The Hobbit movies

CosmicDebris

http://au.movies.ign.com/articles/741/741713p1.html

Hmmm can't say I didn't see this coming years ago, although it's not exactly getting off the ground quite yet.

As a huge fan of Tolkien's books as well as Peter Jackson's movies, I'm not sure how to feel about this right now.

I feel kind of like I got over a major love affair…and not really ready to step back into the relationship again knowing all the pain and annoying little things I'll have to deal with again...and whether it can achieve the same feeling again.

Also, The Hobbit is very different from LOTR. It's not so much an epic, emotional, philosophical journey of self-sacrice and good triumphing over evil type of thing as LOTR, more of a simple treasure hunt/dragon slaying tale. And Bilbo travels around with just dwarves for the most part. It'll be hard to make as "kewl" for the average action movie people.

As for whether PJ should direct it…I don't know. A lot of people gripe that "he's gone too mainstream" or maybe he's just burned out on LOTR now...I think conceivably another director could do better. But then, you can't deny (unless you're one of those annoying hard-core Tolkien purists who can't deal with a single change reasonably) that he did a great job with LOTR.

Eh, we'll see.

Buuhan1

So simply put now they are simply trying to milk LOTRs success which will most likely lead to a craptastic movie like most following this path do.

stephen

I'd watch a film of the Hobbit done in Jackson's LOTR style but I don't know how I'd feel about a really bloated two-film version.

Greg

Lord of the Rings was something I knew little of before its theatrical release, however, The Hobbit in its animated incarnation is one of the coolest and most frightening memories I have as child.

I can only see good things coming from this.

And…..how has Jackson gone mainstream? He made what? One movie since then? And despite what you might think about the OVERALL story (ie. the idea that it was King Kong) the way he told the story and what he did with it was awesome.

I get chills just thinking about the possibility of this.

But two films? Hey, as long as the showdown with Smog
is the most legendary dragon battle that has and ever will grace the silver screen, I have no doubts about it.

Cap'n Carter

Smaug.

@stephen:

I'd watch a film of the Hobbit done in Jackson's LOTR style but I don't know how I'd feel about a really bloated two-film version.

Same here. I've always loved the Hobbit a lot more than the LOTR trilogy.

CosmicDebris

Yeah, Smaug would make it worth it. Just as long as Sean Connery doesn't do the voice. XD
Who would you choose? For some reason Ron Perlman just dropped into my head.

@Greg:

Lord of the Rings was something I knew little of before its theatrical release, however, The Hobbit in its animated incarnation is one of the coolest and most frightening memories I have as child.

Yeah, I saw that before I read any of the books. Good times. Although the depiction of elves in that movie was hideous.
Anyone ever see the Rankin-Bass ROTK? '

"Where there's a WHIP! There is a WAY!" Gawd, cheesiest thing ever. XDDD I recommend it just for laughs.

And…..how has Jackson gone mainstream? He made what? One movie since then? And despite what you might think about the OVERALL story (ie. the idea that it was King Kong) the way he told the story and what he did with it was awesome.

I agree. I think some people are just very…I don't know, elitist? Although I can fully understand someone just not liking his directorial style.

I think two films is a bit much too. I think The Hobbit can be squeezed into one long film well enough. It just sounds like they're trying to milk as much movie out of it as possible.

They could always go for The Silmarillion next…:ninja: It would probably be better as a mini-series though, since it's a bunch of short stories. I'd like to see it visualized just for the fact that the book is written soooo dry.

I have a hard time understanding how someone could like The Hobbit more than LOTR though. Different strokes fer different folks eh.

Cap'n Carter

Well… Maybe I can see the logic in 2 movies, since if they made one 2 hour one they'd have to really abbreviate and/or cut several important parts. But yeah, I still think it's a bit excessive.

CosmicDebris

Even with three 3 hour + movies they still had to cut a lot of important scenes out of LOTR. It's unavoidable.

Making two movies has some other drawbacks…it can mess with the momentum of the story. They'll have to find something to be the climax of film one...I'm not sure what that would be. It's been a while since I read it...I think probably fighting Smaug would be the climax of the first film and the big battle the climax of the second, that's the only thing I can think of at the moment. But that was a depressing fight, eh? Not a fight for freedom or anything.

igalsfy

please don't ever make peter jackson work on anything tolkien-related ever again.

