PETER JACKSON AND NEW LINE CINEMA JOIN WITH MGM TO PRODUCE “THE HOBBIT”
ACADEMY AWARD-WINNER PETER JACKSON AND
NEW LINE CINEMA JOIN WITH MGM
TO PRODUCE “THE HOBBIT,”
EAGERLY-ANTICIPATED FANTASY ADVENTURE EPIC
NEW LINE AND MGM TO CO-PRODUCE AND
SHARE WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS
PETER JACKSON AND FRAN WALSH TO EXECUTIVE PRODUCE TWO FILMS BASED ON “THE HOBBIT”
Los Angeles, CA (Tuesday, December 18, 2007) Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson; Harry Sloan, Chairman and CEO, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM); Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne, Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs of New Line Cinema have jointly announced today that they have entered into the following series of agreements:
* 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.”
Bob Shaye, New Line Co-Chairman and Co-CEO comments, “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,’” notes 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.”
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 “The Hobbit” release slated for 2010 and its sequel the following year, in 2011.
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 eleven 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.
For more information about “The Hobbit” films, please visit www.TheHobbitBlog.com.
About New Line Cinema Corporation:
Celebrating its 40th anniversary year, New Line Cinema is the most successful independent film company in the world. Its mission is to produce innovative, popular and profitable entertainment in the best creative environment. In addition to the production, marketing and distribution of theatrical motion pictures, the fully-integrated studio has divisions devoted to home entertainment, television, music, theater, merchandising and an international unit. In 2005, New Line partnered with HBO to form Picturehouse, a new theatrical distribution company to release independent films. A pioneer in franchise filmmaking, New Line’s Oscar-winning The Lord of the Rings trilogy is one of the most successful film franchises in history. New Line is a division of Time Warner, Inc. (TWX).
About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.:
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world’s largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., Ventanazul, MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Domestic Networks LLC, MGM Distribution Co, MGM International Television Distribution In, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Worldwide Digital Media, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 120 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), TPG (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit www.mgm.com.
About Peter Jackson/Wingnut Films:
Peter Jackson is one of the world’s most successful filmmakers. His monumental achievement co-writing, co-producing and directing The Lord of the Rings trilogy (with fellow Academy Award winners and frequent collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens) earned a total of 30 Academy Award nominations and 17 Academy Awards. Jackson and Walsh received their first Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay for their acclaimed film Heavenly Creatures. Jackson, through his New Zealand-based Wingnut Films banner, also was responsible for the globally successful 2005 remake of King Kong which earned over $500 million worldwide and 3 Academy Awards. Currently, Jackson is directing an adaptation of The Lovely Bones, from the acclaimed best-selling novel by Alice Sebold. He is also developing a trilogy of films with Steven Spielberg based on Tintin, the world renowned comic book series by Herge.
Superb news– are Jackson and Walsh not going to direct (as well as produce) or is that still up in the air?
Who’s directing?
Incredible!
Some of the best news I’ve read on this site in a few weeks.
Ringers around the world rejoice!!!
Great news!!
PJ rulez. I hope he’ll direct
Finally, the vision is to continue. This is the best news of all concerning Hobbits! Now bring on the rest of the vision of fair Arda - Bring on Feanor and the Silmarills, let us glimpse Fair Gondolin from afar! let Melian of Doriath girt us with her girdle! Let us wander through the fair Willow meads of Nan-Tasarion! Let us lament at the fall of Turin and Urwen!
Great news!
JOY! This was the news I’ve been waiting for some time.
This made my day
Great news. Even better if PJ directs it. Then I’ll fully stop worrying.
Two hobbit movies and a script by Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh… no that is great news. I’m so happy with this news… it made my year!
I was hoping PJ would direct too. I guess that may be asking for too much?
This is so great!! Finally I can convert rumors to truth… I’m so excited!!! I will be first in line to see this!
GO JACKSON AND WALSH YOU GUYS ARE MY HEROS!!!!
Does anyone know anything valid besides what’s on this page? I am interested in who’s writing it…
Great news it will be made, but Executive Producers? That’s a bummer. I’m sure they will chose a good director, and make good choices about the production.
2010 can’t come soon enough!
I read the Hobbit and LOTR in 1959 at the age of thirteen. Fifty years may seem too long a wait for the movie…but we all know it can only be made by one individual, Peter Jackson. It will be worth the wait, because he will bring to it the same team of actors, WETA’s special effects, and Howard Shore’s music. Middle Earth will live again! Can we ask for a more wonderful Christmas present?
Exciting news! Is it 2010 yet?
(And Ian McKellen + Ian Holm, yes?)
Oh, wonderful. Thanks. You just made my day.
And now please tell us that PJ will direct.
Please, do tell us that PJ will direct.
Fabulous news! I hope Peter directs, but this development opens the door to other great directors who would have balked (Sam Raimi) if PJ and Fran weren’t involved.
Doesn’t say Jackson WON’T direct - I wonder tho. Did evil Bob Shaye put his foot down there? Anyway, I hope PJ does it… Anybody else would be nuts to tackle it. He/she will be compared to PJ, and it will just be a no-win situation for ay other director.
I knew it right from the start that they will chose this date (between December 17 to 19, anniversary of LOTR’s release dates) to officially announce this. The MarketSaw blog is right but there’s no mention here that it’s gonna be shown in 3D.
Great News, and shame theres no news on the director as of yet. Hope it can be PJ. OMG I’m syched, it’s been too long since I last experienced Middle Earth at the cinema. Roll on 2010
And as far as I was aware I heard both Ian McKellan and Andy Serkis said they would be in The Hobbit as long as PJ was attached in some way.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7044649.stm
WOOOOHOOOOOO…..!!!! I’ve been doing “Hobbit” news searches for the past year and I’ve can genuinely echo the emotive voices of all PJ fans… WE’VE BEEN EAGERLY AWAITING THIS !!
I can’t believe it’s actually happening.
Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, New Line, MGM… what a powerhouse of a group… but still the eternal question arises, “Who’s Directing?”
I suspect Sam Raimi. It doesn’t really matter, in the caring hands of Pete and Fran, I can already say I like The Hobbit. Okay, I’m going a bit too far… but YAY, we’re getting to go There And Back Again.
*Raises Green Dragon Ale In Cheer*
Merry Christmas.
Tolkien literati from all over the world will be glad to see their favourite author being portrayed again. This is great news and to see Peter Jackson and, hopefully, all of the people at WETA and other companies and individuals involved (such as illustrators Lee and Howe or composer Shore) get back into the swing again - awesommmmme!
Greetings from Germany, we’re organising a Tolkien conference on the Hobbit in April 2008 - what a coincidence
Best Wishes
Marcel Bülles
Chairman, German Tolkien Society
I am waiting for this news! We can go back the Middle-Earth again!
The fact that PJ isnt directing makes baby Jesus cry
So hows the story going to go? Will the Hobbit be split in two pieces or will there be the Hobbit and then some other story after that?
Peter is a visionary filmmaker, and he broke new ground with ‘The Lord of the Rings,’” notes 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.”
The way that paragraph has been said, makes me feel that Peter Jackson IS directing…
But what will the second film be about? Surely the whole point is that Hobbiton is quiet and peaceful while Sauron, and the ring, slept?
Where do I go to audition?
Great news!
I’m curious as to the Hobbit sequel though since with the books, that was Lord of the Rings. Will they be splitting the novel into two, (ie. The Hobbit film acutally being the first half of the novel) or will the second film be a whole new story set in between The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings?
No such book was written by Tolkien, but there is quite a long time period in between. Bilbo is relatively young in The Hobbit (60ish I believe, but I might be wrong. That’s young for a Hobbit, although I think Frodo was younger when he set out.) and an old man of 111 in the start of Lord of the Rings.
Cue Brett Ratner being announced as director in three….two……one…….
I hope Raimi isnt involved. I think the only director apart from PJ to do this justice would be Guillermo Del Toro
Incredible News!!
BUT…………
There’s something I don’t understand. Ricardo asked the same question….is The Hobbit one movie and then some other story after that or is it The Hobbit broken into two parts?
How is there going to be a sequel? And why isn’t Peter directing??
Wah!
I’m really excited though … finally!
And I certainly hope they get Howard Shore in for the music!!!
*sighs happily*
I have been told the sequel would deal with Aragorn in his youth.
The original plan that was being tossed around before the falling out between PJ and Newline was to do the Hobbit and a new piece that would bridge the gap between the Hobbit and LoTR. Whether this is still the case is hard to tell. There has been an issue with his actually directing the film due to his schedule. We’ll all have to be patient and wait. I have a feeling that they will be making more announcements relatively quickly as they will want to get the ball rolling as soon as possible.
I’m so happy I might have a heart attack! THIS IS ONE OF THE GREATEST THINGS TO HAPPEN IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD.
In order to complete the saga, the first Hobbit movie will likely begin with the forging of the One Ring and the end of the Second Age. Within that context, the Hobbit is a journey of hope - ending with the Battle of Five Armies and the (temporary) defeat of Sauron at Dol Gulder. However because the One Ring is uncovered and Sauron escapes - the story must continue with the trilogy.
I can’t wait to see which of the LOTR cast will be back in their original roles (Elrond and Gandalf, for instance). This is the only sensible direction this franchise could have taken, the only direction that wouldn’t have ended in ruin. One very pleased Tolkien fan here!
As to PJ, I beg of you: Smaug must speak!
I was hoping that they would have done, “The Scouring of the Shire”. But, that is probably too much to hope for. I guess that I will just have to be happy with this.
Anyone wondering what the sequel is? The only sequel I know of is Lord of the Rings. If they are going to write an original sequel…. Hopefully they’re just splitting the book into two movies.
There couldn’t have been a better present for the Holidays! I am so excited. I hope that Howard Shore comes back too….
Casting, oh yesssssssssss my precious.
The only quibble I had with LotR was the casting of Hugo Weaving as Elrond–he’s a fine actor, no question, but I never could quite buy the idea of an Elf king with a receding hairline. I always thought that Michael Praed would have been perfect in the role. Oh well!
It will be really interesting to see how the movies will develop!
Words fail me.
Bilbo lives!!!!!
I feel very, very badly for whomever eventually directs this, should Peter Jackson elect (or be told) not to! Who on Earth would be so brazen as to try and fill shoes that big?
Anyway, looking forward to finally seeing Smaug on the big screen, IMAX 3D, etc. First dragon I ever had dreams (and nightmares) about!
Wonderful news, best Christmas present this year and already counting the days till the first part comes out.
Well done, PJ and New Line for settling their differences and also MGM in recognising that only one man can make those films.
Fingers cross for more Howard Shore, WETA and the extended DVDs LOL..
I really want Peter to direct it… No matter what minor quibbles one may have with certain scenes that weren’t cannon to the book, I don’t think the LOTR movies would have been as outstanding as they were if it had been anyone else in that chair.
That being said, SEAN BEAN FOR BARD!!! ;D
Joy to the World! The Hobbit will come!
Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou
…and by the way, I hope PJ is directing, and I hope the 2nd movie doesn’t screw up the whole pentalogy… hm… sorry, had to join all the others and remember that.
HURRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!
At last! I hope Peter Jackson can be tempted to direct and Sir Ian McKellan to return as Gandalf.
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
It’ll be like Lucas “executive producing” Return of the Jedi. Even someone else directed it, everyone knows it’s Lucas’ movie. As long as the movies have the Jacksonian feel and they had control/approval over scripts, cuts, editing and all that, I’m fine with it. Jackson doesn’t have to direct every single frame/scene of the movies. Even in LOTR he didn’t direct everything. As long as the people he has share the same vision that he does, it will work. Whoever the director is is not going to re-do things or come up with his own ideas. His job is to make sure the movies get made right and not screw up. In the end, the movies’ success will be placed on PJ and Fran’s shoulders and that’s the way it should be. As long as the movies are made in New Zealand with the whole WETA crew back together again and some good casting with hopefully getting Ian McKellen back as Gandalf which should be a no-brainer. He’ll be 70 when production ought to start and as far as I know is in good health so why not? Other no-brainer is Andy Serkis as Gollum (duh!) and with this sequel, it’s certainly possible to see Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas show up.
This is fantastic news!!! I’m thinking… Going to New Zealand (assuming filming happens their) in 2011 to watch both movies back to back, or better yet, watch the two hobbit movies, followed by 10 hours of LOTR.
This is the best christmas present somebody ever gave me and it’s not even coming from someone I know in person. I was very young when LOTR got made, so it feels great to experience the entire process of this film from the beginning to the end. I think that rising star James McAvoy would be a great Bilbo and that one of the two films should deffinitly concern the White Council, Aragorn and Gandalf’s relationship and the fall of Dol Guldur. Of course I hope that Andy Serkis, Hugo Weaving, Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett, Christopher Lee, Weta Workshop, John Howe, Alan Lee and Howard Shore will return for this second Middle-Earth experience
This is so great - I agree to above speaker (Mike)
Wow! Is this ever good news! I had all but given up hope that this would come to pass. And TWO movies! TWO!!!!
Remember that on the LotR trilogy Peter Jackson wasn’t present at a lot of the filming sites, other directors were doing the actual “directing” but following very specific guidlines.
No matter who directs the look and feel will stay PJ’s I’m certain, with an added personal touch, hopefully ending up as a result as good as what Lawrence Kasdan for “The Empire Strikes Back” since most fans agree it is the best of all the Star Wars films.
I’m glad he saved those 40 containers of props, set pieces, and costumes from the previous films, they will give the Hobbit the proper continuity. Of course this also means WETA will do the CGI and effects work.
The one thing I hope happens is thet they can get Alan Lee and John Howe on board as well.
Frodan
Wow, Wow, Wow!!!
I am so happy.!!!
And I wish, Peter Jackson will also direct.
I know some places in New Zealand as Set-Locations for the Hobbit. Visit my website to see them.
My co-workers are wondering why I just jumped up into the air, shouting for joy!
As Frodan said, it’s pretty sure that PJ will be the main creative force regardless of his official title. I think we can just consider him the “creative genius” and stop worrying (and start celebrating!!!!)
great news I heard there have been rumors saying jackson may just bring this to tv as a miniseries so we see what happens I dont care which way he goes but a miniseries of the hobbit be cool.I think it was jackson who said that if he did hobbit he perfer it to be on tv as a miniseries beause he can tell alot more than just one movie or two at the movies.But so far look like it goig to the movies but wo knows it can change and be brought to tv as a miniseries or he coukl do part of it on the movie then continue it as a miniseries just the hobbit part not the lord of the rings part we already saw.A Lot of people are upset about one thing what are they going to do about the spiders because jackson goof that up in return of the king and I guess he made it too big or too small .
these guys wont show up in the hobbit Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas but they may play other chars like gimli may play the father dwarf in the hobbit. Aragorn wont really be in it unless jackson goes against the books because of trying to get him in somehow because of arwen but dounbt it he probably if he gets in have no words to say but we see him with arwen like standing or etc.
