Peter Jackson, Oscar-winning director of the Lord of the Rings movies, has signed a deal to produce two films based on JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit.The filmmaker had been in dispute with New Line Cinema over income generated by the first film in the Rings trilogy. "I'm very pleased that we've been able to put our differences behind us," said Jackson. "We are delighted to continue our journey through Middle Earth." A director for the films - prequels to the Rings movies - has yet to be named.
The two Hobbit films will be filmed simultaneously, with their release planned for 2010 and 2011. 'New chapter' Sir Ian McKellen has already expressed an interest in reprising his role as the wizard Gandalf. In a statement, Jackson said the agreement enabled his Wingnut Films company to "begin a new chapter with our old friends at New Line".
The three films in the Rings trilogy generated $3bn (£1.48bn) at the worldwide box office and won 17 Oscars. New Line co-chairman Bob Shaye had previously said Jackson would never make The Hobbit "during my watch".
Source BBC
It'll be interesting to see who ends up Directing these, with Jackson busy on Lovely Bones at the moment and up for directing one of the Tin Tin Movies with Steven Spielberg he seems like he'll be far to busy to handle them himself.
I suppose there are a lot of Directors out there who could do a great job of these movies, and now I'm sure the speculation will begin. I'd love to see Ridley Scott do them as I'm a big fan of Legend and I think he could make them look amazing.
6 comments:
I feel inordinately pleased at this news. How sad am I?
Surely Christian Rivers is the natural successor to Jackson? For years he's been PJ's storyboard man, animatics supervisor & word was he would direct the DAMBUSTERS movie coming from WETA/WingNut Prods.
He must be one of the closest to PJ's vision & approach?
I believe he is still directing the Dambusters film, I know Stephen Fry was writing the screenplay but I've seen no other word about it, the last time Rich Dolan spoke to him they were still in the early stages, though I did read on the net they'd started FX work and FX tests etc...
I really hope Peter Jackson does direct these films, I'm not to bothered about a CG Tin Tin movie if they're doing a few with other directors anyway.
I'm not sure about designers directing movies, I mean look at Ridley Scott!
Are there going to be hobbits in Dambusters now?
Well, of course, if PJ doesn't direct, the story might at least be closer to the original --- unless, of course, he writes the script!! ;-)
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