Millions of geeks across of the world must now change their pants…
Guillermo del Toro (currently in post-production on this summer’s HellBoy II: The Golden Army) has officially signed on to direct The Hobbit and its sequel - i.e. the untitled Lord of the Rings “bridge” film.
This announcement comes after months and months (and months!) of speculation, rumor and flat-out Internet BS.
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The current plans have del Toro moving down to New Zealand where he will spend the next four years(!) working closely with Peter Jackson (i.e. that other Lord of the Rings guy whose producing both films) & Co.
Like Jackson with the LOTR trilogy, del Toro plans on shooting both films back-to-back. Hey, it worked out the last time!
And although it’s not written in stone, everyone’s expecting LOTR scribes Jackson, Fran Walsh and Phillipa Boyens to pen the new films with del Toro.
The Hobbit and LOTR “bridge” film are currently scheduled for late 2011 and 2012 releases.
OK fellas, you can now geek out…
Source: Variety (image from HollywoodReporter.com)
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10 Comments
I wonder if it’s going to be 3D…?
Vic
Shhhhhh! Don’t give them any ideas, Boss!
Jamie
hah,
If it was 3D it would be the biggest disappointment in movie history, lol. Luckily we know its not if they’re going to New Zealand to film and revisit some sets.
I wonder which lead actors will be in the ‘bridge’ film from the trilogy?
There have been rumors of Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) possibly appearing. I don’t recall it ever being denied by the studio, correct me if I’m wrong.
I could see that happening actually…
Jamie
Really glad of this. Del Torro can do dark fantasy and a fresh mind on it should spark things up.
Really looking forward to seeing the Battle of the Five Armies!
I’ve been really disappointed with the way del Toro has handled the Hellboy franchise, but I enjoyed Pan’s Labyrinth, so I am expecting The Hobbit to be at least decent. This ‘bridge’ film people are talking about, is it The Hobbit split in two parts, or are they coming up with new material based on the works of Tolkien?
Really happy about this.
The Hobbit suits the more fairytale style of Del Toro….a far more talented filmmaker than Jackson (although Im not knocking him - hes awesome - but GDT is better).
He has quite a task on his hands for that ‘bridge’ film. Its going to basically be ‘the reunion’ film. Aragorn will prob be back (he would be alive in that era). I expect Legolas may make an appearance too.
They have to be careful with who meets who and how these prequels bare out on the original trilogy (why does that sentence give me a bad taste in my mouth….hmmmm).
As long as they make sure McKellan and Serkis are in - Im happy with Hobbit goodness.
But who for Bilbo???
May I chime in with James Macavoy?
I’m just happy that Peter Jackson is involved directly in the project. If he wasn’t I would be very worried. As much as he LOVES Tolkien, I know that he will work very hard to make sure that no injustice is done to the Hobbit and LOTR.
Sounds like the perfect marriage to me!
hahahhaa
That’s cruel. Funny, but cruel.
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