I wouldnt mind seeing Lawrence Kasdan direct it or even steven spielberg if jackson not directing it and also I perfer they didnt rush the movies like they did with lord of the rings spread it out like star wars like come out in 2009 but dont have the second part out till 2012 or etc and dont do both movies at the same time when they are making it only focus on one movie then go back and do number two while we fans wait for it.
Please do nto flame me if you disagree what i said these are just my personal opinions.
I am one happy geek.
If they can make Andy Serkis look like Gollum, they can make Ian Holm look younger! Come on, good people of the West!
Nooooo !
Please stop butchering our books !
Yes!! Thank you so very much for this!! It made my day!
OK NOW THAT THAT’S ANNOUNCED…….WHEN IS THE SILMARILLION SLATED????????
I’m so excited! I watched the LOTR triology over the weekend, I’m so happy! (& I’m going to watch tonight, too!) BTW: Anyone have any idea if the same characters will be brought back? If any finds out please let me know! I’m so excited!
This makes me so happy! Truly made my day!
Hooray for the Hobbit coming to the screen!
But… A SEQUEL? What? The Hobbit 2: Electric Boogaloo?
Extraordinary news! But the real one and only question is who is going to direct this classic tale?
Congrats to Peter and Fran from across the Tasman ditch, wonderful news, Middle Earth is in the best hands possible
Semi-good news, although when a classic film is done without the same director, it will never be close to the same. So if PJ is not involved in hands-on directing, then I am afraid that it is a bit of a cop-out, the movie will be …a shell of what the LOTR movies were.
Why are you not all up in arms over this sequel business? It’s like a slap in the face to Tolkien’s legacy, thinking they can make an original movie in his world. It’s so CLEARLY New Line’s attempt to make twice as much money as just one movie would make. Personally, it makes me sick.
And I’m glad PJ’s producing, but until the movie comes out, I’m not going to be excited. Not unless they announce he’s writing and directing, too. Overall, I’m only slightly more interested now than I was before, when New Line and PJ were still fighting. I’ll be *completely* excited if PJ were announced as writer/director and they axed the second movie. But we’ll see…
Folks just need to understand that any movie adaptation no matter how good is going to have to make some changes, deviations and re-interpretations from the original text source. PJ could not possibly have put everything from the actual Rings books in the films and he couldn’t have done it in the way it was presented because of time and budget constraints as well the fact that, well to be honest, portions of the Rings books are quite boring and don’t translate to film. Sorry to the purists but you’re making movies for millions of people to watch not just the fans. In that sense it’s amazing that he was able to achieve both goals. The same things will happen with these movies. Also I think people may be getting confused about the Hobbit being split into two movies. I do not believe that is the case. The first movie will be the complete Hobbit and the second will be a bridge from the Hobbit to the beginning of Rings. Of course I could be wrong, but I hope not! If anything I think this second movie will be the most controversial as since there is no textual basis to it other than oblique chronology references from Tolkien, a great deal will have to interpolated and fleshed out and this will be where a lot of the debates will rage. The Hobbit is being incorrectly called a prequel to Rings. That’s wrong. The Hobbit is the Hobbit. The second movie can be thought of as a sequel to the Hobbit or a prequel to Rings or both.
wow !!!!! perfectly irresistible
The Hobbit 2: Second Breakfast
“Who on Earth would be so brazen as to try and fill shoes that big?”
Hey, it’s Hollywood - there are about twice as many egos as people.
(but I do hope PJ directs)
Great news, as I am extremely happy that PJ is involved, although when a classic film is done without the same director, it worries me. To me, if PJ is not involved in hands-on directing, it is very disappointing. I hope the movies will be done well, and not just…a shell of what the LOTR movies were.
all it takes is specifying to the public that this state before.
the film is had to do the same because it is better important this way
This is what I consider to be an amazing start to the day. Now lets hope Hugo Weaving and Orlando Bloom will come back. I’d like nothing more than to see Legolas take part in the Battle of the Five Armies as long as he doesn’t pull off some crazy stunts like in the LOTR Trilogy.
I am so happy. Finally you found an agreement. Please don’t öet us wait too long for the “The Hobbit”.
Thanks
just awesome!
Thanks Peter Jackson, New Line and MGM
Great day for Tolkien fans
Where I can buy tickets?
Best
Paulo Pereira from Portugal
I’m so happy for this news!!!! VERY HAPPY!!!!!
This is absolutely golden - made my year. I’m keeping fingers crossed that we’ll see Peter directing the movies too. Cheers from across the pond Thomas from Germany
Jackson is a fine director, but please don’t let him change the story like he did with LOTR!
guys just wait till the cast has been named and etc guys the hobbit is before the lord of the rings most of the chars from the lord of the rings are not going to be in the hobbit I dont undertsand why you guys are saying jackson just going to bring them back and do the movies the way he wants to and ignore the books he has to go by the books. It wouldnt be nice if he just ignore the author who wrote the book and do the best he can to do the books in a movie for us fans. You guys need to relax and chill the hobbit is totally separate from lord of the rings its its own movie own book yes its follows in the time line before the two ages of lord of the rings but we wont see those chars only a few like rivendale and gandalf and maybe arwen and aragon. I aint trying to be rude or etc just saying guys relax lets see what the cast is going to be. Again he may do the hobbit on movie then continue the rest of it in the between stuff on tv as a miniseries jackson did say he perfera miniseries becuase hobbit is too short. Hugo Weaving may be coming back but he ahs hinted he doesnt wnat to come back also Orlando Bloom wont be unless he and gimli both play other parts in the hobbit but not as they were in lord of the rings.If jackson doing part two it be about this silmarillion and that could be the miniserries if he brings that part to the tv.
Again these are mine personal opinions please dont flame me for these remarks I made.
sweet! i can’t wait…does anyone think this will outdo the cartoon version? :o)
Two movies for the hobbit? Ridiculous.
Better idea:
Movie 1 - The Hobbit
Movie 2 - The Children of Hurin
And this time don’t mess it up Peter!
Just one word: Yeey!
No, seriously, No other men could have done it but Peter (and Fran)!
Hopefully Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Ian Holm will be involved with this too
YES YES YES!!!!
What a great day!
I hope Peter Jackson will be involved in the directing process
Morten, from Denmark
Great, great news!!
At last. Best news in years!
Best News of the Year - Merry X-Mas. The Best Gift for the fans.
PLEASE DONT RUIN IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!……………………
and honestly, I know everyone will disagree with me…. but…
I really hope that Ian Mckellen and Ian Holms both DO NOT return……. They were great in LOTR but the Hobbit is a different story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!………….
its more wild and fantasy, green and earthy, while LOTR is more history and epic.
I think its time to get a fresh start and find new faces while staying true to the story.
PLEASE MAKE THIS RIGHT!!!!!……..
“MGM and New Line will co-finance and co-distribute two films, ‘The Hobbit’ and a sequel to ‘The Hobbit.’”
That wording implies that the story in “The Hobbit” will only take up one movie. I wonder what they’ll put in the second movie? The Children of Hurin would be awesome, but it’s not really a sequel. I suppose if “sequel” is loosely defined, it’s still possible.
Great news! =D
I’m one of apparently few who did not particularly care if Jackson directed these films. Just because he did LOTR well does not mean he’s the only person who could do The Hobbit well.
In fact, the tone is so entirely different, I think the story could be spoiled by too much similarity to the trilogy films.
VAI JACKSON!!!
Great news!
I think the plan for 2 movies was 1-The Hobbit book, and 2- The appendices, with Aragorn’s stories in the wild, in Rohan and Gondor, and his assault in Umbar as Thorongil. According to the appendices, he went to Harad…interesting things in sight!
I wonder who will direct…
Hey folks! Great news!
What’s with everybody not understanding the two films -arrangement?
It’s obvious.
1. The Hobbit. As such.
2. Material from the Appendices of the Lord of the Rings, with a likely emphasis on the White Council and Gandalf.
The real question is who will write the script. There is very little dialogue in the appendices, everything being merely mentioned in a concise manner.
Oh, that’s fantastic!!! I know it will be great if Peter Jackson is involved!! And we already have great names who did a wonderful job, such as Sir Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis, Hugo Weaving, not to mention Ian Holm … Oh my, can we hope?
Drew I won’t flame you for your ideas but I will flame you for your writing. It sucks. Barely readable.
I’m curious what this second film will focus on, Aragorn’s hunt for Gollum? It will be nice to see another Tolkien film, but I worry there just isn’t much content to make a film about the events between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring.
Great news, but as to the starting date–2009–to late for me at my advanced age.
Great news! Yeah!!! The Hobbit is my favorite book, and i stay very happy!
“Aragorn’s stories in the wild, in Rohan and Gondor” So, appearances in the second film by Viggo, Bloom, Bean….pretty much everybody from LOTR save for the hobbits
Yes! I’ve been waiting for this! But why two movies?
will it be as good as people are expecting? The story altogether isnt as good as LOTR.
This is wonderful news. My dearest wish is that Elijah Wood could be involved in some way, possibly reprising his role as Frodo in the bridging film. For me he has always been the heart and soul of the LOTR movies.
AHHHHHHH!!!! What a Christmas gift! Now that it is settled…WHERE ARE MY LOTR EE on HD? Love you all! Merry Christmas!
YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If they’re doing the appendices for the sequel, then is anyone else excited about the possibility of the Battle of Nanduhirion? I’d be at least as interested in seeing that as I would the majority of Aragorn’s story. I worry that Harad was never described well enough to translate well. Think we’ll eventually see Akallabeth if these do as well as we all know they will?
I can’t see any tittle other than, “The Hobbit Part 2″ or some variation on that theme, being appropriate for a sequel to the Hobbit, a book with no sequel.
This one book is big enough to be split but I could see them adding bits of Tolkein lore to the story as well.
Either way, I get two more years of these movies instead of just one and with Peter Jackson in the commanders seat, I’m sure these will be two wonderful movies.
Great, great, great news…
Yeahhhh…
History day!
Yaay! I can hardly wait!
They taken the Peace branch - Halleluya
We will see Theoden as a kid, Boromir born, Osgiliath retaken, Aragorn in the frontlines at Gondor with his Grey Company next to Ecthelion with little Denethor
the battle of the 5 armies, more Goblins, more Wood Elves, Spiders and Eagles, Dragons, please please more cavalry shots (I love it), the gard on Hobbition Shire, The simple lifes of the Hobbits, the dwarves fellowship, a new journey, more Witchking yes yes, Trolls and Fell Beasts and and lots of hours runnig time with double time on Bleu-ray please on a SEEEEEEEE!!!
Don’t forget Howard Shore please!!!!!
Frodo wont be in the hobbit guys unless we have a introducation scene of who he is when we see biblo but thats it frodo story is in the lord of the rings not the hobbit nor the prestuff towards lord of the rings the hobbit is frodo uncle story.
I really am excited about this news, esp. since Tolkien beat them to the punch and put the Elves in the battle for real this time, so Jackson and co can’t just fabricate them based on the idle wish of Legolas. And since that’s the only real complaint I had with the LotR movies (that doesn’t involve Arwen)….yeah, you could say I’m enthused
Fantastic news - best wishes to Peter anf Fran and all the team - am so excited
Stay on the same road. PJ its your call and we believe in you, Fran, Phillipa, WETA, NLC, MGM, Howard Shore, the Ian’s, Viggo, and the rest of the cast.
Don’t let the dwarves please never do a farce ever again!! It’s not matching with the franchise.
A quick search resulted in some info from november 2006 (www.mania.com)
“MGM’s chief executive Harry Sloan talked about The Hobbit at the European Media Leaders Summit in London where he dropped a few interesting tid-bits.
At the summit, he went into more detail about the future plans for the films … yes there will be two … and discussed a director.
The first film would be a direct adaptation of The Hobbit, while the second film would draw from “footnotes and source material connecting ‘The Hobbit’ with ‘Lord of the Rings,’” he explained.
Sloan also confirmed that MGM was in advanced talks with Peter Jackson to direct the two movies. An MGM spokesman however, emphasized that negotiations with Jackson are still in progress, and that production isn’t likely until 2008 or even 2009.
No update was given on the negotiations with New Line. Regardless, great news for LoTR fans everywhere.”
How about this for Hobbit parts 1 and 2?
part one: THE HOBBIT
part two: THERE AND BACK AGAIN
I’ve been thinking of writing to beg someone to make the first story of Bilbo Baggins “The Hobbit”! I am soo happy! Thank You! Bilbo and how he names his sword “Sting” and finds the ring is VERY important to the rest of the hobbit story.
Nice titles, James. And for those wondering if Orlando might be in there…he might not be a main character but possibly a cameo since Bilbo and the Dwarfs pass through Mirkwood.
cool glad that the film companies saw sense
so going to make “Grunts” Next
What’s the deal with the sequel? Is it going to be The Hobbit in two parts or will it perhaps be a bit of The Silmarillion? Whatever the sequel is, I just hope Howard Shore does the score for the two films.
The role for Bilbo has to stay with Ian Holm. Yes I know he is 76 and recently recovered from cancer before anyone starts chomping their maw, but in this age of computer enhancement age can be defied. Also it will keep with LOTR especially if other actors from the previous films are drafted in.
Just rejoice! I have been waiting sooooo long! No way this is going to be a TV miniseries! Who wrote that fodder?! This will easily be the big dog of 2010! Counting down the days!!
SWEET!
Please Please Please: Don’t put elven where they are not in the book. Who was the moron that that put that bunch of elven into Helm’s Deep?
and guys you need some SEO advice the blog is set up not to use permalinks !
I am really happy to hear this news, but I feel it is the first step. With so much built around the LOTR franchise, which I love, I feel a little trepidation that Peter Jackson is not the Director, and none of the returning characters from LOTR are set in stone as the same actors.
This is certainly brilliant news, and I am happy to see this progress, but I will anxiously await the casting and director spot announcements.
Back Again indeed.
Directed by Michael Bay!!!!
*cough splutters dies*
Uhhh yeah… Hobbit= Good. Sequel to the hobbit?!? Excuse me for actually having a head on my shoulders, but a sequel to the hobbit is the Lord of the Rings, nothing more or less.
I’m scared.
This is great news and I’ve been waiting ages to hear this - but the first release ain’t scheduled until Dec 2010 - that’s 3 years away - so I’m really hoping the LOTR EE will get released in Blu-Ray asap to ease the pain of waiting for the next 3 years….
And what are the chances of Howard Shore returning after the fall-out with PJ during King Kong - PJ replaced Howard, remember? The animosity was so bad, the conductor is the first person to get chomped when Kong breaks free in NY.
now is the time to get Sam Rami involved…he has said that the LOTR was a big inspiration and would defer to PJ in the best interest of the Hobbit…so if PJ decides not todirect…he’s the man!!!!
franlly i’d rather not see jackson and walsh, with their “squirrel droppings” and “dwarf tossing”, butcher another of The Master’s works…tolkien must have been rolling in his grave. to say that jackson is the only person in film who could possibly realize the Hobbit is ridiculous. i was hoping they would give someone else a chance, but oh well. looks like we will be treated to shots of legolas because it’s cool, and there isnt enough cool stuff in the book alone to make a good film (jackson’s problem with the trilogy - it wasnt broken, so why try to “fix” so much?).
having vented enough, i will surely be first in line for tickets…
Some news from NZ which hopefully answers some of your questions:
Jackson, the director of the smash hit Lord of the Rings movies, and producer Fran Walsh will executive produce both a Hobbit movie and a sequel, but no decision has been made about who will direct
the films, Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne, co-chairmen and co-CEOs of New Line said.
