Anyone who is a "Lord of the Rings" fan has been wishing for this: That Peter Jackson would make up with New line Cinema, and both realize that there is another mountain of money just waiting to pour into their pockets, if they made a film based on LOTR's prequel novel, "The Hobbit".
It's based on hobbit Bilbo Baggins' adventures and the finding of the "one ring". The ring plays a key role, but the true story is about the transformation of Bilbo from comfortable hobbit to gutsy pseudo-outlaw.
Here are some excerpts from the press release:
* MGM and New Line will co-finance and co-distribute two films, “The Hobbit” and a sequel to “The Hobbit.” New Line will distribute in North America and MGM will distribute internationally.
* Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh will serve as Executive Producers of two films based on “The Hobbit.” New Line will manage the production of the films, which will be shot simultaneously.
* Peter Jackson and New Line have settled all litigation relating to the “Lord of the Rings” (LOTR) Trilogy.
Said Peter Jackson, “I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to put our differences behind us, so that we may begin a new chapter with our old friends at New Line. ‘The Lord of the Rings’ is a legacy we proudly share with Bob and Michael, and together, we share that legacy with millions of loyal fans all over the world. We are delighted to continue our journey through Middle Earth. I also want to thank Harry Sloan and our new friends at MGM for helping us find the common ground necessary to continue that journey.”
“Peter Jackson has proven himself as the filmmaker who can bring the extraordinary imagination of Tolkien to life and we full heartedly agree with the fans worldwide who know he should be making ‘The Hobbit,’” said Sloan, MGM’s Chairman and CEO. “Now that we are all in agreement on ‘The Hobbit,’ we can focus on assembling the production team that will capture this phenomenal tale on film.”
Click on this map for a larger view:
You can read about it in full at "The Hobbit Blog".
14 comments:
i saw on another site that sam raimi (spider-man, evil dead, etc.) is slated to direct.
should be interesting.
how ya been?
Been good Greg, how 'bout you?
Raimi seems to be the favorite current rumor, but the newest post I can find discussing that one is April '07. We'll see, but if he gets it, I think he'll do well.
As long as PJ has his hands in the creative pot, we should be good. I don't know why he won't direct, but so far he hasn't announced he will.
Okay, found it. The top story on this page indicates why PJ can't direct the Hobbit films. Too bad.
Click here.
"Peter Jackson Officially Attached to the Hobbit"
Have they considered consulting a surgeon about this?
That's a good question ME. I think it deserves some speculation.
"ATTACHED" can be taken many ways it seems.
1. Architecture. Joined to or by a wall, especially by sharing a wall with another building; not freestanding: a block of attached houses.
2. Biology. Living in a permanently fixed state in the adult stage, as the barnacle.
Perhaps PJ has become the proverbial barnacle on the Hobbit of life?
Or finally, it could insinuate the 160th Star Trek: TNG episode entitled "Attached" directed by Jonathan Frakes.
It's your call if you think we should call a surgeon, but I wouldn't want to be you (I mean ME) if it has nothing to do with barnacles.
I'm hoping for someone cutting edge to direct, like Michael Bay. I think The Hobbit would be greatly improved by a thousand slow-motion shots of helicopter rotors silhouetted by a setting sun. And then he'll change it up with slow-motion shots of helicopter rotors silhouetted by a rising sun. He's so diverse.
Adam,
Interesting. I like where you're going with this. It's almost like: if you can't get PJ to direct, then go as far away from something appropriate as you can. Cool concept.
Maybe if Bay's not available, the Coen Brothers would do it? Love their work, and though slightly off the Tolkien-beaten-path, they would put a lovely violent and surreal spin on it.
Just to be clear: I can't stand Michael Bay, and Transformers was a disaster. I was joking about having him direct The Hobbit, but I do think it'd be a good idea to have someone with a good film sensibility and a knack for storytelling guiding it. The first name that leaps to mind: Brad Bird.
I think I just made my heart skip a beat.
Adam,
I was playing along. I know you well enough to catch your sarcasm dude.
On a non-sarcastic note, I think Brad Bird would be an awesome choice. He's one of my favorite directors. I've never heard whether he'd be interested in going live-action or not though.
Cory Edwards would be great too, but I don't think they could get him.
See, I knew you were playing along; I wanted to clarify for the rest of the blogosphere (because, let's face it, everyone on the internet reads these comments).
Cory Edwards is too busy with all his vanity projects to work on something as lowbrow as The Hobbit.
david fincher, maybe?
Don't you guys have girlfriends?
my wife won't let me have one.
Any truth to the rumors that Guillermo Del Toro will direct with PJ exec producing?
Post a Comment