Ubiq

@CosmicDebris:

Just as long as Sean Connery doesn't do the voice. XD
Who would you choose?

James Earl Jones.

If not him, then David Warner.

While on the subject of casting, I nominate David Bowie for either Thranduil or the Great Goblin.

"Where there's a WHIP! There is a WAY!" Gawd, cheesiest thing ever. XDDD I recommend it just for laughs.

We don't wanna go to war today!

The whole damn movie was weird, but nothing, but nothing tops the orc turning into a duck-billed playtpus in that one scene.

I think The Hobbit can be squeezed into one long film well enough. It just sounds like they're trying to milk as much movie out of it as possible.

I seem to recall reading somewhere a while back that they were actually debating creating original material for it to make it longer. Hell if I know why though.

I understand not using some things, especially the animal servants in Beorn's hall for instance. But filler would not be necessary if they would JUST INCLUDE THE DAMN SONGS. If nothing else, using the Dwarven song at the start of the film would provide some easy exposition.

CosmicDebris

@igalsfy:

please don't ever make peter jackson work on anything tolkien-related ever again.

It wasn't me I swear!

I loved PJ's adaption though, sorry :wub:

@Ubiq:

James Earl Jones.

If not him, then David Warner.

I don't know who David Warner is James Earl Jones…seems too overdone with voiceovers.

While on the subject of casting, I nominate David Bowie for either Thranduil or the Great Goblin.

Did you know that David Bowie tried to get the role of Elrond? Personally I think he's getting to old to play any elves. He was the Goblin King once though. XD

The whole damn movie was weird, but nothing, but nothing tops the orc turning into a duck-billed playtpus in that one scene.

I don't even remember that. At the time I watched it, I was sitting with a bunch of Tolkien fans trying to come up with ideas to do a Rocky Horror style satire to the movie and was laughing most of the time. I don't know if they ever got that together.

I seem to recall reading somewhere a while back that they were actually debating creating original material for it to make it longer. Hell if I know why though.

Making it longer is hardly what it needs.

I understand not using some things, especially the animal servants in Beorn's hall for instance. But filler would not be necessary if they would JUST INCLUDE THE DAMN SONGS. If nothing else, using the Dwarven song at the start of the film would provide some easy exposition.

It's hard to do songs without making them cheesy, or a musical. It would be nice if they could put at least one or two in. Singing while walking maybe.

Mr. All Sunday

Seeing Smaug in all of his CGed flaming glory lighting Esgaroth on fire would make this movie woth seeing. Anyway, being a huge fan of anything Tolkien, I'd like to see The Hobbit made into a movie. I was 100% sure that there would be one after finding out that the Fellowship of the Ring was going to be made into a movie, but I was kind of disapointed that there wasn't one. As long as it's done correctly, this could be excellent.

I win because I can read Dwarf runes.

Ubiq

@CosmicDebris:

I don't know who David Warner is

He played Ra's Al Ghul on Batman: TAS. That and Sark from Tron.

I'd have said Tony Jay, but well, he's dead sadly enough.

Anybody who plays him definitely needs to sound cultured and smooth though.

James Earl Jones…seems too overdone with voiceovers.

That's only because he has one of the best voices in the entire industry. He was the single best thing about Flight of Dragons for instance… huh, somebody's apparently posted that entire film in segments on Youtube.

Did you know that David Bowie tried to get the role of Elrond?

Yeah. I kinda wish that he had got it, Elrond seemed too stiff in Jackson's version. On the other hand, he was kinda like that in LotR.

Personally I think he's getting to old to play any elves. He was the Goblin King once though. XD

All the more reason for him to be the Great Goblin. That or Bolg.

I don't even remember that. At the time I watched it, I was sitting with a bunch of Tolkien fans trying to come up with ideas to do a Rocky Horror style satire to the movie and was laughing most of the time. I don't know if they ever got that together.

I think it's during the sequence where Sam imagines turning the whole world into a garden. Right in the middle, bam. Orc turns into a Platypus. I think it should be in this sequence

.

On another note,

.