MGM Chairman Harry Sloan, who was credited by all parties for bringing about the deal, said Jackson found it “impossible” to direct the film and meet proposed release dates in 2010 and 2011 due to other projects on which he is now working.
“He can’t get it scheduled and he doesn’t want the fans to have to wait for the next two movies,” Sloan said. He said the studios might postpone the films if Jackson changed his mind.
Jackson, Walsh and the studios share approval “on all major creative elements” and will start considering screenwriters and directors in January, Shaye said.
The movies will be made simultaneously in New Zealand, starting in 2009. Industry experts estimated the films would each cost $150 million to $200 million to make, based in part on the $400 million cost of the first three and inflation.
Jackson and Walsh envisioned the first film covering the events of The Hobbit and the second bridging the 80-year gap between that novel and the first Lord of the Rings book.
It was that vision that led MGM, which holds the film rights to the book and is looking for new movie franchises, to insist that Jackson and Walsh make the films.
I suppose the whole Ian Holm as Bilbo debate will have to come down to him and him alone. Will it be offered to him and if so, will he accept? It’s too easy to say oh just do some CG and use a lot of body doubles. In the end he’s still the guy credited as playing Bilbo so it’s totally up to him whether he accepts. And we’ll have to accept whatever decisions occur, such if he is offered the role and if so, will he accept.
THANK YOU FOR THE BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT EVER!!!!!
O M G OOOOH MY GOD! SO LONG! Finally, after waiting so long, it will be released! I’ve been this happy only a few precious times in my 16 years. May they do a wonderful job. Pllleaaase.
I’ve waited, and waited, and waited, and finally, THIS!
To PJ and New Line for putting thier differences behind them - “Praise them with great praise!”
So my fellow Ringers, let’s enjoy a nice Christmas, have a Happy New Year, drink a toast to the Professor, and then,…heh, heh, let’s get back to business!
YEEEEEAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!
I wait with excitement and dread. My copy of the extended version of the Return of the King gathers dust because of the ridiculous confrontation between Gandalf and the Witch King.
I hate PJ somewhat forever. He is a great filmmaker….Just keep Hollywood out of Middle Earth!
Can i make a request?
Robert Plant and Jimmi Page of Led Zeppelin were big fans of The Lord Of The Rings & The Hobbit.
Is it at all possible to have one or two of their tunes: ‘Ramble On’ or “The Battle of Evermore” in the credits? They were inspired by the second wave of J.R.R.T. enthusiasts. I think the expression of their inspiration are well-deserved.
And when i mean credits i mean play the actual songs during the credits. Led Zeppelin have enough fans that will keep people in theatres long enough to appreciate everyone that will put so much effort into the production of these two movies: pple who will deserve recognition.
If the reader is not familiar with these songs, then perhaps look up the lyrics and read them: there are certain references that are unmistakable.
Questions/comments?:a.cherub@gmail.com
Adrian
Alright Peter Jackson, i’m talking directly to you. I read on yahoo that you will not direct because you don’t want the fans to have to wait. Here’s the bottom line:
WE THE FANS WILL WAIT!!!!! do not hurt the prestige of the other three films by allowing another director to ruin your great movie franchise. do not change a thing from the other films but the screenplay and a few actors. I eagerly await your decision.
Absolutely AWESOME! Thank you! I just came back from New Zealand, and saw some of the old film sites there again. Very cool.
I am assuming it will be filmed in New Zealand again, I think I’ll secretly be a little upset if it is not. I’m heading back next year, but yes, I think another trip will be in order. Heh.
Great.
This is wonderful news. After watching the end of ROTK on TNT a few nights ago, I was wishing that The Hobbit would be made by PJ with as much as the LOTR trilogy team as possible returning from behind and in front of the cameras. Finally the litigation is finished and I can hardly wait for The Hobbit. What a great xmas present on the release anniversary time.
This is much-anticipated news - a great way to end the year. This is one very excited Hobbit-fan!
Finally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was wondering if the Jackson vs. Shaye dispute would be settled.
They have yet to find a director, but I bet that Jackson will end up directing.
The only thing I don’t understand is why is it going to be 2 movies? There isn’t enough story to make it 2 movies! Oh well, as long as Jackson is involved they will be fine!
A day to be remembered!
Super great news!!!!! Ringers rejoice!!!!! yessssssssss
I hope that in these films come back Hugo Weaving and Orlando Bloom as Elrond and Legolas, after all the dwarfs pass through Mirwood and Legolas WAS there!!
This is Great news to me! I have always hope that he would do the Hobbit!…..
I wonder if they will cut out a lot of the book like they did in LOTR….with 2 movies I would expect that they would get it all in there…
will the two movies be released at the same time…or the first one then the second?
I don’t know if this is for questions..lol.I just saw this as a top story on the news…and I followed that link here…
its funny we all may disagree on the how the movies will be made or about the SPIDERS in the hobbit and the one in return of the king how jackson goof up on the SPIDER IN return of the king because the spider in the hobbit is supposed to be alot bigger than the one in return of the king and etc.But we may even disagree on peter jackson directing the netx two films but we can all agree on one thing that will def be in the hobbit and that will be our beloved GOLLUM.
oh Gollum!…I love gollum!…I wonder if he will look different?
For those who are worried about the music, the following is from an interview on http://www.tracksounds.com:
CC: Now that you say that, there has been quite a bit of talk about THE HOBBIT being made into one or two movies…possibly by Peter Jackson. If that happens, do you see that as another opportunity to dive back into that world and detail?
HS: Yes. Definitely. Peter and I both want to make the movie. We’ve talked about it. We really want to do it, so we’re hoping it all works out. I would love to return to Middle Earth and write more music for that world.
CC: In the back of your mind, have already begun that process?
HS: Yes.
CC: Sort of difficult not to, I’d think!
HR. Yes.
BTW, the above is (obviously) an interview with Howard Shore… I forgot to point that out.
This is such a great christmas gift for all fans!!!
I really thought that it was a cloased case that PJ won’t be doing The Hobbit and then this!!!
Special thanks to Mr. Harry Sloan for it seems that both parties concur that he’s the guy who made it possible for them to agree!
It’s really great to have that feeling again of eagerly waiting for a movie
As to The Hobbit (clearly the title of the first movie), Legolas could come back for some of the Mirkwood stuff, since it involved King Thranduil, his father. And Gandalf and Elrond, too. Gimli might be there for the Battle of the Five Armies. But there are so many others to meet, like Beorn and Thorin Oakenshielf and the rest of the dwarves, and Smaug and the elves of Mirkwood and the men of Laketown. Oh my, it will be wonderful without having all that much connection to LotR movies.
The sequel, however, will be fabulous if they make it something like The Search for Isildur’s Bane or Arnor Awakens, since it will begin when Aragorn is a young man (he was already in his 80s during LotR!) and Gandalf engages him to help him find Gollum and he goes far and wide to serve with Ecthelion in Gondor and with Thengel in Rohan when both Denethor and Theoden are young men his age.
And, of course, the watch set over the Shire and the Rangers and all…perhaps a bit of Bombadil?
There is also a chance to include Galadriel and Arwen and Aragorn during that time when the two meet and eventually plight their troth, and how Elrond agrees only if Aragorn indeed becomes High King over Arnor and Gondor. Some great back story, here!
Of course, the whole Necromancer/White Counsel deal and Sauron’s flight from Dol Guldor and the building of Barad Dur is part of this.
No, there is more than enough for a fabulous story line! Woo hoo, indeed!
And, by the way…I am confused about comments concerning a supposed mixup concerning Shelob. She was a big spider…last unhappy child of Ungoliant…hugh and bloated…. The spiders of Mirkwood were not as big, of a different, and lesser, lineage.
I’ve waited and waited and finally, THIS!
To PJ and New Line for leaving behind their differences - ‘Praise them with great praise!’
To all my fellow Ringers, let’s have a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, a toast to the Professor, and then,…heh, heh, let’s get back to business.
Oh, no! Two more films to be sure I see before I die! And here I thought I could go happy, any time, now.
Such fantastic news!! I’m okay if Ian Holm doesn’t play Bilbo - I just hope whoever they get looks and sounds like a young Ian Holm, and is a great actor.
You know what I also hope? I hope the folks at Matamata (where The Shire was filmed) *leave*the*sets*up*this*time!* They should build those sets to last, and leave them there when production is done. How cool would *that* be?
Great news! Looking forward to seeing casting, and very glad this was worked out. Like most, curious if the sequel will be “The Hobbit” split in two, or another story entirely.
abisomeone I dont know why people are complaining but they are because they syaing jackson goof up on the spider in return of the king versus the one in mirkwood. I think people are syaing the opnes in mirkwood are sup[posed to be alot bigger and the one in return of the king was supposed to be smaller but more creeepier and more of a women spider not totally a spider. You guys who are more loyal fans should know about why some loyal fans are upset with the way jackson goof up on the spider in return of the king verus the one in the mirkwood. Again I think fans were upset that he made it alot bigger than it should had been and that it wasnt creepier than it should had been.
Fuck yeah, they better be makin the hobbit. i liked the book, but i cant compare it to the 3 big ones cuz they were too long for me to read
should be good, lookin forward to it…by the way, does anyone have an idea when its gonna come out?
inject.
best news i’ve recieved in a long time.
I hope the old crew reunites again. because even thought we wont have all the actords [duh] knowing that the crew that made LOTR so great work on this will be amazing.
i cannot wait!
About this spider discrepancy, I always got the impression, reading the book, that Shelob, being apparently a spawn of Ungoliant, would be much bigger than the Mirkwood spiders. The female personification stuff is just personality, not an indication of actual physiology. At least, that’s how I always pictured it
I’ve ready the Hobbit (almost) every x-mass for many years. It’s a story and memory that I treasure. After the wonder and glory that is the extended editions, I trust in Jackson/Walsh. Is Phillipa Boyens connected yet? I am also keeping my fingers crossed for Shore to score, and am expecting Ian to reprise his role as Gandalf. I do hope that the dwarfs aren’t all comic relief this time!
Not to ask a stupid question, but how can there be a “sequel” to the Hobbit? I don’t recall Tolkein writing a sequel, other than LOTR. Just do a really damn good job on The Hobbit and leave it alone. Would be spectacular with the right cast - the most important of which will be the casting of Thorin Oakenshield. And there should be no need for any “changes” by Jackson, as there were in the LOTR films.
Thank you, one and all, for FINALLY getting down to actually making these films. Three years seems like forever, but I can wait if I know it’s in the works!
Great news!
Woot! Here’s my wallet - take what you need.
seth gandalf is coming bakc he said yes and also gollum said yes those two are def back now hugo has hinted he doesnt wnat to come back I dont know why and the others mostly wont be back except biblo and for the hobbit part for part two I am uncertain because it seems jackson is making his own lord of the rings movie and not going by the books he just taking footnotes and adding stuff to it as he pleases. I think he needs to just make the hobbit as a movie and if he wants to fill the gap between the hobbit and lord of the rings he should do a minseries not a movie. just like george lcuas is doinga cartoon or something for the gap between star war revenge of the sith and return of the jedi. I would like to see john williams be the composer for the hobbit I like to see how between him and howard shore which one I like.I say john williams because I seen most of his work in the movies he been in and only oner howard shore which was lord of the rings. But it be cool to see john williams and howard shore co do the music for the hobbit.keep howard shore as main composer but john williams can do the rest of it.menaing howard shore does the title intro and john williams can do the other music for the hobbitt.
Excellent news!!!! From Peru, I hope this two movies will be better than LOTR!!!
Oh I’m happy :D, I can’t wait to see this!! And I hope we can get Ian McKellen as Gandalf again, and Hugo Weaving, etc. Also Howard Shore should come back to do the soundtrack, his musi was so beautiful!!
I just love this!!!! Hugs, be well and take care.
I’m so excited! Peter and Fran deserve to continue withe these films!
Wouldn’t it be great if part 2 took us all the way back, pre middle earth! I’m talking Simarilion stories and the sinking of Numenor. Though this would be difficult to do it would be so neat to see!
An official blog? Fascinating. I imagine TheOneRing may say something about this blog, if it is indeed official.
Anyways, fantastic news. Very, very skeptical of said second movie, or the sequel to the Hobbit.
And I myself wouldn’t mind a couple more years of delay, just as long as they get the movie *right*.
THANK YOU!!!! Great Christmas present! I hope Peter directs, but this is still great news that all of us fans have been waiting for. I cannot wait to head back to middle-earth. Looking forward to WETA, Howard Shore, Serkis, and last but not least, Smaug as well! Kick ass Peter!
My guess is the Hobbit will be split into two parts.
As a request: If you do another beginning montage for the films, give Sauron more screen time, he was a bad-ass!!!
I think Tumnus should be Bilbo! James Mcevoy would be perfect, and Howard Shore is a must as composer
and love the idea of two movies, to rectify the mistake of leaving out the rest of the mysterious rangers, along with Strider
My frown has now turned upside down! Now, to find out where the extras sign up ^_^. I’d make a good citizen of laketown.
Lordy, there, Drew! Take a breath, or use some puctuation and your shift key now and then.
I am so happy that The Hobbit will become a movie, and that Peter Jackson will be at the helm. The tone of the book was much lighter than LOTR, and I think it will actually be a better match for PJ’s sensibilities. At times his interpretation of LOTR was breathtaking, and at times it made me gnash my teeth. As for who will direct, remember that PJ had many “second unit” directors for LOTR. One of the most moving (IMO) scenes in FOTR, the death of Boromir, was directed by Barrie Osborne.
I don’t think Ian Holm must play Bilbo, but only Ian Mackellan could possibly play Gandalf!
There’s a lot of material for a “bridge to LOTR” sequel, but who can write a coherent story for it? Who will write any of it unless the WGA strike is settled soon?
All the same, I’ll be checking the fan sites regularly!
SAM RAIMI (SPIDER-MAN) WILL APPARENTLY BE CALLED ON TO DIRECT. DON’T BELIEVE HE’LL DO IT JUSTICE
Wow. Couldn’t be happier about this. I think the timing is perfect. We will be following every detail of this movie as it develops. Talk about a perfect Christmas Present!
Terrific news! Just don’t postpone the production any longer. And how about already preparing extended editions for the theatrical releases?
whooooooa
Finally good sense has prevailed..Peter Jackson and Fran should direct. They have the winning formula. Congratulations to Peter and Fran, and to all the Fans who signed the online petition to make this collaboration happen ..
This is our success story…Even the smallest person can change the course of the future..
