What's Happening with The Hobbit? Film Preview
Set for 2011, Hobbit Films Move Forward with Del Toro and Jackson
Nov 1, 2009
Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema's Lord of the Rings trilogy came to a close in December 2003 with the theatrical release of the series' third film, The Return of the King. With the trilogy's immense popularity and critical acclaim, it seemed only natural that Peter Jackson and his production company, Wingnut Films, would team with New Line Cinema again for The Hobbit. The Hobbit would serve as a prequel to the Lord of the Rings, chronicling the adventures of Bilbo Baggins and his acquiring of the One Ring, as described in J.R.R. Tolkien's novel. Due to a lawsuit by Wingnut Films against New Line Cinema, business relations terminated, separating Jackson from The Hobbit and the Middle Earth film legacy he largely created.
Now, six years later without new Hobbit films, production of The Hobbit is a whole new ballgame. At last, progress seems to be taking its course. The pawns are being assembled, the principals are gathering, and the tale is being woven. Finally, if all goes well, fans of The Lord of the Rings will soon be able to see another Tolkien-inspired film.
When will The Hobbit be Released in Theaters? What's the Film's Production Status?
The much anticipated film, The Hobbit, will now be expanded into two films, both premised upon Tolkien's novel of the same name. The second film will likely extend beyond Tolkien's The Hobbit, focusing on years that separate the earlier book from The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The first film is set for release in December 2011. The second is due out in December 2012.
According to TheHobbit-Movie.com, Wingnut Films and New Line Cinema have settled their lawsuit. Jackson, as co-writer and producer (not director), and New Line seem to be moving passed their differences and forward on The Hobbit. Set production has begun, and the script for the first film has allegedly been completed.
Per TheOneRIng.net, the two films will be filmed simultaneously, as were the previous Peter Jackson films. Cast and crew will be heading to New Zealand for filming, also replicating the original trilogy's production. Howard Shore will return to compose the new film's scores, and Weta Digital will again play a primary role in creating The Hobbit's special effects.
Who is Directing The Hobbit?
Despite his absence from the director's chair, Peter Jackson (Dead Alive, King Kong, The Lord of the Rings trilogy) will exert substantial influence over The Hobbit as both a co-writer (with Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, and Guillermo Del Toro) and executive producer. His vision sculpted the original three films into masterpieces, and his presence is reassuring.
That isn't to say that his replacement is by any means a less visionary director. A master in his own right, Guillermo Del Toro (The Devil’s Backbone, Pans Labyrinth, Hellboy II: The Golden Army) will take up Jackson's helm. A truly impressive combination, Jackson and Del Toro will likely result, at the very least, in a visually awe-inspiring fantasy film.
Are Lord of the Rings Actors Returning for The Hobbit? Who will Play Bilbo Baggins, The Hobbit's Lead Role?
There have been many rumors circulating that pertain to The Hobbit's casting. Many sources, including TheOneRing.net, cite Ian McKellen's (Apt Pupil, X-Men trilogy, Gods and Monsters) return as the wizard, Gandalf the Grey. Andy Serkis (Deathwatch, King Kong, Inkheart) will also reprise his role as the creature, Gollum. Hugo Weaving (The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, the Matrix trilogy, The Wolfman) is also expected to return as elf elder Elrond. John Rhys-Davies, however, has stated that he will not be reprising his role as the dwarf, Gimli, says TheHobbit-Movie.com.
As for the coveted lead role? James McAvoy (The Last King of Scotland, Wanted, Wanted 2), a good choice for the part, was once thought to be cast as the young Bilbo Baggins. But per TheHobbit-Movie.com, McAvoy has denied these rumors. Rather, the website reports that David Tennant, best known for his starring role on the BBC's Doctor Who, may star in The Hobbit. This remains unconfirmed.
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