Making it longer is hardly what it needs.

I'm seriously hoping that padding isn't the reason that they're considering breaking it in two.

It's hard to do songs without making them cheesy, or a musical. It would be nice if they could put at least one or two in. Singing while walking maybe.

Well, the best way to avoid making them cheesy is to put them in the hands of somebody who knows what they're doing. Somebody like the Chieftains for instance could do an amazing job with Tolkien's work.

taboo

I actually liked the Hobbit more than the LOTR part. :I

I win because I can read Dwarf runes.

On a side note: http://www.utexas.edu/features/archive/2002/tolkien.html

Cap'n Carter

@Ubiq:

He played Ra's Al Ghul on Batman: TAS. That and Sark from Tron.

The Lobe on Freakazoid! as well.

Ubiq

@Cap'n:

The Lobe on Freakazoid! as well.

Man, I always forget about that one for some reason. Of course my main memories of Freakazoid are the Gargoyles and Johnny Quest parodies.

One of his best characters that I still neglected to mention was the Evil Genius from Time Bandits. He was also in Quest for the Delta Knights, but I'm sure that he'd prefer that people forget about that.

CosmicDebris

@Ubiq:

Anybody who plays him definitely needs to sound cultured and smooth though.

Well, it'll probably end up being a british accent anyway :P

That's only because he has one of the best voices in the entire industry. He was the single best thing about Flight of Dragons for instance… huh, somebody's apparently posted that entire film in segments on Youtube.

I can't disagree with that, but I just don't really know if he really fits the part.
Ah, Flight of Dragons, there's something I haven't seen i a long time. I totally grew up with all those Rankin-Bass fantasy cartoons.

I think it's during the sequence where Sam imagines turning the whole world into a garden. Right in the middle, bam. Orc turns into a Platypus. I think it should be in this sequence
.

Ooooh yeah now I remember that part. Gah, I'm not sure which is worse, Ralph Bakshi's Sam design or that one. OK I lied, no contest it's Ralph Bakshi's. It's kind of a shame that the PJ's movie completely cut Sam getting the ring, but then it's ridiculous how much time the animated version wasted on it. XD

On another note,
.

Yay! Hahaha. That song rocks. XD

@taboo:

I actually liked the Hobbit more than the LOTR part. :I

Oh yeah well you're…some kind of...freaky...alien cow!

OP Man

Its great living in a capitalist society. I remember seeing LOTR and suddenly realized, "Hey, the skipped over a whole storyline (Hobbits)"@CosmicDebris:

I can't disagree with that, but I just don't really know if he really fits the part.
Ah, Flight of Dragons, there's something I haven't seen i a long time. I totally grew up with all those Rankin-Bass fantasy cartoons.

The cartoons were my only experience with LOTR. It aired on primetime on ABC. I remember the character design at the time were creepy. Especially Golem(sp?) with hair hanging down between his legs. Bleargh!!!

Yay! Hahaha. That song rocks. XD

That's the only song I remember from that series. Goes to prove how powerful it is. I still know the main lyrics :blink:

CosmicDebris

@OP:

"The cartoons were my only experience with LOTR.

The animated LOTR and ROTK sucked. This review is awesome though: http://flyingmoose.org/tolksarc/bakshi/bakshi.htm

Particularly the last few things on the list…hilarious.

It aired on primetime on ABC. I remember the character design at the time were creepy. Especially Golem(sp?) with hair hanging down between his legs. Bleargh!!!

That's a LOIN CLOTH silly. XD
Most Rankin-Bass character designs are creepy. And it's Gollum.

Ubiq

@CosmicDebris:

Particularly the last few things on the list…hilarious.

Yeah, that sequence with Gandalf slaughtering those Orcs just comes out of nowhere. I noticed several of the same things as this author; in fact, I wrote a review of the film myself for a message board a few years ago and even included the same quote about the Balrog. Another poster posted it on her website to preserve it (as she herself wrote a review and used mine as a comparison), but I can't recall the url for it.

Most Rankin-Bass character designs are creepy. And it's Gollum.

Gollum's design might have been a throwback to some of the very early designs for Gollum that pre-dated Lord of the Rings; that or animators didn't have the slightest idea that he was a Hobbit.

