Breaking News: Peter Jackson Will Direct The Hobbit
Big news today in the ongoing saga of Peter Jackson and New Line, who have been at odds for some time now over back pay due from the Lord of the Rings movies. News is slowly coming out that states the two parties have reached an agreement that will allow Peter Jackson to take over the reins on The Hobbit. This comes after months of speculation that New Line may take the project to another director, including perhaps Sam Raimi. The deal was reportedly struck as a result of MGM stepping in to split the production costs 50/50 with New Line.
Jackson had this to say: “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.”
As much as I’d like to see someone else take a stab at The Hobbit, especially since the book has such a different feel from The Lord of the Rings, there’s really no one else who can match the extensive experience and background that Jackson has with the material at this point. I’m sure most fans will be extremely pleased with the news. We’ll have more details on this exciting project as it develops.
Update: According to The Hollywood Reporter, preproduction will start immediately, with shooting happening throughout 2009. The book will be broken up into two movies, the first to be released in 2010, the second in 2011.
Comments (11)
Thank God! This is great news!
Posted by Baychuk on December 18th, 2007I, personally, would have liked to see Sam Raimi direct this, but I’m neither here nor there with this news.
Posted by mike on December 18th, 2007I’m pretty sure the announcement was of Jackson coming on board as a producer. There isn’t any word yet on who will direct.
Posted by James on December 18th, 2007I’m with Mike – Raimi would have been great to direct but I’m happy to see it’s going forward.
I’m surprised that no where on the press release is there mention of the 3D. I wonder if this was bad information?
Posted by Marina on December 18th, 2007James: I was going by the Yahoo article, which said he would direct. It seems weird to me that he would only exec produce, but you’re right, it is unconfirmed at this point.
Posted by Sean on December 18th, 2007We all knew this was coming. It was just a matter of time before they made up.
Posted by Martin on December 18th, 2007According to Superherohype.com Peter Jackson is only producing and Raimi may be directing. Honestly, I’m happy with the Lord of the Rings series the way it is and don’t feel a real urge to see more films based on the property. I’m more interested in seeing the Spiderman franchise continue on under the guidance of Sam Raimi.
Posted by Rian on December 18th, 2007Naw, we need “The Hobbit”. Then it will be complete. Remember, its a prequel and we all love prequels. Besides, its all about Bilbo and how he got the ring.
Posted by Baychuk on December 18th, 2007This movie isnt really needed but I knew it was pound to happen. I was hoping for a new director with no involvement from Jackson. With the news of the Hobbit and another film that will connect the Hobbit to LOTR, I can’t say I am looking forward to this. The Hobbit is dramatically different in tone then LOTR. I some how have a feeling the movie will fall more in line with the previous movies he has done. Oh well, I guess I’ll just have to avoid it while its in theaters.
Posted by Captain N on December 18th, 2007Baychuck: “Naw, we need “The Hobbitâ€Â. Then it will be complete. Remember, its a prequel and we all love prequels. Besides, its all about Bilbo and how he got the ring.”
But I know how Bilbo got the ring. They showed that stuff in Fellowship. I’m sure there’s much more to the story, but I personally just don’t feel like we need to see it.
Posted by Rian on December 18th, 2007Personally I’d like to see the story come to life. And as for Peter Jackson directing, he should only to give continuity to the series. Well….I guess he’d have to gain all that weight back. lol
Posted by Baychuk on December 19th, 2007Leave a Reply