I would love to be an extra and I am willing to travel to New Zealand to take part if anyone in the know reads this.
Celebrations begin now
Wheres that last bottle of wineyard… 1296 very good year!
Very exciting!!! I’ve been watching websites on this for about 1-2 years. Glad to finally see it’s official.
on the 2 movies
Movie 1 is basically “The Hobbit”
I can’t see that story being sliced into 4 hours of film.It probably runs well as a 2hr flick.
Movie 2 …. can be created from material in the LOTR appendices and from the material in “Unfinished Tales”. There’s lots of Tolkien text to use here but it’s mostly chronological descriptions with very little dialogue. But still….as some mentioned there’s interesting stories about the White Council and Dol Guldur, Saruman’s search for the ring, Aragorn meeting Gandalf, Aragorn and Elrond’s discussion of Aragorn’s future kingship, Arwen and Aragorn meeting, etc… Lots of stuff to create a movie from.
Name of Movie #2:
Maybe they’ll name it after some of the titles used in the “History of Middle Earth” series. Such as
“The Return of the Shadow” or
“The Treason of Isengard”
I personally like “The Return of The Shadow” title as an option.
Drew, Please learn to spell and write a complete sentence with punctuation. It pains me to read your rambling incoherent thoughts. And get off the spider subject already. For the rest of those out there, who ever does write and direct these new movies, it’s got to be better than 95% of the rest of the garbage that Hollywood puts out these days. Independent films seem to be the only good thing left.
Woohoo, finally! Can’t wait to see the movies \o/
Great work.
I m so excited
With the virtual demise of good movie ccoming out of Hollywood nowadays. I hope We all get a movie we can cherish and brings us happiness.
I wonder how they will handle the humour and the simplicity of the story. It is after all a childrens book.
Will it be kept simple or will they make it an epic visual cgi feast like Lord of the rings.
I know it will probably hurt the book purists, but I imagine MGM/New line will want to market a movie like lord of the rings that will bring in plenty of ticket sales. The end result will be down to Peter and Fran, God bless em’
What a job!
This is the biggie. Peter and Fran were good movie makers before l.o.t.r. Now they Definitely top three if not number one in my book.There is more pressure this time around. I m sure you will all join me in wish them every success returning to middle earth.
PJ is NOT DIRECTING.
They will Executive Produce because he has other Projects going on, he is a busy man people.
They Studios will start SEARCHING for a Director in January…geesshhh
I am just totally thrilled that Peter and Fran are making these movies. I do hope that many actors from LOTR are in it, even just cameos. I’d LOVE to see Legolas again!
THANK YOU PETER, FRAN, NEW LINE and MGM for getting together on this. It’s the best Christmas present EVER!
Hey hey! Been a long time since I read it. And long time since I’ve been waiting for the movie! I never wanted someone else to film it! And now I’m so happy it all came true!
YES! Peter Jackson is back! Hopely he will direct the movie too.
It would be better to have The Hobbit filmed as one big film instead of two films. The Hobbit was original 1 book, so keep on to that. I don’t mind spending 5 hours in the cinema.
F I N A L L Y !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
M Y GOD , Greatest News of the year !!!!
Hello,
this is excellent news. One request though for the site admins:
please provide an RSS feed for this blog.
Absolutely fantastic news
I’ve been waiting so long for this news. Thank you very much. I hope Peter Jackson will direct, too. Lord of the Rings is one of my favourite books and I’m going on to read it in different languages (at last in Turkish). I was not so impressed by The Hobbit, because the description of the characters, especially the dwarfs and the elves, is a little bit strange. But now there’s a great chance to do it better!
Thanks, God!
I’ll post some info on my blog too.
This is just pure speculation, but Sam Raimi has been saying for a while now that if Peter Jackson decides to produce The Hobbit for New Line instead of direct it, that Raimi hoped he would get a chance to take the director’s chair.
Well, the big news has finally hit this morning — Peter Jackson will produce (not direct) The Hobbit and a sequel to The Hobbit. .
If Raimi decides to helm “The Hobbit” films instead, we would assume he would still be involved with the Spidey franchise in some capacity, probably as an executive producer.
Again, this is just speculation and nothing is certain.
is the silmarillion not the sequal
Its so great!!!
The best christmas present ever!
Please, the music from Howard Shore!
And the Art-Concept from Alan Lee and John Howe.
LotR.Screensaver and New-Zealand-Pictures:
http://www.harry-ho.com/
I loved news!!! The Brazil loved Tolkien e more Peter Jackson. We want peace and happy for Peter and Production. Waiting all can work to more an movie brilliant. Amarë to all!!!! XXX, of the Brazil and all the fans!!!
I am so thrilled! I trust that the team will do a great job. I’m sure that everyone involved is aware of the importance of doing it right!
I loved the Hobbit so much while I was reading it, and although Bilbo’s adventure is so fantastic, I always wondered about what seemed the idyllic life in Hobbiton. Especially as I was so bothered by the behaviour of the Hobbits in Hobbiton when Frodo, Sam (my favourite!), Merry and Pippin returned after saving Middle Earth and by extension Hobbiton. But I suppose that - as Tolkien made sure to advise readers – is predictable considering that Hobbits have little regard for adventurers. The do prefer the uneventful life! Unless it’s a food adventure, I think!
BTW, I saw a fantastic opera based on The Hobbit (May, 2004 - great job Dean Burry!), and truly hope that the team making this movie will do a good job, too!
That’s great news! There’s sooo much material in the Appendices of LotR (the book), so I’m betting bridging the 80 year will be easy in respect of canon, … probably including more of the story of Aragorn and Arwen and what went on in Middle-Earth in general? w00t!
oh my god thanks MGM New LINe and JAckson and Walsh,
right now i’m waiting for this news:
directed by : peter jackson
composer: howard shore
Gandalf: Ian mckellen
Bilbo: ian holm
I´m so happy…Actually I knew this would happen, but still…
Sir Ian McKellen, Ian Holm?, Howard Shore´s music, Thranduil (Orli?) ,Weta, Alan Lee, John Howe.
Yes, I want them all.Men of the west!
Thank God! Or whoever is to be thanked..
This is where I first saw the story…
http://movies.yahoo.com/mv/news/va/20071218/119802191500.html
Superb news! Can’t wait for the new movies!!
Does it a surely news? So far we haven’t got any news about this in china!
Believe it or not, I actually think Fran might be directing it or will get directors credit. Or Like what they did for LOTR where they basically had 2 - 4 of them at any time directing parts of the movie. I really don’t want to see anyone else handle these projects.
Oh my god! That are fantastic news!!! Peter Jackson is the only one for the job
He’s the best!
It would be interesting to see how the timelines for the Hobbit will be managed.
In the film the action took place 60 years after Bilbo found the Ring, but in the book 77 years elapse.
For example, Aragorn was born in 2931, which would make him a boy of 10 when Bilbo goes to Rivendell - or would the Hobbit film make him 27 years old to match the LOTR movie timelines ?
Gimli (born 2879, 62 years old in The Hobbit) and Legolas (about 2800 y.o.) could make cameo appearances as the sons of Gloin and Thranduil.
I hope I will live long enough for the first movie to come out.
This is great news, but Peter Jackson needs to direct!!! And he plus Fran and Philippa need to write the script!
The Hobbit? Oh yeah, baby.
“A sequel”? Better be that whole movie worth of story hacked off the end of Return of the King!
Instead of three near-endings, rerelease RotK with the wedding closer. Then chasing down Saruman to his Scouring climax makes for a whole new movie!
Hey, you fans too lazy to read the books– dontcha wanna see what happens to Saruman?
I mean, that’s the scene I wanted to see Lee and Dourif in. Seriously, “The Hobbit” and “The Grey Havens”– do it, New Line!
DOOOOOO IIIIIIT!!!
lets save some money for the next journey
nov 2010 - cd realease - soundtrack the hobbit
dec 2010 - The Hobbit - opening in theaters
jun 2011 - dvd rease the hobbit
nov 2011 - dvd release SEE the hobbit
nov 2011 - cd release soundtrack the sequel
dec 2011 - bleu-ray SEE + extra material the hobbit
dec 2011 - the sequel - opening in theaters
jun 2012 - dvd rease the sequel
nov 2011 - dvd release SEE the sequel
dec 2011 - bleu-ray SEE + extra material the sequel
dec 2012 - hobbit + lotr ee in theaters in 3d
marathon in theaters
nov 2013 - the complete recording - the hobbit
nov 2014 - the complete recording - the sequel
after 2015 we all shall fall in a very deep gap and have the same problem as now. Waiting and wondering and the hype is excellerating to the sky.
Please consider Appendix B form the very beginning to the very end of Era’s.
(sorry)
lets save some money for the next journey
nov 2010 - cd realease - soundtrack the hobbit
dec 2010 - The Hobbit - opening in theaters
jun 2011 - dvd rease the hobbit
nov 2011 - dvd release SEE the hobbit
nov 2011 - cd release soundtrack the sequel
dec 2011 - bleu-ray SEE + extra material the hobbit
dec 2011 - the sequel - opening in theaters
jun 2012 - dvd rease the sequel
nov 2012 - dvd release SEE the sequel
dec 2012 - bleu-ray SEE + extra material the sequel
dec 2013 - hobbit + lotr ee in theaters in 3d
marathon in theaters
nov 2014 - the complete recording - the hobbit
nov 2015 - the complete recording - the sequel
after 2015 we all shall fall in a very deep gap and have the same problem as now. Waiting and wondering and the hype is excellerating to the sky.
Please consider Appendix B form the very beginning to the very end of Era’s.
Great News!! I’m a big fan of the LOTR trilogy
Please Please Peter, dump the TinTin project and direct the Hobbit. Give the money back whatever, there is no audience for TinTin and it was insipid back then anyway.
what the tintin project?
drop tin tin
I just hope that everyone plays the same character as they did in LORT…meaning Ian mckellen will play Gandalf
and ian holm will play bilbo and hugo weaving will play elrond…if they didn’t the movie would not seem like the same to me at least…
All i have to say is that i am thrilled theyre doing it in two films and not one…oh thats good to my heart.
Shireling said:
This is wonderful news. My dearest wish is that Elijah Wood could be involved in some way, possibly reprising his role as Frodo in the bridging film. For me he has always been the heart and soul of the LOTR movies.
Posted on December 18, 2007 at 1:51 pm
This is obviously some other Shireling ;). *screams “Identity Theft” :)*
Sure I’d like to see Frodo again as well, but most probably near the end of all things, maybe as a tween coming to live with Bilbo. Or not.
Just knowing that THE HOBBIT is coming in 2010, with most of the original bunch at the helm, is such a comfort and my best of Christmas presents!
guys what is the tintin project. I try to find it on imdb.com.But has nothing can someone please tell me what this project is that peter jackson is doing call the tintin?
TinTin is a series of comic books about a Belgian reporter, TinTin, and his dog, Snowy, as they travel around the world getting in dangerous situations and solving mysteries. Dreamworks bought the film rights, and Jackson will co-direct with Spielberg on a trilogy of films.
This is great news, I just hope it can live up to all of the hype. I’d like to see Jackson work very closely with whoever ends up directing. To be a success for me, it needs to have the same “feel” as the LOTR. Part of that feel is most definately the music, so Howard Shore is a must. I also hope they release it around the holidays, not summer. I went to all three movies in the theater, and it became sort of synonomous with the Christmas season for many, definately part of the “feel” for the trilogy.
As far as the story, I’d like to see it as a two part cohesive story. Something like the 1st movie starts out with some backround on Morgoth/the Silmarils/rise of Sauron like he did in the start of FOTR. From there move into “An Unexpected Party” and have the 1st movie end with the escape from the Misty Mountains. The 2nd movie can pick up from “Queer Lodgings” and he can start working in some of the Arwen/Aragorn story that he supposedly wants to do and carry that forward after the Hobbit story has finished to fill in the gap to FOTR.
Good luck Peter…
Best news in weeks. Today I was holding my annual LOTR marathon and just now I hear this fantastic news. I really hope that Peter Jackson will direct both movies, no other director will even come close to what he has achieved with LOTR.
Concerning the actors : I defenitely want to see Ian McKellen return, maybe Christopher Lee and Hugo Weaving, but apart from them most of the characters in the Hobbit are different from LOTR, so a lot of new actors, I guess. And they defenitely have to take a younger actor for Bilbo.
Oh boy!!! Finally something to look forward to again. If what Entertainment Weekly said is true though we wont be seeing a return of Jackson directing. Bummer! However, it would be great if he, Fran, and Phillippa wrote the script again. I mean, how they adapted Lord of the Rings was completely amazing, and was a large factor in its success. Oh, happy feelings!!!
Drew,
Tintin, is a project Peter Jackson is working on with Steven Spielberg. They’ll be directing a trilogy of films, one directed by PJ and one directed by SS, while the third is still yet to be determind. These films are based on an AWESOME graphic novel series published from 1929–1983. The films will be done using performance capture technology so that the film makers can really stay true to the comic book look and feel (think Beowulf, except better) He’ll be making the film directly following The Lovely Bones.
Yamara,
I hate to break this to you man, but your idea about what the sequel will be… not going to happen. The flm resolved what happened to Suarman in the extended cut of ROTK, and Peter Jackson has never made any comment about not being pleased with how the ending turned out.
Tin Tin is a liveaction Comic movie. PJ wil produce and direct a trilogy together with Steven Spielberg. They do both one movie. Who the third movie direct is not clear yet.
I’m not thrilled by this Tin Tin movie even it shall be made in 3D. I’m sorry PJ but i have a feeling that this movie shall not deliver. I had this same feeling by Golden Compass and Eragorn. My advise is to think it over and pull it in the right order.
at last..hope pete directs though!…p.s.,still want him to do tintin,i”m a fan of that too!!!
It za bout tyme.
If this is half as good as LOTR , I’ll be happy.
Oh what a week.
Monday 17´th was my Birthday ,and this is the biggest Present ever,thankx.
…and the journey begins…
I’m so excited to hear this news! What a great Christmas present! Sure there are lots of unknowns and everyone has differing opinions of what would be “perfect” but I’m just enjoying the fact that they have put differences aside to give the public what they want!
YES!!!!!!!!! FINALLY!!!!!!!!!! I’M SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!
I hope so much that all the right people are casted! (Ian McKellen, Ian Holm, Andy Serkis….)
Oh my god. Oh my god. I screamed and literally ran around the house when I saw the banner on lordoftherings.net.
My life = made. Again. For the first time in four years (jesus, it’s already been four years since RotK).
PJpleasePJpleasePJpleasePJPLEEEEEEASE!!!
I just got back from there, guess I will have to go again….
Thank you for answering the tintin question for me AncalagonTheBlack,Chris and Peter.
Heheh! Are you kidding? Peter Jackson could make an Oscar winning epic out of “Petticoat Junction” (an old American TV show), if he wanted.