CosmicDebris

@Ubiq:

Yeah, that sequence with Gandalf slaughtering those Orcs just comes out of nowhere. I noticed several of the same things as this author; in fact, I wrote a review of the film myself for a message board a few years ago and even included the same quote about the Balrog.

Hehe, the "Sam's concern for his master" point was something I was like, "what the hell?" about. And the whole battle at the end was ridiculous and boring. Apparently Bakshi ran out of money during the production and they just sort of did a rush-ending.
And oh yes, "Aruman!" wait, no, it's still Saruman!

Gollum's design might have been a throwback to some of the very early designs for Gollum that pre-dated Lord of the Rings; that or animators didn't have the slightest idea that he was a Hobbit.

I was just pointing out the spelling of Gollum to OP Man.
Gollum's been designed so many different ways. I really liked the way he came out in the new movies, even though he was maybe a little too cute at times, which is hard to believe I can even say that. And Gollum doesn't travel in daylight, beyotches!

fin fish

I think this'll be totally awesome, though I'd rather have it be just one movie. And… I don't think anyone will be able to beat the cartoon version of Smaug. Something about his voice just cracked me the hell up, it's my favorite thing ever.

One time I asked Leonard Nimoy if he thought it would be fun to have a cameo in a live action version of The Hobbit if they ever made one since he was a Tolkien fan and he got really mad at me.

Edit: Oh, by the way: http://www.rioroute.net/no_parking__NO/smaug.mp3
Yeah, a clip of Smaug from the animated version. Oh man, "Where are your riddles now?!" was like, the official catchphrase among all my friends in high school. Our math team T-shirts said "Where are your radicals now?!"

Cap'n Carter

@fin:

Leonard Nimoy

fin fish

Yeah, that's why I brought it up. Apparently he gets mad when you acknowledge that it exists. Or if you suggest he ever act again. I'm not totally sure which part set him off.

CosmicDebris

He got mad? What did he do?
Pssh, actors and their silly pride. XD At least William Shatner has started to get more of a sense of humor about himself.

fin fish

He was just like, "How many times do I have to tell all of you, I'm done with acting, stop asking me!" and I was like, "Um, sorry." and then I felt really bad. But I still love him.

Bonus, since we were recently on the subject of the Ralph Bakshi version of LOTR:
http://www.rioroute.net/no_parking__NO/wham.WMV

God, I have so many videos and sound clips and stupid drawings and everything. My life revolved around this stuff in 11th grade.

igalsfy

oh yeah i remember this movie. wasn't it supposed to be in 2 parts but the 2nd one never came out?

anyway, that was so strange and i was so young that i didn't like it.

CosmicDebris

@fin:

He was just like, "How many times do I have to tell all of you, I'm done with acting, stop asking me!" and I was like, "Um, sorry." and then I felt really bad. But I still love him.

Well, if I were to meet him I'll make it a point not to ask if he wants to do a cameo in the live action Transformers movies. XD He probably felt bad later on after saying that, actors probably get so many aggrivating questions over the years. Is he really done with acting though? I still see him pop up in commercials and stuff.

Bonus, since we were recently on the subject of the Ralph Bakshi version of LOTR:
http://www.rioroute.net/no_parking__NO/wham.WMV

That was hilarious. XD

Le Lawliet

http://entertainment.tv.yahoo.com/entnews/va/20061120/116408712000.html

heh….

CosmicDebris

Well that settles that, then, for better of for worse.
It's really a shame though, that the reason why he isn't being considered is because of some stupid lawsuit.

LOTR was a big gamble and an amazing artistic endeavor (anyone watch the documentaries on all the work being put into research, sets, costumes, weapons, languages, etc.. it's mind-blowing), and I just feel already like The Hobbit is just something capitalizing on its success.

OP Man

@CosmicDebris:

I was just pointing out the spelling of Gollum to OP Man.

Yeah, pointing out my bad grammar and spelling is one of her hobbies. XP

Of course they are cashing on LOTR success, but then again success is an indicator that the public might be interested in more stories. Let them do it. If it is great then it is great. If it sucks then it sucks. Its not the end of the world

CosmicDebris

You asked if the spelling was correct. XD

I never said they shouldn't do it. I haven't given up hope on the movie, it could be great. I'm just expressing my concern that it seems to have gotten off at a bad start already.

