Some Hobbit for breakfast

Huh - PJ said he wouldn't direct, not that he wouldn't write, from what I remember!

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i2540573003aeb12c2a77057789758a60

'Hobbit' duo adds writing duties
Peter Jackson, Guillermo del Toro to pen adaptations
By Borys Kit

Aug 19, 2008, 10:03 PM ET

Peter Jackson and Guillermo del Toro's search for writers for "The Hobbit" and its companion film has ended, with the filmmakers deciding that no one is better suited for the task than they are.

Del Toro, who is directing the movies, will team with the "Lord of the Rings" filmmaker and "Hobbit" executive producer Jackson to adapt the J.R.R. Tolkien book and write its follow-up. Also joining them in the writers room are Frank Walsh and Philippa Boyens, both of whom collaborated with Jackson on the "Rings" trilogy.

The news caps off an eight-month search for a scribe to tackle the coveted task of bringing the literary classic to the big screen. When Jackson and New Line resolved their differences over profit participation in the "Rings" films, Jackson said he would not be writing the "Hobbit" movies because of other commitments, though he does have approval over creative elements in his role as exec producer.

( Read more... )

http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/08/19/29490-ign-guillermo-talks-the-hobbits-effects/

IGN: Guillermo Talks ‘The Hobbit’s Effects
August 19th, 2008 by Calisuri | Source: IGN | Discuss

There is a great article posted at IGN today that summarizes what we already knew about Guillermo del Toro’s intention to use more animatronics in the creation of the ‘Hobbit’ films. But Ringer Elven points out one small bit of information of which we did not have previous confirmation:

We naturally enquired if he planned on continuing with a CG Gollum: “Absolutely. I think that it worked perfectly on the [Lord of the Rings] trilogy and if it ain’t broke, why fix it?”
Gotta love the ‘Why fix it?’ attitude! Read the full article and discuss in our forums! [IGN]


http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/08/19/29496-mgm-seeks-600-million-to-make-hobbit-pink-panther-movies/

MGM Seeks $600 Million to Make `Hobbit,’ `Pink Panther’ Movies
August 19th, 2008 by Calisuri | Source: Bloomberg | Discuss

Some news on the funding behind the upcoming ‘Hobbit’ films from Bloomberg.com:

( Read more... )

Speculation about Vin voicing Smaug?!

omg that would be great... I hadn't read the transcript of the latest chat of TheOneRing.net’s Larry Curtis with Sohaib on ‘Fictional Frontiers with Sohaib,’ on WNJC 1360 AM, Philadelphia, but now found a link to it at vindiesel.hu. :D I totally agree with Larry and Sohaib - Vin just has the perfect kind of voice for a dragon and would be fantastic for Smaug! And yes, just listen to Vin's voiceover at the beginning of Pitch Black if you're doubtful!


http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/08/18/29485-fictional-frontiers-8-17-2008-transcript/

Relevant excerpt:

When I was in San Diego, we had a couple of minutes left, I know there was a segment during the Panel about speculation as far as the cast of certain characters – the casting of certain characters of the films – Are we getting any other rumours about Smaug? It’s funny, I was there (SDCC), Initially, I think one of the first people mentioned was Vin Diesel for Smaug, and I actually liked the idea of Vin Diesel as Smaug – maybe I was actually a minority, but there were rounds of boo’s – are we hearing anything more about Smaug at all – is there anything you’ve heard – maybe if there’s nothing, you could let our listeners in on other rumours other than Vin Diesel, as far as the character of Smaug is concerned?

( Read more... )

I think this (partially) explains the strange HR article from yesterday...

I didn't think to check Variety.com after reading that strange Hollywood Reporter article, but Kristin Thompson thankfully pointed this out on her blog:

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117990816.html?categoryid=13&cs=1

Posted: Tue., Aug. 19, 2008, 9:00pm PT

'Lord' fellowship signs on for 'Hobbit'
Jackson, Walsh, Boyens onboard for film
By DAVE MCNARY

Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens have officially signed on to collaborate on "The Hobbit" and its sequel with director Guillermo del Toro.
The announcement, from exec producers Jackson and Walsh and New Line president Toby Emmerich, came four months after del Toro confirmed he had signed on to direct both pics.

( Read more... )

Kristin's commentary ( behind this cut. )

And now I'll stop spamming your flists and go take a hot bath. :)