Excelent News we love P.J. again!!!!!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS FOR ALL RINGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh joyous day…now that i’ve stopped crying I can truly say I have not been this warm and fuzzy inside since seing ROTK in December. Oh joy *dances and cries some more*
Call me crazy… but I don’t think Ian Holm should be Bilbo Baggins. Don’t get me wrong, he was completely AMAZING in LOTR, but I feel there should be someone younger for this chapter of his life.
I agree with you chris
WHOOOHOOO! Now THIS is what I call a Christmas gift!
How about James McAvoy as Bilbo, the guy who played tumnus in Narnia
who do you think be good for the part then chris?
drop tintin and direct the hobbit peter.. its the way to go.
I heard it on the radio today, screamed and ran downstairs and told my sister! I’m soooo beyond excited, I don’t know if I’ll sleep tonight! Thank you to New Line and PJ for being able to work out your differences! I absolutely cannot wait to see it, I’m already ready to book the day off to see it in the theatres (at a midnight showing hopefully!). AMAZING! You guys rock!
Two films???
How many films do you want to do with the Silmarillion???
The first film only would be about Hobbits(???),…. and the begining of the journey ….and, perhaps, about the first appearance of the ring!!!
How about the second?
There was a introduction about the hobbits in the lord of the rings…..I’m not sure if the Hobbit can became two films…..but this will be fantastic
YIPIE!
Great news. Are Jackson and Walsh going to ruin The Hobbit as well, just like they did with The Lord of The Rings or are they going to be more true to the book?
YES! I’m overjoyed that this is finally getting made. Can’t wait!
how long till the movie is finished
… i have waited 25 years, so what does a few years more matter ? *GGGGG*
Peter, hurry up please and show as a three ours film, please *GGGG*
That’s the very best FIRST STEP !!
Keep working, Keep workins New Line’s brains.
Finally you get the obvious staff, thak you very much!
These films would be nothing without Philippa Boyens, I hope she is involved with the script in some way.
Peter Jackson to DIRECTOR, not executive producer!!!!
Peter Jackson to DIRECTOR
FRIENDS, BROTHERS & FELLOW MIDDLE-EARTH-ERS REJOICE for SALVATION is HERE in FROM of PETER JACKSON.
CAN WAIT FOR 2010 TO ARRIVE.
Let’s be honest. In LOTR Bilbo’s character was a “supporting actor” at best. In the Hobbit he will be the star. There is no Ian can do that for the next two or three years at his age. I love him, but it ain’t gonna work. Perhaps a cameo during the second film. But that’s it. Now Gandalf is another matter altogether.
Fran and PJ are going to be executive producers and the director and screenwriter will be picked in the new year, according to and article I read here:
http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1696080,00.html?imw=Y
But im not sure how true it is. I didnt know they were dealing with legal issues the past 3 years, I thought they gave up on the idea of “the hobbit” a long time ago…
This is great!!!! =D=D=D=D
I was so dismayed, when they had initially called off Peter Jackson directing “The Hobbit”. I could not imagine anyone else doing it justice. It would be like having a janitor performing heart surgery. But I also, am now relieved and elated that Newline is having Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh and all that goes along with them create this marvelous thing! We’re in for a spectacular treat! “Rubs hands together!”
Very good news,
Now just take to people which are original as the characters from the hobbit. Gandalf , Bildo. But NOT ARAGORN and the others. Many more beatifull characters in the Hobbit which desever to be seen.
Oin , Gloin, Balin , Smaug ect
Strider
This is fantastic news! For so long I thought this project was going to die or go to someone other than New Line and especially Peter Jackson. It’s fantastic that the 3 powers involved here were able to iron out their differences to allow this project to go forward with the folks destined to play it out!
Saw this in todays newspaper. Great news! I’m happy that the legal issues are dealt with. When it comes to the director, keep in mind that Peter has a talent of finding unexperienced but great actors. I really think he can do the same with the Director-job.
If they get problems at finding a director, well, I wouldn’t have anything against being that. I only got to get some education in directing first, though ^^
Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t our dear Mr. Wood play the young bilbo in the prologue of The Fellowship of the Ring? If quite sure that it wasn’t Ian Holm, however.
Anyway, the one who played that Bilbo should get the part as the “new” Bilbo. Anything else would seem wrong.
Greetings from Sweden! //Björn
Hurrah!!!!!!!!!!! Merry Christmas!
Seize The Day!
-StrongJoy
YES! best news all day
I’m Brazilian, and I’m so happy with this news…
UUUUU!!!!
Finally!
Here in Brazil we are all happy ones with this news.
This is great!
WOW! Great news!!!:-))
Christmas truly has come early…
At last! I´ve been awaiting for these agreement. Congratulation to all us Tolkien-fan.
Awesome!!! What a blessing! While I’m sooo relieved that the phenomenal Peter Jackson and et al are involved, I’m still anxious to know the details. How I hope Peter Jackson is directing both films and we have the same actors (Ian and Ian), Walsh, Boyens, and Shore.
Mr. Jackson, if you reading this blog, if you need extras, I would make an excellent dwarf! This Texan will certainly do it for free… for a Tolkien film with Peter Jackson, Boyens, and Walsh will certainly make movie history once again!
THANK YOU to New Line, MGM, Sloan, Shaye, Lynne and Jackson for acting as a fellowship and making the fanbase so happy by involving PJ.
Now, PLEASE sprinkle the sundae with nuts and plop a cherry on top by convincing Jackson/Walsh to DIRECT, too. And Boyens to write. I don’t mind waiting longer for their schedules to become available. Instead of rushing to production and getting a pair of really great movies that I want to watch a couple times, I’d rather be patient and get another grand epic that I want to watch over and over again for years and years.
Even Gollum agrees with me:
“We will be sooo happy, yes, my precious, we will. We would hate ‘The Hobbit’ movieses to be directed by other peopleses. DelToro doesn’t even UNDERSTAND LOTR. We have already waited for years, my love, oh yes. We can wait a while longer. Give these movies to us RAW and WRIGGLING, as only Jackson, Walsh and Boyens can. You keep nasty Raimis and Del Toroses.”
First things first, this is great news.
However, it will be hard to incorporate the cast from the LOTR trilogy into the Hobbit movie, with notable exceptions, without completely diverting the story away from the original concept. If only because it would creature no end of continuity problems with the LOTR movies.
I look to this movie being around the 2 1/2 hour to 3 hour mark, allowing for a wonderful opportunity to fully explore the riddle game between Bilbo and Gollum. Another sequence that can benefit from a longer movie is the sequence within the Lonely Mountain. I can see a few liberties being taken in the attack on Lake Town, but hopefully only in such a way as to fully bestow upon the audience the magificence that is Smaug.
I certainly see the potential for a few of the characters from LOTR to be in the sequel. Namely Legolas, Arwen, Sam, Theoden (I do so hope so), Grima, Galadrielle, Elrond, Celeborn (who I think would benefit from a much bigger role) and Gimli. I do not see any need for Frodo, except maybe at the end of the second movie.
Sam could certainly appear at the beginning of the first move, reading ‘There and Back Again’ to his children, thus providing a viable link from the LOTR that works and allows the movie to flow on from the first three movies.
Whatever happens, it is a great day for fans of the movies, and just what the movie industry needed!
Writers are important here. I’m a philologist at heart and the biggest reason I am a Tolkien fan is because of the language he used: the diction, the sentence structure, the cadence, the tone, the ’style.’
For the first movie (The Hobbit), writing will be easier, because the book already exists, with much of the needed movie dialogue already having been constructed by Tolkien, himself.
For the second movie (the bridging movie), the writers can make or break the movie. Of course, plot content will be harvested from various Tolkien-written appendices, but these appendices are not consistently rich sources of dialogue for the characters in a movie. Talented writers (who are longtime readers of Tolkien) will be needed, so they can construct a massive amount of dialogue, the style of which should feel consistent with “The Hobbit” and ‘LOTR.’ I will be very sad if the writing in the bridging movie does not have a pervasive Tolkien-esqe feel to it.
I would love to see Phillipa Boyens (and Jackson, Walsh) take the reins when it comes to writing the script for these movies. In the LOTR movies, when writing was needed that had not already been created by Tolkien, Phillipa knocked the ball out of the park. It was beautiful, moving, poetic Tolkien-esque scriptwriting.
As for complaints that the writers of the LOTR movies made too many departures from Tolkien’s books…
Sometimes writers must satisfy the needs of the ‘movie’ medium. Sometimes writers must satisfy the fickle desires of mainstream moviegoers who will NEVER read the book on which the movie was based. A movie must be made for EVERYONE, not just the purist, rabid fans like me.
For these reasons, perhaps it was necessary to make Gimli, Merry & Pippin provide comic relief. Perhaps it was necessary to make Frodo seem more passive during the standoff with the Ringwraiths at the Ford near Rivendell. I, too, did not like to see Faramir become such a hurdle for Frodo, nor was I happy to see Frodo send Sam away. Fine. Whatever. Bygones.
If the writers have to adjust the plot here and there or tweak the attitude of a character, that’s ok, in moderation. But PLEASE make sure that the characters SPEAK as if they are in the Middle Earth we know and love. Please have the language SOUND like Tolkien COULD have written it.
Well what a way to start the Christmas season. Now I don’t see what all the fuss is about the second film. No one at the powers that be have called it a sequel, and the only reason they are calling it a second part to the Hobbit at the moment is, well, that they don’t quite know what to call it yet.
For all of those that think that the only extra information out there to make a bridging movie is in the appendices to LOTR, you are forgetting the twelve volume History of Middle Earth, that JRR’s son Christopher had published using his father’s notes, a great deal of which has to do with stuff that happened after the time of The Hobbit and before the time of the LOTR.
Also for those “purists” who whine about this and that which was excluded or added into the LOTR movies, Tolkien none other than himself said that he understood the differences between the two mediums and that books can never fully be realised as intended on the silver screen. We should all be thankful that we have a fully realised series of movies that immerse us in Tolkien’s universe instead of rambling on about spider size or dwarfs being comic relief (and if i remember rightly the dwarfs in the Hobbit were the cause of much humour, especially Bombur, and that there were in fact many spiders in the Hobbit and that Shelob was in fact big enough to stand above Sam to lower all her weight down upon him, which fortunately for him he held sting aloft at the time.) I am not going to be so blind as to say that no other director could do justice to these movies, as the amount of respect PJ has gotten for the vision he brought to us from so many directors who themselves were big LOTR fans, should ensure that the job is done right with PJ’s guiding hand.
Now i just wished i finished the screenplay i was writing as a hobby for the Hobbit when i started it years ago and knew who to get it to, but alas i have it no more LOL
WOW!! I had almost given up hope on The Hobbit coming out as a movie. GREAT NEWS!!!! I can’t yell and scream at home, but I will here, in moderation. YAAAAHOOOOOOOOO!!! 21 GUN SALUTE!!!
Too bad that PJ isn’t directing…
If Ian McKellan isn’t Gandalf, some of my reletives (and me too) will personally hunt down and hurt someone…
Are these just rumours that Sam Raimi will direct? I hope so. Has anyone not seen the three spiderman movies, and how they were butchered??? As a lifelong spiderman fan, and an even greater Hobbit/LOTR/Silmarillion fan….Peter Jackson, find a real director!!!!! It’s not hard…..
Don’t follow the George Lucas path and butcher a good thing - the original Star Wars vs. the crap new ones…
And John Williams is indeed better than Howard Shore, no comparison.
Think Ian McKellen and Serkis are the key to the whole thing. In an old interview, McKellen stated that he would return if Jackson was running the production.
Don’t think you could do the Silmarillion as a movie, too disjointed - was never really a novel, but more of a history.
Would make a great HBO mini series though with close supervision by Jackson.
Need a good voice for Smaug as well. Also, who would make a good Thoren Oakenshield?
Thank Iluvatar.
This is the best. I hope they don’t screw up the 2nd movie. I also hope that the dwarves don’t all look the same. Thank you PJ!:)
This is great news!!! A TWO-PARTER Oh boy!!!! I can’t wait I’m sooo excited!!!
I am very happy that the feud is finally over. Now they can finally make the Hobbit.
Finally….. the news we’ve been waiting for!
Now let’s hope that the writers’ strike will not influence the release date……. ;-p
If Jackson doesn’t direct, I think Guillermo del Toro should.
ps: who would be Tom Bombadil?
This is the BEST news for me in this year! But I’m a bit disappointed that PJ will be only the producer of “The Hobbit”. But there is still hope! So… I expect that Sam Raimi will not direct the film… It must be ONLY PJ!
All the same - warmest congratulation from russian Tolkien fans to all fans in the world!!!
Please let us please show the following acts:
- how the rohirrim wil be alarmed and gathering to central points from village to village in slowmotion with beautifull music from Howard Shore;
- how the dwarves dig and fight with special technics we haven’t seen before
- why the easterlings en haradrim become an enemy;
- much scenes on Dol Amroth;
- more weather seasons for the timeline;
- the physical rise of sauron and how he does it with the Eye in the trilogy;
- a little overview from the birth of middle earth in a big intro with the arrive of the Hobbits on the Shire;
- lots of Cavalry with slow shots of the beautifull flags and armor (the sacrafice of Faramir was so beautifull made)
- a great battle between woodelfes (with Legolas and his friends and kin) and one or two Balrogs
- much Aragorn with little Theoden and Ecthelion II
- Helm Hammerhand if possible;
- much more of the land of Gondor (south) and above the misty mountaines (very north);
- more shots of the grey havens;
- I’m sorry I can’t stop ….Ok….I think I made point
I’m overwhelmed by this great news! This is the most beautiful Christmas present in my life! Thanks to everybody who made it possible!!!
how do we now that this “offical”hobbit movie blog is actully offical?
Holy Grail!
finally!!!!! the Hobbit!! PJ u must direct this one!
The elvish community of Venezuela has been awaiting for this movie for soooo long!!!!!! and i’ve faith that after the hobbit, the Silmarillion movie will come and that will be the best movie in the history of mankind and elfkind!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is indeed fantastic news, and I’m sure Pete will honour this project by choosing a worthy director. Roll on 2010.
Excellent news! Is there any info on who is directing? Is there a short list? Good luck on the film.
~AoB
Brazil loves PETER JACKSON, LORD OF THE RINGS, HOBBIT AND TOLKIEN!!!
I’m a BIG ,HUGE FAN of LOTR MOVIES AND BOOK and i must to say that Peter Jackson is the best choice ,is the only director that could bring life to middle- earth like he did!
U must DIRECT THE HOBBIT!!! PETER, FRAN,BOYENS,WETA,HOWARD SHORE,ALL THE ACTORS AND ALL CREW OF LOTR ,PLEASE, DIRECT THE HOBBIT MOVIE AND MAKE THE AMAZING AND PHENOMENAL WORK LIKE U DID IN THE LOTR MOVIES!!!
Peter ,we fans will wait for u DIRECT this film all the time u needed. We don’t have rush,make slowly magistral as LOTR!!!
I agree with these guys down here ,in my post:
Edwin Elfstone said:
I read the Hobbit and LOTR in 1959 at the age of thirteen. Fifty years may seem too long a wait for the movie…but we all know it can only be made by one individual, Peter Jackson. It will be worth the wait, because he will bring to it the same team of actors, WETA’s special effects, and Howard Shore’s music. Middle Earth will live again! Can we ask for a more wonderful Christmas present?