What I'd like to know is whether Peter Jackson really WANTS to direct it or not. If he really is over Middle-earth and doesn't want to do it, then I'll be glad that he's not doing it. But if it's really all a matter of New Line and PJ at odds over money, than it's lame.

Malintex_Terek

@Ubiq:

Anybody who plays him definitely needs to sound cultured and smooth though.

I'm not sure if a cultured voice is really the way to go; it doesn't seem befitting of Smaug, even if he's supposed to act like some vain lord of the Lonely Mountain. Warner, Jones, and even Jay feel too regal for him.

If I had a say, I'd vote Kevin Michael Richardson, who has a solid voice without too many popular associations, followed closely by Jim Cummings (who would make a PERFECT Great Goblin). Here's some samples:

Richardson.
Cummings.

CosmicDebris

Here's a little clarification on the purpose of two movies:

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117953908.html?categoryid=13&cs=1

As for "The Hobbit," Sloan confirmed MGM was in talks with Peter Jackson to make two movies based on J.R.R. Tolkein's "prequel" to "The Lord of the Rings."
However, making the film is contingent on negotiations with New Line, which owns the right to produce "The Hobbit" (MGM owns only the right to distribute the films). And people close to Jackson say that until his ongoing lawsuit with New Line – over monies he says are owed him from the "Lord of the Rings" franchise -- is settled, a serious conversation over "The Hobbit" cannot proceed.
Even so, Sloan remains optimistic. He said the first "Hobbit" pic would be a direct adaptation of "The Hobbit," and the second would be drawn from footnotes and source material connecting "The Hobbit" with "The Lord of the Rings."

So basically the first movie would be the adaption of The Hobbit, while the second would be a bridge between the two, drawing from Tolkien's other books and footnotes…

CosmicDebris

Hm, so PJ maybe directing after all? :wassat: I'm not really trusting this article entirely though. There's no confirmation on it.

(taken from TORC)
Found this on Moviefone.

Jackson May Return for 'The Hobbit'
By BUCK WOLF

WireImage.com
'LOTR' fans can relax after a week of depression, as Jackson is now said to 'definitely' be directing 'The Hobbit.'
–------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Nov. 2Cool — It may take another quest to the Crack of Doom, but there's new hope that Peter Jackson will return to direct "The Hobbit" and another "Lord of the Rings" prequel.

"Lord of the Rings" fans were in a frenzy last week, following the announcement from Jackson that New Line Cinema had sent a letter informing him that the film studio "would no longer be requiring our services on the 'Hobbit' and the 'LOTR' prequel."

Now, the producer who owns the screen rights to "Rings" writer J.R.R. Tolkien is telling German Web site Elbenwald.de that Jackson will be back, once New Line's contract expires.

"It will definitely be shot by Peter Jackson ," said Saul Zaentz, whose company owns Tolkien Enterprises.

"Next year, 'The Hobbit' rights will fall back to my company. I suppose that Peter will wait because he knows that he will make the best deal with us. And he is fed up with the studios. To get his profit share on the 'Rings' trilogy, he had to sue New Line."

The wildly successful trilogy has grossed more than $3 billion worldwide. Jackson and the studio are at odds over accounting practices. In a lawsuit, the director has asked a third party to intervene.

"With us," Zaentz told the Web site, "he knows that he will be paid fairly and artistically supported without reservation."

Gandalf Hopes Jackson Works Magic

A spokesman for Zaentz's company could not confirm Zaentz's comments, telling ABCNEWS.com that the producer was traveling. Jackson's media representative did not return a call on this matter.

Zaentz has produced such films as "Amadeus" and "The English Patient."

Science fiction Web site DarkHorizons.com was abuzz with the story. New Line had announced the project earlier in November, with an eye on releasing it in 2009.

Following news of the Jackson-New Line feud last week, actor Sir Ian McKellen announced his disappointment.

"On my own account, I am very sad as I should have relished revisiting Middle Earth with Peter again as team leader. It's hard to imagine any other director matching his achievement in Tolkien country," he said in a posting on his official site, which was excerpted on Dark Horizons.

