The Hobbit Film Trilogy Thread

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,388]

Did I read correctly that The Hobbit will be broken up into two films? Given its length and simplicity, it really doesn't need to be. This is still cool, though.

They could easily pad the film by including Gandalf's conversation with Thorin in The Prancing Pony that leads to Thorin visiting Bilbo.

Also at one point in the story Gandalf dissapears to see to the Necromancer (Sauron). This could be integrated into the film, and the last meeting of the White Council.

[Morlock 12]

For the all-mighty dollar, I'm sure they'll find someway to milk it to the core.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,388]

You could not possible milk Tolkien, there is just to much out there.

[Morlock 12]

I somehow doubt that that is why the came to the decision. They are milking the movies out for maximum cash value. I'm fine with that, if they make good movies. I like the Hobbit more than the LoTR anyway.

[Luke Skywalker 2,385]

Good news!

Well, if jackson is not directing (why wouldnt he? :/), He could still pull a 'Lucas' like ESB-ROTJ so in the end its his vision what prevails...

Two movies? Well as long as it everything tolkien material. and we dont have to wait 2 years between them...

Oh no! more Complete recordings to wait for...until 2012....

Will Doug make another book... or make a prerint including the new material??

[Ollie 1,375]

Other than Jackson? Steven Spielberg of course! Yeah right, like he would work for Jacko. Having said that, the Spiels seems perfectly happy to work for George Lucas, who's talents trail waaaay behind those of PJ and his writing team, so who knows...

Spielberg and Jackson are working on Tintin together.

But Spielberg is wrong for The Hobbit. I don't think his style would fit.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,388]

Will Doug make another book... or make a prerint including the new material??

The correct term is reprint.

Though Doug's book should go to preprint pretty soon, I reckon.

[Quintus 6,499]

Other than Jackson? Steven Spielberg of course! Yeah right, like he would work for Jacko. Having said that, the Spiels seems perfectly happy to work for George Lucas, who's talents trail waaaay behind those of PJ and his writing team, so who knows...

Spielberg and Jackson are working on Tintin together.

But Spielberg is wrong for The Hobbit. I don't think his style would fit.

I see what you're saying, but my point was that I would only feel totally safe with PJ's departure if Spielberg himself with his vast, proven experience took over the directorial reins. Spielberg can adapt to the material like no one else in the biz, as he has proven pretty damn well in the past.

My statement could also be considered a huge compliment for Peter Jackson.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,388]

I can't see Spielberg adjusting his directorial style to Peter Jackson.

Nor should he.

[Ollie 1,375]

I would worry that Spielberg would try and make things too "happy ever after".

Spielberg before Schindler's List, the one who made Jaws, Duel and CE3K, would have been great for the film.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,388]

The Hobbit has a happy ending though.

[Quintus 6,499]

I can't see Spielberg adjusting his directorial style to Peter Jackson.

Nor should he.

Yes indeed. Though a change of style was never suggested by me. Just a change of genre.

I'm merely humouring myself, you understand.

[Richard P 5,303]

I don't care what happens as long as Shore does them both.

The Hobbit: The Complete Recordings coming soon to a stereo near you!

[Romão 2,473]

Meh. I didn't really like the LOTR movies, so this isn't much to excite me, as much as I love the book.

[Marian Schedenig 11,695]

No, one film is the Hobbit, the other bridges the gap between Hobbit and LOTR

That would be... difficult. Of course, they can include linking elements in the film, like Gandalf's information as told in Minas Tirith, mentioned by Steef. And I guess I wouldn't mind having the Smaug plot and the Battle fill a movie... leaves them plenty of time to flesh out the episodic first half of the book in the first movie.

[Koray Savas 2,260]

"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,'"

So why the bleep isn't he directing?

[Kendal_Ozzel 36]

My reaction to this news was: *GASP* ...oh.

Producing is great, but the man needs to direct the films.

[Red 75]

I'm disappointed he isn't directing, but I'm glad he is still involved with the film (somehow). As for new directors, Sam Raimi seems like a good choice, but I lost a lot of faith in him after Spiderman 3. Making two movies out of the story seems ridiculous, like Jackson nearly making LOTR into just two films.

Am I the only one who wants Ian Holm for Bilbo?

[Delorean90 47]

Yes, definitely.

Oh, and I love your sig.

[Kendal_Ozzel 36]

Okay, has anything been said about Raimi today, or are we just talking about the same old rumor?

[Koray Savas 2,260]

I'm disappointed he isn't directing, but I'm glad he is still involved with the film (somehow). As for new directors, Sam Raimi seems like a good choice, but I lost a lot of faith in him after Spiderman 3. Making two movies out of the story seems ridiculous, like Jackson nearly making LOTR into just two films.