Andy said:
Alright Peter Jackson, i’m talking directly to you. I read on yahoo that you will not direct because you don’t want the fans to have to wait. Here’s the bottom line:
WE THE FANS WILL WAIT!!!!! do not hurt the prestige of the other three films by allowing another director to ruin your great movie franchise. do not change a thing from the other films but the screenplay and a few actors. I eagerly await your decision.
Tina, Tolkien fan said:
Even Gollum agrees with me:
“We will be sooo happy, yes, my precious, we will. We would hate ‘The Hobbit’ movieses to be directed by other peopleses. DelToro doesn’t even UNDERSTAND LOTR. We have already waited for years, my love, oh yes. We can wait a while longer. Give these movies to us RAW and WRIGGLING, as only Jackson, Walsh and Boyens can. You keep nasty Raimis and Del Toroses.”
This is most excellent news - I’m doing my happy dance. Yay!!!!!
This is great news. I hope PJ will direct it. I think the music of Howard Shore is very important aswell. And of course the LOTR characters having a part in The Hobbit, Elrond, Gandalf, Bilbo and Gollum:D
Smeagol is jumping for joy! We can’t wait for the riddle scene my precious…..we have waited since 1973…is it sweet?…is it juicy? Oh Precioussssss!
FU*KING A!! I was so sad when i first heard that these movies would not be made due to the litigation but now I am so happy that it’s been resolved! Anyone with any sense making these movies wouldn’t dream of changing the key actors who portray roles that span both storys. I’m certain that given the success of LOTR, everyone involved will be back. I think that the two movies will only cover th ‘hobbit’ story, probably spliting it at the capture of the dwarves by the wood elves. I really don’t see anyone coming up with some nonsense storyline bridging the 50 or so years between hobbit and LOTR-that would be real stupid and true fans like myself would puke at the idea. The idea of having two movie is just that in order to really capture the full scope and scale of the hobbit without it being 4+ hours long you need two movies and I don’t see that as a bad thing. PJ did an excellent job with LOTR and it’s complicated story. Sure he took a little off here and there (sauramon and wormtongue) but he still kept 95% of the story intact and worked in as many direct lines from the book as possible. Really PJ only lost 2 chapters from the book (homeward bound and scouring of the shire) but he did it with good reason. Nothing really happens in homeward bound except a bunch of goodbyes and as far as the shire chapter, the main story had already wrapped up and to suddely introduce a new antagonist (sharkey-although it’s just sauramon) and problems with the shire just wouldn’t work out well.
Anyway, I can’t wait untill this comes out although I must admit that I won’t see the first one untill the second one comes out so I can see them back to back. I managed to do that with LOTR and was really glad I did because I couldn’t have waited a year between movies.
Com’on 2011!!!!!!!!!!!
Apparently many of the ‘fans’ of the books don’t quite remember what the heck actually happens in them. You should all go back and re-read them. I see here many people making mention of Frodo, Sarumon, Gimli, Aragorn and many others who ARE in LOTR but are NOT even mentioned in The Hobbit. Sauron is about the only character other than Bilbo and Gandalf who is in both stories and even then he is refered to as the Necromancer by Gandalf and only in passing. You have a better chance of seeing Radagast the Brown than Frodo (and even if Frodo were in this movie he would be played by some little kid as he would be about 5-10 years old if my memory serves correctly). The only other person I see appearing in a short cameo may be Arwen by Liv Tyler (and she would once again want her name high up on the marquee as in LOTR-crap! in the credits her name appears before SAM!(not to mention MANY others far more deserving)-what a load!) She wasn’t even part of the fellowship of the nine!
Anyway- I digress.
PJ and Fran Walsh are ex-producing with Sam Raimi directing. He’s good and with him working with PJ I’m sure that the movie will be just as true to the story as was LOTR. It’s not like PJ is going to let him loose and just show up when it’s finished. I’m sure that he will be much more involved than your average XP. After all this is not only going to reflect upon the work he did with LOTR but on Tolkien’s work as well and there is just no way that he (and admitted HUGE fan of the books-he carried a copy around with him for reference while shooting the 3 LOTR movies) is going to allow this to suck. I say go ahead and take you time and do it RIGHT! they know that this set of movies is going to bank mega cash and that fans are not going to turn away just because they are slow to make the films. I’m not going to see the first one untill the second is released anyway. All the more time to drool!
I am not so happy. I think that Middle Earth will reemerge only if Peter Jackson direct this films
Ant said:
And what are the chances of Howard Shore returning after the fall-out with PJ during King Kong - PJ replaced Howard, remember? The animosity was so bad, the conductor is the first person to get chomped when Kong breaks free in NY.
Hey Ant PJ and Howard Shore did not have a falling out. They’re still friends. It’s just that Shore’s score wasn’t what Pete was looking for. Besides you can spot a cameo appearance of Shore in King Kong inside the theatre conducting his orchestra.
So don’t rule out Shore. He will most certainly be there. And James McAvoy is a good choice for Bilbo. I really can’t see Ian Holm being there.
I am willing to wait for PJ to finish up all his other projects so he can direct the Hobbit…even though he would choose a director wisely, there really is no one else who can bring Middle Earth alive, such as he does.
What in the hell will be the sequel be? Are they breaking the novel into two movies, or are the idiots going to write a new story and pretend it’s Tolkien?
It’s Middle-earth, not “Middle Earth” as Peter Jackson is quoted as saying. Why can’t you get it right?
GREAT NEWS! BUT. Who is with me on this: PETER, PLEASE, PLEASE DROP THE RIDICULOUS TINTIN IDEA. NO ONE CARES ABOUT AN 80 YEAR OLD BELGIAN COMIC. NO ONE WILL GO TO SEE IT. IT WILL BE AN EPIC FLOP EVEN MORE GRIEVOUS THAN “THE GOLDEN COMPASS”. PLEASE. DIRECT THE HOBBI. GET FRAN AND PHILLIPPA TO DO THE SCREENPLAY. I’M BEGGING YOU NOW.
Anyone else agree?
waw it’s arealy great nnnnnnnnnnews
I meant “Hobbit.” Not “hobbi.”
Both these movies need to be directed by none other than P.J. or else they willnot be any where as good as LOTR. So If you read this blog page Mr Jackson you will see we all want you as the directer.PLEASE, PLEASE, pretty PLEASE.
I really hope PJ directs…if that is not the case, as producer he will find the best option.
As for the movie…I can’t wait!!! 2010 is the year of THE HOBBIT and I can just see myself in line waiting to see it.
Middle Earth will be true in my heart then as it has been all this time.
Bilbo, Gollum, Gandalf, Thorin, Kili, Fili, Dori, Nori, Ori, Bombur, Dwalin, Balin, Bifur, Bofur, Gloin, Oin…we will be expecting you all.
that WOULD be cute to have the Hobbit open with Sam telling his kids about the whole “there and back again” story, like he mentioned in the end of TTT
Oh, joy to the world! One of the things I love so much about the LOTR is that I could take my 4 children to them. Peter Jackson kept the spirit of Tolkien and the books in his movies and it’s so rare to have such quality production that doesn’t try to waterdown the message or story of the script.
In fact, after The Fellowship came out, a slew of bad Hollywood movies with ‘ancient themes’ emerged but BOMBED because they couldn’t capture the spirit and time period of what made LOTR movies successful. No sex, bad language, but story of faith, hardship, humanity, love, true friendship emerged as a timeless message to the audience. Hollywood movies trying to capitalize on LOTR momentum wasted it because they brought 21st century morals into a timeless setting. Doesn’t work.
That said, I can’t WAIT to see what Peter Jackson does with The Hobbit. All my kids are really looking forward to it, too. I respect HIS respect for Tolkien and the story.
Yes, finally something new !!!Tolkien was a messager from the past!! GREAT
here is what i reckon.
peter and fran will make sure that the appropriate team make the films, including actors like ian mackellan, WETA and so on. they might even do the thing in new zealand.
somebody else is going to direct this film, but i think it will end up being great all the same. it will be a film with peter’s imprint, he and fran will be part of the process.
i reckon they will include gandalf’s journey to decide on the fate of the necromancer - they will discover this is sauron and drive him out in film 2. this whole unwritten episode will be explored fully in the films, and a good move i reckon.
probably the first film will go as far as mirkwood. somewere in and around this area the story will end on a cliffhanger. to beresolved in film two.
what say you?
dan.
This is excellent news! I wasnt a fan of Lord Of The Rings when the trilogy came out so I missed out on a lot of things, but Ill be ready for the Hobbit!
I’m just happy the LOTR Adventure is moving forward with the same people… YAY!
I can hardly believe that The Hobbit is finally coming!
I can’t wait to see who’s going to be in the movie and I really hope that they stay true to the best book I’ve ever read.
I also wish that PJ would direct the films. There really isn’t anyone better for the job.
Peter Jackson!!!!!
If you’re out there listenig, I want you to know that I’d happily wait another few years for the movies if it meant you would direct it.
I need to start re-reading the book (again)!
i love ((the lord of the rings))
i think it is the best film in the world
Although I’m happy The Hobbit movie will be made, it is too bad Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh are being given another opportunity to botch another great Tolkien story. I’ve seen it mentioned numerous times how PJ carried a copy of LOTR around with him while he was directing. Too bad he never read it.
SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
How exciting is this?!!!!
I think it would be so cool to have ‘The Hobbit’ begin with the Epilogue that Tolkien had wanted to end ‘The Return of the King’ with but was taken out by the editors. It can be found in the HoME series ‘Sauron Defeated’ chapter XI. It is Sam reading the Redbook of Westmarch to his children about 16 years after their return to The Shire and answering their questions.
Any which way it gets done.. I am sure the same care will be taken to make Middle-Earth come to life.
Like Mike said:
“I’ve waited, and waited, and waited, and finally, THIS!
To PJ and New Line for putting their differences behind them - “Praise them with great praise!”
So my fellow Ringers, let’s enjoy a nice Christmas, have a Happy New Year, drink a toast to the Professor, and then,…heh, heh, let’s get back to business!”
I am so excited!!! I hope PJ directs as well, although I know he had others directing many scenes in LotR and can probably handle it with someone else. Philipa Boyens, the conceptual team– Alan Lee and John Howe, Richard taylor and WETA, Howard Shore better be involved to continue the Middle- Earth journey.
Para mi la buena noticia sería que Peter dirigiese el Hobbit. Que esté en labores de producción no me parece suficiente, el sabe como dirigir todo ese asunto.
En fin que al menos tendremos Hobbit, pero sin Peter, tengo mis serias dudas.
SAÜDE
Brett: i 100 pct agree with you!!!!!!!!!!
siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!! ahi estaremos!!
Peter Jackson is Best Director diretion of Hobbit. O Filme nao tera a mesma qualidade sem ele. Peter foi a alma, mentor, genio por tras de O Senhor doas Aneis.
wERI from Brazil
Peter Forever, Peter is Best . T Love movies of Peter!!!!
its really a WOW!!!
I have 2 questions… 1 is if this film will lead to a remake since they said there will be a sequel to the Hobbit and my other question is if the original cast will be coming back for the Hobbit. If the original cast comes back, then there probably will not be a remake but if they don’t come back, more than likely, the sequel they are talking about could be the Fellowship of the Ring and I will not be for the remake. I want to see the Hobbit made but not a remake of the Fellowship of the Ring.
Billy Boyd looks like Bilbo in his younger years..Doesn´t he…I could almost imagine him serving tea, cake and beer to the dwarves in the Bag End at the beginning of the Hobbit.
Too cool! I am soooooooo excited about the Hobbit, and I can’t wait for updates! Even though I’m a Narniac, I still love LOTR, and I hope the Hobbit will be as good if not better.
Caspian
~Not all those who wander are lost…~
sweet
lookin forward to it
is the same gandalf and elrond actors coming back
Fantastic.
Bilbo rules !
Oh, I wish it were 2010!!!!
is andy serkis stlill going to be gollum
The issue of who will play Bilbo is a tricky one. There are, indeed, options among young contemporary actors, but the fact, of course, is that in the intro to the fellowship of the ring, with Cate Banchett’s voiceover, we see Ian Holm play the young Bilbo finding the ring after it has slipped off Gollem’s finger. He looks much younger than he does when we return to the “present day” shire 60 years later, so I can only assume that Holm could be made to look that age for the whole of the Hobbit film if required. Assuming, of course, that he was fit and willing to undergo the process of an entire film. If so, surely he should not be overlooked… however good the competition may be.
I am so was excited. I believe that this movie and its sequel be so great like LOTR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Very interesting idea Dawn, I like it. the epilogue would serve as the prologue very effectively, and allow more original cast members in this film, and kind of link it all together for those unfamiliar with the books. I badly wanted to see that epilogue as well!!
I am asolutely ectatic with the news. I am sp pleased that Peter and NewLine were able to settle thier differences. For Peter is the only onewho can pull it off.
Well done Guys.
i am happy they are making hobbit,but what about subtle knife sequel
any news on that movie
serkis will be gollum. elrond and gandalf will remain as in LOTR films. the necromancer episode (unwritten in the hobbit) may appear. its gonna rule.
Fantastic! i love the hobbit and the lord of the rings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HOORAY!!!!!!!
That is Great !!!!!!
My favorite book is coming to life !!!!!!
By the greatest movie makers at that !!
Thanks A Lot !!!!!
Exit Strategy of New Line Cinema: Peter Jackson will be Executive Producer. This way they solve many problems… and other director will can direct The Hobbit. Furthermore fans will be happy. But I am not happy. Sorry to insist, but I think that Middle-earth will reemerge only if Peter Jackson direct this films
does anyone know who the casting director will be?
OMG! A movie! really! I am so excited now! Now I just need to actually read the Hobbit…. I’m re-reading LOTR right now so then I will read the hobbit. I LOVE the LOTR films so this should be awesome!
Please let Peter Jackson direct this movie. As a huge Tolkein fan, he is the only person who can do justice to this book.
Is it too early for asking about “The Silmarillion”? =D
Andy Serkis, Hugo Weaving, Ian McKellan are musts.
As long as PJ is majorly involved with the making of the film, i think it will be ok. I think that PJ will not let the director take over Middle-Earth, but only be there to “help” PJ.
i don’t think the necromancer episode should be in the movie, the story is about Bilbo going to the Lonely Mountain and finding the Ring. The necromancer doesn’t need to appear.
They MUST have Beorn in the Hobbit, I will be very unhappy if Beorn doesn’t show up somewhere (and his animals)
I don’t think that Billy Boyd can play Bilbo. Billy was great as Pippin, but wouldn’t work as Bilbo. Billy is just to crazy. James McAvoy was great as Mr. Tumnus in narnia (COME ON PRINCE CASPIAN THE MOVIE!!!) and might make a decent Bilbo.