McKellen is widely expected to reprise his role as Gandalf.

taboo

Braggaweh, I can't wait to see this movie <3

changsho

Main things to look for would be.. escape from the goblin passage, Battle of the Five Armies, Smaug.

Haha, they can also make that scene where Gandalf turns the trolls to stone; the statues can be seen in Fellowship of the Ring, and they're mentioned twice : D

Mr. Death

I have both the Hobbit I think its the Collector Edition book and THe LOR Fiftyith Year Editon.

LOR book is black leaTHER BOUND and the Side of the pages are colored gold I'm guessing would be the right thing to say

The Hobbit is a Green leather bound book.

here some pics

taboo

so now peter jackson is doing it

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ie2960ff97697ea6271399e8be7399978

changsho

PJ as executive producer? Oh well

Wonder who's playing Bilbo…

CosmicDebris

This is different from LOTR since he's producting rather than directing and writing, but it's nice to know they got over the silly fight they were having and are going forward with the movie.

Mr. All Sunday

I look forward to it. I hope Smaug is the same as he was in the animated movie.

WHERE ARE YOUR RIDDLES NOW

CosmicDebris

Just so long as the elves aren't like they were in the animated movie…

joekido the Second

@CosmicDebris:

The animated LOTR and ROTK sucked. This review is awesome though: http://flyingmoose.org/tolksarc/bakshi/bakshi.htm

Particularly the last few things on the list…hilarious.

That's a LOIN CLOTH silly. XD
Most Rankin-Bass character designs are creepy. And it's Gollum.

This one is funny too http://www.agonybooth.com/lord_of_the_rings/

Having to watch 3 films and owned one full LOTR novel, I'm looking foward for the Hobbit movie.

Malintex_Terek

As much as I like David Warner, I hope he doesn't get cast as Smaug. Same goes for Jim Cummings or anyone still alive who is fairly prolific when it comes to animated villains or monsters.

I'd like to see that fellow who voiced the "Grim Eater" on Ratatouille get cast, actually.

Kevin Michael Richardson could be a match, I dunno…probably wouldn't fit that well though.

CosmicDebris

4 years later, finally ready to start filming!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8573948.stm

Shooting of the long-awaited film version of JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit is set to begin in New Zealand in July.

Actor Sir Ian McKellen, who reprises his Lord of the Rings role as Gandalf the Grey, revealed casting is taking place in LA, London and New York.
Mexican-born film-maker Guillermo del Toro will direct the film and its proposed sequel.
The films will be prequels to the Lord of the Rings trilogy directed by Oscar winner Peter Jackson.
Jackson - together with his wife Fran Walsh - will produce the films, to be made back-to-back in New Zealand.
Writing on his official website, Sir Ian reports that shooting of the two films is expected to take more than a year, with Del Toro "now living in Wellington, close to the Jacksons' and the studio in Miramar".
McKellen added that the script was still being worked on, saying "the first draft is crammed with old and new friends, again on a quest in Middle-earth".

Del Toro, best known for the Hellboy movies, has called the directing role "an absolute dream come true".
His acclaimed Spanish-language fantasy Pan's Labyrinth won three Oscars and three Baftas in 2007.
According to studio New Line, the first film will be an adaptation of The Hobbit, the novel Tolkien published before his Lord of the Rings cycle.
The second will be an original story focusing on the 60 years between the book and the beginning of the Rings trilogy.

Ichnob

And we won't get the Extended Editions of the LotR on blu-ray until this comes out. =/

Local-chan

@Ichnob:

And we won't get the Extended Editions of the LotR on blu-ray until this comes out. =/

Aren't they being released later this year? I know the films themselves are being released in July. But I'm 100% sure I saw an advert for the extended ones for an even later release (Sept/Oct?) on Blu-Ray

Ichnob

Only a rumor for now. So I'm going to stick with the longer date as to not be disappointed.

Sorry to derail, but have they announced if the other recurring character actors have signed on? Ian McKellen has. What about Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, and even Cate Blanchett?

Flux

Jedward auditioned for roles in this and Harry Potter, lol
I remember David Tennant and Radcliffe kept being rumoured to star !