WB will release a 48fps trailer this summer, but who knows if many theaters will have the capability to show it?). When I first saw the trailer, I don't know if it was my subconscious trying to talk me into it or not, but I thought the image looked a lot more...robust, for lack of better word. Like you could tell there's more to it, but that might just be my eyes playing tricks.

A lot of digitially produced TV shows actually scrub the framerate to make them look like film.

That's kind of the irony...we've spent the last decade getting video to look like film, now 48fps might twist it all around on its head. If 48fps ever becomes the standard (waaaaay off in the future, if ever), then video might actually be lower than "film" (though, again, I would say we might as well change the name of the format in that case).

Another thing few people are talking about with 48fps: effects budgets are going to balloon since they'll have to animate twice as many frames. That might actually be the sticking point for the time being that keeps 48fps confined to certain movies.

[The Taff]

Another thing few people are talking about with 48fps: effects budgets are going to balloon since they'll have to animate twice as many frames. That might actually be the sticking point for the time being that keeps 48fps confined to certain movies.

That definately sounds like a sticking point.

The game industry is going to be going through something similar soon when the next round of consoles come out. Increased processing comes with the expectation of increased quality in every aspect, which comes with increased cost of development. I'm not expecting too much, though. Likely we're going to be tumbleing face first into the uncanny valley harder than ever this coming generation.

It's really what sets commercial art mediums apart from other business. While everyone has to find a happy medium between keeping customers happy and making a profit, commercial art also has to maintain its artistic integrity as well.

[The Dream Master]

I think this is why you haven't heard a whole lot of 48fps chatter (well, that, and obviously because it's a great unknown at this point) outside of The Hobbit (which is gonna make gobs of money guaranteed) and Avatar 2/3 (because LORD JIM CAMERON is at the helm and who's going to tell him no?). But with the way this stuff works, I'd expect even that barrier to fall if 48fps becomes a thing. To keep using video games as a comparison, remember when the PS3 was like this huge monolith for programmers? Seems like they figured that out, and I expect that CGI artists/animators will figure out the frames-per-second tricks.

[The Taff]

I think this is why you haven't heard a whole lot of 48fps chatter (well, that, and obviously because it's a great unknown at this point) outside of The Hobbit (which is gonna make gobs of money guaranteed) and Avatar 2/3 (because LORD JIM CAMERON is at the helm and who's going to tell him no?). But with the way this stuff works, I'd expect even that barrier to fall if 48fps becomes a thing. To keep using video games as a comparison, remember when the PS3 was like this huge monolith for programmers? Seems like they figured that out, and I expect that CGI artists/animators will figure out the frames-per-second tricks.

Exactly. People adjust on all sides. As everyone adjusts, things tend to get cheaper to make as well.
ADDED:
Peter Jackson's opinion and reaction to the whole thing: (http://movies.ign.com/articles/122/1223967p1.html)

The Hobbit director Peter Jackson has responded to criticisms about the 48 frames per second footage from his film shown at this week's CinemaCon. And he's basically saying that people will just have to get used to it.

Jackson told Entertainment Weekly that the 48fps train isn't going to get derailed and that the "technology is going to keep evolving."

"At first it's unusual because you've never seen a movie like this before. It's literally a new experience, but you know, that doesn't last the entire experience of the film; not by any stretch, after 10 minutes or so," said Jackson. "That's a different experience than if you see a fast-cutting montage at a technical presentation."

"A couple of the more negative commenters from CinemaCon said that in the Gollum and Bilbo scene [which took place later in the presentation] they didn't mind it and got used to that," the director added. "That was the same 48 frames the rest of the reel was. I just wonder if it they were getting into the dialogue, the characters and the story. That's what happens in the movie. You settle into it."

Warner Bros. brass want filmgoers to know that they will still have options when The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey opens this December 14, including 3D, 2D and IMAX 3D and in both 24fps and 48fps.