People are so excited about this movie because Hollywood produces mostly movies that are a waste of time and money. Peter Jackson is a brilliant director and screen writer. His attention to detail is really exciting. Can’t wait!
wow the first movies took my breath away i just hope they dont screw the second movie up
the book the hobbit is kind of kidish i hope that he will make it more realistic
Peter Jackson needs to direct this thing gosh darnit. He frickin rules. He’d rule even more if he gave this college grad a job. Haha, ya i’m not kidding actually. Good luck, this thing will be awesome. I’m glad some good movies are going to be coming out in the somewhat near future.
It has been stated several times in the past that Iam Holm will NOT be playing Bilbo - a lot of makeup and postproduction trickery went into making him look young for the flashback scene, and it’s simply not plausible for this to be done for an entire film - he’d risk looking fake and unemotive, like some plastic-surgery-ridden celebrity.
I am absolutely thrilled to hear such auspcious news! I’ve read both “The Lord of the Rings” and ” The Hobbit” twice, and I’m more than happy to say Tolkien is my favourite writer. I can’t wait to see Mr. Bilbo and all those adorable little dwarves! For myself, the scene with Gollum will definately be the most elating. I found that part especially amusing in the book!
Peter Jackson, you deserve a medal (and a chest to pin it on)
awesum news!peter should be directing it tho.will it be fimed in new zealand? witch is the estist country in the world…mostly cos i live there….now all i need to do is find out how to be in the movie.
Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit rule!!!!
Death to Harry Potter!
Stupid wand-waving, latin muttering fagot Harry Potter
wow im so happy about this itz gr8 that Peter Jacksn is directing !!! im so happy the first movies were amazing im sure that the book the hobbit will be just as good
Indeed the younnger Bilbo was played by Ian Holme in the Fellowship of the Ring Prologue not Elijah Wood. I’d like to see Ian Holme reprise his role of Bilbo in the new films but I just don’t think it would be realistic. It would be possible, yes, but since he is the central character in The Hobbit and has a lot of screen time, the team would just be creating more work for themselves. Its easier just to cast a new actor in the role.
Ian McKellen as Gandalf though, that’s definitely doable, and should indeed be , er, done.
As for Sam Raimi as director, I think he could pull it off no problem. Trouble is, if he has too many projects there will be less chance of an Evil Dead 4.
(ongoing joke… never mind…)
Legolas could definitely make a cameo in The Hobbit as others have mentioned. Not just in the Mirkwood sequence (in fact likely not there) but in the battle. He isn’t mentioned in the book but it’s likely as the son of he Elf king that he would be present.
As for Gimli, I think including him would be a bit of a stretch although it’s possible he was around during that time period. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to have the same actor play his father Gloin though. True another actor played Gloin in Fellowship but his role was very brief.
As for Shelob being a woman spider (sorry to harp back to this, but that comment kind of bugged me. Bugged, get it? Yeah, I know, don’t give up my day job if I had it….) I think guy who thought this was interpreting things bit too literally. Shelob was a giant female spider…. not a woman spider hybrid. (Although that’s a freaky idea. A character like that appeared in a Doctor who christmas special once…) And yes, (as others have said) the spiders in The Hobbit were smaller. Actually it was suggested in the books they were in fact her offspring. Those she didn’t eat. Obviously.
Hola, me emociones cuando escuche la noticia de que hiban a producir la pelicula, espero que el directo sea Peter, ya que el tiene la experiencia en este material y que utilicen a los mismos actores. Saludos a todo desde Manati, Puerto Rico.
I’m very very very very happy about this news. I really LOVE LOTR and it’s my absolutelly favourite movie.
I would prefer if Peter Jackson would be the director because he is the only one who can make Middle-earth into that what is really is. <3
I’m shure they will make another very good movie and I will be very happy when it comes into cinema 2010 (?) because when LOTR were in the cinema i was to young to watch
I’m curiously who of the actors from LOTR will act in the HOBBIT. I think it would be a big “see again” if all the actors see another again because during the LOTR they got good friends.
But it would be sad if anyone would have no part in the new film because then he couldn’t meet all the others.
My biggest wish would be to be at the set from the hobbit. :)) hihi. I think all actors are very funny and friendly and i LOVE them all. !!!!!!!! but that will never happen and so I wait for this film to see middle-earth and all people again.
The Hobbit will be different but I’m sure I will love it too.
Greets from Austria !!
CU
(sorry for the bad englisch
Yes, LOTR is my favourite movie too. It’ so emotional and it really impressed me with what an devotion all of the worker and acter from LOTR worked with this film. In some szenes i nearly cry because it goes through my heart and skin like no other movie. the music is best and also Peter Jackson has done very good work.!! During these 2 years they all gave their best.
But enough from LOTR.
I think it will be interesting to see how life was befor the LOTR. And it will also be interesting how it will be shown in the film and I’m sure they can make it!
I’M A BIG FAN OF YOU ALL !
and they act as well. And I’m also sad about those other acter who don’t act in the HOBBIT.
I’m a little bit sad that Elijah wood and and the other 3 hobbits don’t take part of the film. They are so funny and sweet
But I’m happy that they make the film and I love middle-earth and I`m happy to see it again and to let me dive in in this beautiful world. PJ you should direct it because if not middle-earth will never be so beautiful and it will be very much different as LOTR.
Please tell me, who of the actors from LOTR will act also in the HOBBIT ( Legolas? aragorn? gimli? gandalf? ) I hope hobbits will
greetz
Who will direct? Who will write? Who will do the casting?
Peter, Fran, Philippa,
Peter, Fran, Philippa,
please, please, please, …
Hhmmm… hwht about the probem that Peter is too BUSY to both produce and direct?
Perhaps the wonderful secondary directors from LOTR (Barrie, Fran, Rick, John, and others) can return. Give each of them a juicier title in the credits ( like “co-director”). Have them each work with more independence than in LOTR, but all still reviewing the dailies with Peter? Clearly, these people all do great work and they all have established a shorthand way to understand and adhere to Peter and Fran’s vision.
I can’t wait for 2010! This is the best news I’ve heard for a L…O…N…G time. I think there’s enough material in the appendixes for a second movie to link the events of The Hobbit and LOTR. I also very, very much hope to see The Silmarillion as a TV series — I don’t think that can be shown in a movie (or movies) with any justice. I don’t expect the cast of LOTR except Ian McKellen as Gandalf. Perhaps Elrond. For the rest, the story and timeline of the Hobbit is way different from that of LOTR.
I don’t think Peter Jackson will let a director mess The Hobbit up, so I’m no concerned if he doesn’t direct and just produces. As long as the major original characters can be retianed from LOTR.
I am absolutely thrill that Peter and Fran are going to be heading this project up. Their dedication to the spirit and word of J.R.R.T.’s stories is obvious and I don’t think that this could be in better hands.
I would Dearly love to see reprisals of their roles in LoTR by messrs Holms, Serkis and McKellen but of they should choose not to then I trust in Fran and Peter to make the best choices available.
As for appearances by other characters from LOTR, well, Elrond of course would be there but I really don’t see a need for the others beyond a brief cameo at the very most.
I also need to admit there that I’m a little puzzled at the idea of the second film. Is the Hobbit going to be a two part film? I can see that but if it’s not, then how are they going to do a bridge between The Hobbit and LOTR. That covers quite a span of time. Also, it is not as if they can easily cut Beorn from the film for time reasons like they did with Bombadil. Beorn was much too important in the success of the Battle of the Five Armies.
In any case I’ll be watching with great anticipation.
Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli, being the most popular LOTR (movie) characters, will be worked in somehow. They had super-hero qualities that appealed to myself and most others. Poetic license, along with the imagination and wealth of Jackson, will call for a repeat performance using the same actors. Can’t wait.
- Smaug Lives
good news i really want peter jackson to make the films he is a great director and idle. if he does not make the movie it will blow a $50 hawiian wondercooler all over the parknglot, as in it will suck balls. so pj needs to make it with the same characters from lotr like Ian, elija, and etc. so yes thats good……. ty bye!!!
pj good job
I am elated, and more than elated, about this news. I am already counting the days until 2010, for myself, for my children, and a host of friends and relatives!
I am thrilled that Peter and the entire team that with him did such wonders with LOTR will be involved. That said, I am not too worried about him not directing. He did many things wonderfully in LOTR, but he also botched some things, from diminishing much of Gandalf’s magic (which plays a major role in several key hobbit scenes), to Galadriel not giving the paragraph explanation to her “Footsteps of Doo” statement, to the garbled scene of Denthors passing (and the lie of The Witch King breaking Gandalf’s staff. . . arggh”
I think that many who insist no one but Peter can direct have forgotten the mistakes, or else were film fans first and movie fans after. All that said, Peter did a very impressive job, and I am very happy that his guidance will be helping to steer this project, whoever directs.
What should be in film two??? More Glorfindel!, The Council, Gandalf’s battle with The Nine on Amon Sul should be worked in, with all its “light and Flame” (perhaps they persue him from Dol Guldur. . . his infiltration of which must DEFINITELY be included), the attack on Dol Guldur, and maybe Balin in Moria. . . with a commanding Balrog, in all his malice and sorcerous might as a Captain of Melkor, replacing the nameless goblin who shoots from a stones shade.
As to actors, Thrilled Ian Mckellen will all but certainly be returning, along with Hugo Weaving and Serkis. I’d love to see David Bowie as Thranduil, for many reasons. I’d love to see Lawrence Fishburne for Beorne, because he has the voice and the bearing, and adds an etnic diversity to the films that LOTR was sometimes critisized for lacking. Well, thats my piece, so peace.
Ahh. I see some of my TORN family here. They will recognize my words, I think, but if its news to you, I’ve done my part. : - )
YYYYYEEEEESSSSS!!!!!!!!! Ive been waiting for this one it will be a hit!!!!
Please don’t work Legolas, Gimli and Aragorn into The Hobbit. Peter Jackson’s lack of ability to be subtle will mean that they will become part of the story - which they are not. Make The Hobbit, not a Lord of the Rings prequel disguised as The Hobbit. Why oh why did New Line settle with this clown? There are a lot of directors, screenwriters and producers out there who would treat the story with a lot more respect that PJ et al. did with LOTR (and probably will with The Hobbit). Oh well, silly me - I’ll probably go see it anyway.
i doubt that they will have a small part for legolas, arogorn, and gimli. Orlando Bloom is a big name actor now and it would be a waste of the movies budget to bring in a big name actor for a very small part.
And remember, no diminishing Gandalf’s fire magic this time, leave it as the author wrote it. And make sure Gandalf’s beard is properly full and long. No repeats of the two towers Goatee. It doesn’t have to come down to his toes, but it needs to at least come past the Navel, I don’t care how Peter King and Peter Weiss feel about big beards. They don’t have to wear them, Gandalf Does.
Still Fishburne for Beorn and Bowie for Thranduil. Also, Jude Law would make a great Glorfindel, who must be in the bridge film after his deplorable and lamented omission from LOTR.
I hope and pray that they split this movie into 2 parts and not the Hobbit and a sequel. It would be perfect to have a detailed movie starting with the books entrance and then finishing when the party gets to Mirkwood and then the next movie can go from there. That way there is much more detail put into both parts than craming it all and loosing parts in just 1 movie.
Can I just take this opportunity to say I am very pleased to hear The Hobbit will be turned into a film. But can I also IMPLORE the producer and director TO BE FAITHFUL TO THE BOOK as far as possible, this time! Great as the LOTR films were, they were spoilt for me and many others by ludicrous and unnecessary changes in plot, re-writes of characters, invented and usually crass new characters and some truly awful dialogue! Obviously a film is not the same as a book, and some things need to be cut out or adapted slightly -but in the case of Tolkien this should be kept to a bare minimum. The reason is, as I should hardly have to point out, that Tolkien’s work is already so superb that it has become the most widely-read book(s) after the Bible. It doesn’t NEED to be ‘improved’. Just be faithful to his brilliant plot, characters and dialogue and the film will be a massive success!
YESSS!!! this is definitely the best news ive heard since the return of the king! i hadnt been planning on watching it if pj wasnt directing, but now im gonna be first in line! maybe ill dress like a hobbit 2 go c it…
i really think that Howard Shore should do soundtrack, and there should be a little frodo…:) i dont think that orlando should be thranduil, much as i luv him, but maybe a bit part as prince of mirkwood. and of course, ian mckellan needs 2 b n there somewhere. and everybody’s fav, gollum! this movie is definitely going to be a huge hit and a great film. im freakin’ out already!!!
this just made my *year!*
Do you really think PJ will listen to you Laurence? After he grossed over a Billion Dollars? He knows what he’s doing. As to the Jude Law and Laurence Fishburn talk, It wont happen. Jude Law sucks in every film and Fishburne would be TOO good to be true. Rather, Jackson will probably find some diamonds in the rough just like the first time.
As long as Jack Black is not cast as Bilbo, I’m there on opening day
I still think Jude would be a good Glorfindel, but if they find someone better, I am all for it. As For Fishburne. . . nothing is TOO good to be true in this matter., He would be PERFECT for Beorn, and it is not outside of the realm of possibility. I will say more in threads.
PJ are the best one!!!..
Peter makes me to work with you!
This is, of course, great news. Peter Jackson is the only one who could give the consistant PJ look of LOTR to the Hobbit. He has a challenge on his hands. The Hobbit has been treated as a childrens story for so long and now he will have to darken it up match LOTR. He’ll have to utilize The Simarillion far more than he did in LOTR. I look forward to the two movies. They should be blockbusters!
It’s incredible news!!! I hope Jackson to achieve the same wonderful results for the “The Hobbit” as the LOTR trilogy. And I also hope to participate the same actors (aka. Ian MacKelen, Ian Holme, Hugo Weaving & Andy Serkis) because will there be a better connection between the trilogy and the “The Hobbit”…
Tremendous news……despite the need to make this film commercial viable, I would love to see the script stay close to the book’s original structure. The one concession to this would be to align some of the middle-earth history in the Hobbit closer to the LOTR. Tolkien himself regretted the lack of consistancy between the two and wanted to re-write the Hobbit to reflect the historical elaboration presented in LOTR
dear mr.pj i am a big fan i dont get tired of seen the trilogy the hobbits will be a big hit but please start the filming as soon as possible thank you .you are best film maker ever good luck and gods speed
I’m so pleased to be part of this world-wide blog of The Hobbit and can’t wait for my return trip to Middle-earth.
For over the misty mountains cold
To dungeons deep and caverns old
We must away, ere break of day,
To find our long-forgotten gold
I hope that they have more songs in “The Hobbit” than the LOTR trilogy because “The Hobbit” should have more time for songs like these unless Gandalf with the White Council is the movie.
I can’t wait to see these two films, especially as I am going to New Zealand while they are filming in 2009!
YES!!! Although I knew this HAD to happen (too many people in this world wants the money) I’m still extremely happy to see the official announcement. Now I just cannot wait! Why, oh why, is it still so far away that year 2010.. Prolly gonna be around x-mas as well, which means 3 years of waiting up ahead.