Am I the only one who wants Ian Holm for Bilbo?

It's not The Hobbit in two films, it's The Hobbit and then a sequel. I don't know where they're gonna get the screenplay material for the sequel from.

I never knew everyone didn't want Ian Holm, I'm with you red rabbit!

[Morlock 12]

I bet James Newton Howard will score it. He is, after all 'A composer Peter Jackson has admired for a long time'.

[Red 75]

I never knew everyone didn't want Ian Holm, I'm with you red rabbit!

That's Mr. Rabbit to you.

So long as Howard Shore, Holm, and Ian McKellen return, this film will be in the right hands.

[John Crichton 4]

As long as they bring back Howard Shore and Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf I'll be happy.

Me too. I'm not sure about Ian Holm any more though, he was great as Bilbo in LotR and I probably would've been for him if this was being made a few years ago, but this has taken so long to get off the ground the age factor is just too much. At this point it'd be better to recast with someone younger.

The two movie thing intrigues me (man, I'm saying that a lot lately). As I've always said, The Hobbit on it's own is my least favorite bit of Tolkien's, I'd enjoy the movie much more if the wider history was included (The Necromancer, the White Council, etc). As Steef said, there is a ton there, though admitedly not a lot of it is between The Hobbit and LotR.

[indy4 160]

Did I read correctly that The Hobbit will be broken up into two films? Given its length and simplicity, it really doesn't need to be. This is still cool, though.

I believe one will be The Hobbit, and the other will be a different Middle Earth releated book by Tolkien.

[John Crichton 4]

Did I read correctly that The Hobbit will be broken up into two films? Given its length and simplicity, it really doesn't need to be. This is still cool, though.

I believe one will be The Hobbit, and the other will be a different Middle Earth releated book by Tolkien.

The only other available books are The Silmarillon or The Unfinished Tales, nearly all of which is very pre-Hobbit.

[Hlao-roo 390]

As long as Michael Bay directs, I'll be a happy man.

[Ollie 1,375]

A 3-1/2 hour movie with 3 second scenes.

I guess give me a bottle of dramamine.

Ian Holmes is too old and JNH would be totally wrong for Middle Earth. Oh at least Andy Serkis will be back as Gollum.

[Jill Sandwich 11,166]

I think Raimi would be pretty good. He can't direct Spider-Man movies for the rest of his career.

[ST-321 42]

As long as they bring back Howard Shore and Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf I'll be happy.

Agreed. 2 more complete scores from Middle Earth!

[artyjeffrey 20]

Yeah, I'm not sure about the director. Either Jackson will just produce or they simply haven't formally announced he's directing it yet...

Even if he doesn't direct, as executive produce he'll have a lot of say who gets it and have a big input on the entire production.

Somebody get Irvin Kershner out of the nursing home, he's needed to direct a new episode of somebody else's baby while the "baby daddy" looks over his shoulder.... AGAIN!

[Kendal_Ozzel 36]

Kersh may be old, be he's still doing quite well. I saw him earlier this year, and he is still quite sharp. Continues to teach at USC, I think. However, he hasn't directed anything in 15 years or so...

[Luke Skywalker 2,385]

Possible titles for the movies?

-The Hobbit

-There and Back Again

??

[Mr. Breathmask 624]

Wishlist:

Directed by Peter Jackson

Screenplay by Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh & Phillippa Boyens

Visual Effects by WETA Digital

Armoring and prosthetic effects by WETA Workshop

Alan Lee and John Howe on the art directing team

Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey

Andy Serkis as Gollum

Hugo Weaving as Elrond

Music composed, conducted and orchestrated by Howard Shore

Music performed by the London Philharmonic

etc

etc

Basically bring back everyone who worked on Lord of the Rings.

[Luke Skywalker 2,385]

Wishlist:

Visual Effects by WETA Digital

Music performed by the London Philharmonic

OK, those are good for continuity.

But ILM or LSO wouldnt be wrong choices

J/k (no need to create 'The Last Debate')

I hope the desing of Smaug is cool.

The dragons in Battle for middle earth II are shortlegged and a little chubby for my tastes...

I found this one Doug Adams blog click:

(Comment on yesterday's Hobbit post)

Howard Shore is not currently signed on to this film. That’s not in any way bad news. Before today, there was no film! In fact, I spoke with Shore about The Hobbit just last Monday, and though he thought wheels were moving, he didn’t have any more information than that. But composers don’t sign on to projects until projects exist, so this is totally normal.