Just about the best news I have heard (Cinematically) for years. I admit I shed a tear when I heard the news. I like many hoped PJ and Fran would be involved again. I am so very happy! :o)
At last!!!! I thought I was begining to think I would die of ol age before The Hobbit made it to the screen. Well done.
Great News,
Bring the old cast back please…
I can not believe it! It is perfect:)-
drector wise pj did a heck of a job i am soooooooooo happy if i had the cash i go to new zeland when the primer comes out life can only get better bring on the film the Silmarilon hobit all the way baby
I can’t wait
I hope the movie is very accurate accordin to the book
Very excited..Ian Holm and Andy Sekis will be great to
watch when they meet for the first time.
Is there anything new about the movies? Anyone who knows something, HE MUST PUBLISH IT!!! DON’T KEEP IT FOR YOURSELF!!!
OMG ! I’m so happy i was waiting this moment for so much time !
Thx PJ to bring us lotr fans new light . Hope we will see charachters from the trilogy !
Still waiting to see if Del Toro is officially announced as the director on both movies or not. Likely once the writers strike is settled (this week?) then we’ll get more news on this. I am still holding out hope that PJ will still direct one or both movies, but if he isn’t able to, then Del Toro is a great choice.
You MUST do it, with del Toro or with Jackson, but without anyone else!
Well I think New Line are crazy not to just say yes to PJ directing. Although I have to say Guillermo del Toro is a good director and Laberinto del fauno was a great movie. So it should still be a brilliantly directed movie and have a PJ sorta feel to it. As an avid LOTR fan I’m fairly confident that it shall be comparatively well done as the LOTR trilogy.
It’s a very good news, but there are some questions.
First of all why two films?
The risk with the second one, is to be inappropriate and very far from Tolkien’s spirit. Doing a good work will be not simple even for Fran and Philippa
Second, why PJ just Producer?
I think PJ must direct the movie to recreate the right atmosphere of the MIddleEarth as it was in LOTR.
And last but not least, some actors must be the same of the Trilogy. I’m sure everybody wants Ian McKellen as Gandalf, for example…
did anyone hear about someone sueing new line ?
they said it might affect the Hobbit movies….
I hope PJ includes the white council and dosn’t make up his own sequal.
NOOOO!!!! they must let Peter Jackson direct, they must! Peter Jackson is my hero, he rocks. Without him the atmosphere of the movie will probably look completely different. And another thing, they better have Sir Ian McKellan play as Gandalf again, if they have someone else do it, i dont even know if I’ll be able to watch the movie; I’m just too used to Mckellan. I also hope that Peter Jackson directs the sequel too. Well I guess as long as Peter Jacksons helping with the film it should still be pretty good. GOOOOOO PETER JACKSON!!!
In my opinion, Peter Jackson must not change “The Hobbit”. It’s a prequel of the LOTR from itself!!! It doesn’t need changes… He must be faithfull on the book…
PETER JACKSON HAS TO DIRECT BOTH FILMS.. HE HAS NO CHOICE I THINK.. MILLIONS OF FANS WILL BE VERY DISSAPOINTED IF HE DOESNT.. GO PETER!!! YOU ROCK!
Yes, Jackson will direct two films. But he must respect the original material… In case which only the one movie will be about “The Hobbit”, the other one about what will be…? I think a good idea will be to make a movie for the life of Aragorn!!! He has a 60 years travel in war & loneness…
PJ won’t be directing 2 films. I understand that Guillermo del Toro will direct the Hobbit (He directed Pan’s Labyrinth) and that PJ will direct the sequel. He’s committed to directing the Tin Tin movie at the same time as the Hobbit. I’m sure there is enough of an outline for the Hobbit sequel/LotR prequel in the appendices to the Lord of the Rings, particularly the time lines for the Third Age, as well as the ‘Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age’ section of the Silmarillion to give us a flavour of the content
hi
I can’t begin to say how happy I am to hear that The Hobbit is going to be done and that PJ is involved. As long as he is involved I have no worries. He knows the pressure that is going to be there and he will rise to it. He loves Tolkien’s work and I’m sure he will do a grand job.
For all of you getting bent out of shape because it is not 100% true to the story. How can you possibly sit there telling him all he has done wrong and what he needs to do. Are you a director … do you even have any idea what all has to be done. Please be realistic.
PJ spoke many times about how much he loved the books. He tried his best and he succeeded in getting so many more people interested in Tolkien’s works and actually reading his books.
It’s easy to sit back and criticize… He opened up LOTR to a whole new generation that had never even heard of The Hobbit or Tolkien himself.
I read and reread The Hobbit and Trilogy that followed many times. And I will admit I was disappointed that some things were not exact… but all in all it was an amazing work of art. Instead of comparing everything just learn to sit back and enjoy things for what they are. I guarentee if you watch the movies with an open mind and not set on trying to compare to seeing how close it is to the books ..you will enjoy it a lot more…..
As for the actors… I would love to Ian Holm come back but realistically… Don’t you think at his age and health it would be tough. There are a lot of fast moving and physical movements that may be to difficult for him. It may be possible to get someone that somewhat resembles Ian and with makeup they could do wonders..
All in all I can’t wait… as for the 2nd Movie….. I think I will just wait and see what Peter has in store for us… I’m quite sure most of us won’t be disappointed…. Have faith…. He knows what he is doing.
Must have watched LOTR over 100 times they are such great films that i can’t get enough of and it’s great news to hear of ‘The Hobbit’ to be made into film.
I have to say, that if any director can capture the spirit of The Hobbit, I don’t care who they are. Although it would be great if they can get Howard Shore to do the score. He did an awesome job with LOTR. As for actors, defnitely it would be good to have Ian McKellan, Hugo Weaving, and Andy Serkis. If Ian Holm doesn’t do Bilbo, well, I’m sure that there is someone out there who can. And please, as much as I love Aragorn, Legolas, Frodo, Sam, and all of them, it would be absolutely awful if he wrote them parts that don’t exist. Otherwise, I am just ecstatic that this is finally happening! And as much as I would like for it to follow the books, I will probably like the story even if they rewrite the whole thing, which I sincerely hope they don’t! I can’t wait!!!!
I think Peter Jackson needs to have total control to ensure the correct look/feel/mood for the film. The producer can effectively influence a director anyway, so lets not panic. The main point is PJ is involoved.
Can’t wait. Whats the Expected date of release?
Regards
Chris
as i read on imdb.com that del toro will be directing both hobbit films. i am VERY dissapointed. i have watched most of del toro’s films and i do not like his style of directing. especially blade 2, pan’s labyrinth. as busy as jackson might be in the upcoming years i still think he should direct both films. if del toro does direct i WILL NOT be suprised if both films are blockbuster dissapointments. new line should know better then to let del toro direct!!!!!!!!!!!PETER MUST DIRECT!!!!!
I simply don’t understand how this “two movie” thing is going to be possible! New Line and MGM may own the movie rights to The Hobbit, but they don’t own the rights to the charactors. So is there any chance that the Tolkien estate — which wasn’t all that pleased with the LOTR movies — will be allowing anyone to create entirely new material based on Tolkien’s charactors? I don’t think so!
Maybe they just plan on splitting the book in two, but honestly that doesn’t seem like such a great idea either.
When the cold of winter comes
Starless night will cover day
In the veiling of the sun
We will walk in bitter rain
But in dreams
I can hear your name
And in dreams
We will meet again
When the seas and mountains fall
And we come, to end of days
In the dark I hear a call
Calling me there,
I will go there
And back again
Thanks for all , Jackson . Thanks for all , mr. Tolkien .
May this long dream live forever .
Greetings from Italy
please go to the hobbit movie website: according to their last news it shall be peter jackson to direct both hobbit films! this is great indeed, even if sir ian mckellen announced that the first hobbit film shall come out a year later than previewed! never mind - it is peter jackson’s films and he has to direct them - so everybody will be happy!
I am a REAL fan of LOTR, I won’t be sold out to the false propaganda of Del Toro making The Hobbit, as of now, I am working on my biggest project: A website with a single objective, subject: “REAL fans will not embrace a Hobbit without Peter”.
Lies, lies and more lies, that is ALL we get from the media. Peter and Fran and Andy and every mastermind behind the LOTR trilogy gave their blood for ideas and plans and scripting for The Hobbit… And now, because of money and New Line Cinema, we are going to suffer with someone else doing the movie… I am a Hardcore fan, real live one, watched the Extended a million times, including the audio commentary the making ofs… One thing I learned by watching it, is that I KNOW Peter is the only one who can make this movie awesome, I am not willing to see an average Guilhermo Hobbit. Its like the HULK movie, once that had INCREDIBLE potential to be the best super hero movie ever made, and Andy Lee (who knows squad about special effects, had no experience) did a mediocre work. King Kong and the Trolls are more destructive than the Incredible Hulk… wow…
I know guilhermo has experience with hellboy and other special effects but HE DIDNT SHOOT LOTR for 10 years… This is a HUGE bonus we have with PETER, he learned SO MUCH while working with the actors and everything else… I just… Can’t explain the degree of knowledge of Pever vs Guilhermo when the subject is LOTR… There is NO ONE as good as him to be hired… (I am not even talking about Peters knowledge and talent to sequestrate sound, orquestra, edition, direction… his unique vision.. Weta…).
So, why the hell isn’t peter behind the hobbit? Is he tired? Afraid of not doing something as good as the trilogy? Fear to disappoint? Trust us fans mister Peter! Trust my word as I say this:
If Guilhermo fucks up, his honor as a director might end in a snap. Or, If he does an acceptable movie, people will always wander “peter could have done better”. Even if he does an amazing movie, people will wander “peter’s would be awesomest”.
Now… if YOU do something mediocre or tiny or small, peple will think nothing less of you, as it is YOU, and if YOU couldn’t do better, no one else could. And since its YOU, we will all love your mediocre film, we respect your trilogy and it doesn’t matter what you do in the future, you are always the LOTR genius for us all. I don’t care what comes out of it, as long as it YOURS!
The world is crying for you mister Peter, please, listen to us. Even if that means a monetary sacrifice. Go to the media, say you drop off your law suit because you spit on money, say you are better than New Line Cinema. Tell us fans you are willing to drop for us all, for the good sake of The Hobbit.
We want you sir, please… Thats all I ask for in life, for this masterpiece to be saved, its like Frodo and Sam when they see no hope or reason to fight for, and sam says theres still good in this world; prove to us Peter sir, prove it its not just a script, show us mankind is not lost.
I care not about anything else… Just this movie, this one must be well done… The dragon, he needs your visions…
Be back, we lost so much already, our precious is lost :_(
I am 24 years old, from Brazil, and living in this lost land was like hell, but I saw light… LOTR changed my life drastically, ever since, I have been learning 3d and animations/special effects real hard, inspired by your work. It was a chock to hear how things are ending for the Hobbit, I never felt like this since… my dad died.
Ps: If you have any soul left in you sir, send this to Sir Peter Jackson. It might be the last chance for The Hobbit. Its my lifetime dream that he reads this, I am a dreamer.
@claudia marrapodi:
until its confirmed, please add “rumor” to the top of messages like yours, my hands are shacking from the chock of what you said.
I might die if they ever announce this for real, out of happiness of course.
(I over posted my message)
I am a REAL fan of LOTR, I won’t be sold out to the false propaganda of Del Toro making The Hobbit, as of now, I am working on my biggest project: A website with a single objective, subject: “REAL fans will not embrace a Hobbit without Peter”.
Lies, lies and more lies, that is ALL we get from the media. Peter and Fran and Andy and every mastermind behind the LOTR trilogy gave their blood for ideas and plans and scripting for The Hobbit… And now, because of money and New Line Cinema, we are going to suffer with someone else doing the movie… I am a Hardcore fan, real live one, watched the Extended a million times, including the audio commentary the making ofs… One thing I learned by watching it, is that I KNOW Peter is the only one who can make this movie awesome, I am not willing to see an average Guilhermo Hobbit. Its like the HULK movie, once that had INCREDIBLE potential to be the best super hero movie ever made, and Andy Lee (who knows squad about special effects, had no experience) did a mediocre work. King Kong and the Trolls are more destructive than the Incredible Hulk… hows that possible?
I know guilhermo has experience with hellboy and other special effects but HE DIDNT SHOOT LOTR for 10 years… This is a HUGE bonus we have with PETER, he learned SO MUCH while working with the actors and everything else… I just… Can’t explain the degree of knowledge of Peter vs Guilhermo when the subject is LOTR… There is NO ONE as good as him to be hired… (I am not even talking about Peters knowledge and talent to sequestrate sound, orchestra, edition, direction… his unique vision.. Weta…).
So, why the hell isn’t peter behind the hobbit? Is he tired? Afraid of not doing something as good as the trilogy? Fear to disappoint? Trust us fans mister Peter! Trust my word as I say this:
If Guilhermo fucks up, his honor as a director might end in a snap. Or, If he does an acceptable movie, people will always wander “peter could have done better”. Even if he does an amazing movie, people will wander “peter’s would be awesomest”.
Now… if YOU do something mediocre or tiny or small, peple will think nothing less of you, as it is YOU, and if YOU couldn’t do better, no one else could. And since its YOU, we will all love your mediocre film, we respect your trilogy and it doesn’t matter what you do in the future, you are always the LOTR genius for us all. I don’t care what comes out of it, as long as it YOURS!
The world is crying for you mister Peter, please, listen to us. Even if that means a monetary sacrifice. Go to the media, say you drop off your law suit because you spit on money, say you are better than New Line Cinema. Tell us fans you are willing to drop for us all, for the good sake of The Hobbit.
We want you sir, please… Thats all I ask for in life, for this masterpiece to be saved, its like Frodo and Sam when they see no hope or reason to fight for, and sam says theres still good in this world; prove to us Peter sir, prove it its not just a script, show us mankind is not lost.
I care not about anything else… Just this movie, this one must be well done… The dragon, he needs your visions…
Be back, we lost so much already, our precious is lost :_(
I am 24 years old, from Brazil, and living in this lost land was like hell, but I saw light… LOTR changed my life drastically, ever since, I have been learning special effects real hard, inspired by your work. It was a chock to hear how things are ending for the Hobbit…
Everyone calls me a dreamer, prove them wrong sir, please, just this once…
I am so thrilled after hearing this. I am in a constant state of exstasy. Finally our dreams come true.In 2010 a new adventure will begin who know where it may take us….
…the Silmarillion comes up in mind. I know we all want it more than anything!!! Will it happen someday? Who knows…
WE WANT O BE HOBBITS IN YOUR FILM !!!!!
WE ARE A FAMILY OF MEXICANS FANS OF LOTR
WE ARE AMATEUR ACTORS AND WE WOULD BE HAPPY TO TRIP TO NEW ZELAND TO BE PART OF THIS GREAT ADVENTURE. WE ARE READY TO BEGIN THE JOURNEY. CONTACT US.
LIKE BILBO BAGGINS SAID… “IT´S DANGEROUS TO GET OUT OF YOUR HOME… YOU NEVER NOW WHERE YOUR FEET WILL TAKE YOU”.