The better news is that Shore is interested. He’s been very public about this, so I’m sure it comes as no surprise—what’s great, however, is that Shore’s interest is likely to be very much fueled by New Line’s involvement. Remember, a film composer doesn’t work just with the director on a large project such as this. The “suits” become a large part of the process. (“Suits” seems a somewhat derogatort term, but I certainly don’t mean it as such. Just a convenient shorthand.) They ensure the composer has proper resources, proper materials, proper time. They make sure the budget exists to hire a fine orchestra, good recording engineers, noteworthy soloists. Composers and directors can be as creative as they want, but this sort of infrastructure is essential to realizing the final product. The Lord of the Rings’ score became what it was largely do to the support offered by such people as Paul Broucek, Rick Porras… and yes, Bob Shaye—all producers attached to New Line. Ever wonder why Shore, in the middle of an opera, a touring schedule and a number of demanding concert commissions agreed to score the little-known The Last Mimzy? With the support of New Line and Bob Shaye (who acted as director on this one) he knew he’d be in a comfortable working environment that nurtured his creativity. With New Line involved in The Hobbit, we’re almost certain to see many of these same behind-the-scenes people return, and that’s fantastic news. What’s more, there won’t be any sort of intellectual property issues regarding the LOTR themes and motifs that may find appropriate usage in The Hobbit’s score. Everything is already under one roof.

So short story, nothing is yet announced from Shore’s camp. He’ll have something to say when he has something to say. But I will note that the planets seem to be perfectly aligned for The Hobbit score we’re all hoping for.

-Doug

[Vaderbait1 1]

So they're turning it into two movies? It's official, they're turning into George Lucas.

[Luke Skywalker 2,385]

IMO, they were that from the very beggining...

[Ollie 1,375]

Riiigghtttt

[Delorean90 47]

[pixie_twinkle 60]

If The Hobbit is split into two movies I will boycott it. Nuff said.

[gkgyver 1,647]

For the all-mighty dollar, I'm sure they'll find someway to milk it to the core.

"Milking" is hardly the word for doing a great story justice by not cutting it apart and sticking it back together with huge holes in between.

IMO, they were that from the very beggining...

If they were, Return Of The King would suck badly because the producer had an ego trip, and we would wait another couple of years for a complete Two Towers score while still writhing in pain when thinking back to the botched Fellowship score release that had no liner notes, but instead a booklet with a photograph of each individual orc costume.

By now we would also have the third repackaging of the OST, with no extra music, but screensavers that crash your PC.

And PJ, in an egomaniacal ecstasy of galactic proportions, would have destroyed all existing copies of the movies after releasing the extended version of the films.

[John Crichton 4]

Riiigghtttt

I'm gonna start charging you reuse fees.

[artyjeffrey 20]

So they're turning it into two movies? It's official, they're turning into George Lucas.

....and bring on Kershner!

[Whill 0]

People, don't be so prejudice. How can you judge movies you haven't even seen, or that haven't even been made yet? It sounds like the they want to have a movie about the Hobbit, which we have all wanted all along. And then the other movie is mostly new stuff, but trying to creatively fill in the gap between the Hobbit and LOTR. This is a better idea then streching the Hobbit into two movies. It allows you to enjoy the Hobbit, and then simply disregard the "midquel" if you don't like it. It doesn't have to all or nothing. And maybe the 2nd movie will be the best of them all. Only time will tell. I'm excited about the news, and yes, I will be dissappointed if one or both of these are not good. But I won't know until I actually see them.

Movie critics, please see the movies first!

And if they were really turning into George Lucas, it would be the Hobbit Trilogy

[indy4 160]

Well said!

[Docteur Qui 1,581]

And if they were really turning into George Lucas, it would be the Hobbit Trilogy

And there would be numerous more "Extended Editions"

And there would be a 90/10 ratio of actors/set pieces and CG

etc.

Well said indeed.

I'm optimistic! My main wishes are for Serkis, McKellen, Jackson and Shore to return. And someone good to voice Smaug.

Would also be nice for John Rhys Davies to play Gloin!

[BurgaFlippinMan 7]

A 3-1/2 hour movie with 3 second scenes.

I guess give me a bottle of dramamine.

JNH would be totally wrong for Middle Earth. Oh at least Andy Serkis will be back as Gollum.

Did Shore write anything pre-LOTR to suggest he was 'right' for Middle-Earth?

[Ollie 1,375]

I'm gonna start charging you reuse fees.

Riiigghtttt

[pixie_twinkle 60]

A 3-1/2 hour movie with 3 second scenes.

I guess give me a bottle of dramamine.

JNH would be totally wrong for Middle Earth. Oh at least Andy Serkis will be back as Gollum.

Did Shore write anything pre-LOTR to suggest he was 'right' for Middle-Earth?

Or during or after-LOTR for that matter...

[Romão 2,473]

Oh yeah