The Hobbit

[Bromptonboy]

The Hobbit Movie New Post
   

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The Hobbit in Limbo

Posted: 28 May 2010 03:16 AM PDT

Earlier today while giving a press conference about his latest movie 'Splice' Guillermo Del Toro was asked about The Hobbit start date.

"It's not greenlit," said del Toro, "That's categorical, we've been caught in a very tangled negotiation. There cannot be any start dates until the MGM situation gets resolved. They do hold a considerable portion of the rights."

"We have designed all the creatures, We've designed the sets and the wardrobe. We have done animatics and planned battles sequences. We are very, very prepared for when it is finally triggered."

No mention of casting because without a start date they can't expect anyone to commit pen to paper.

And talking of commitment, just how long will two of the most sort after movie makers hang around in limbo waiting for MGM to find a buyer? While the time already invested in the movie means neither would probably 'walk away' from The Hobbit they may move on to other projects while they wait which could see further delays announced.

MGM has been up for sale to the highest bidder since the end of last year. The trouble is that with debts of over $4 Billion there are no bidders. Its 3 biggest assets are its library of over 4000 movies, the James Bond franchise and its share of The Hobbit and it may have to break up and sell these individually to avoid bankruptcy.

Del Toro was also asked about The Hobbit in 3D rumors and replied it had been discussed once but the budgeting had been worked out without any stereoscopic on the movie.

[Geekyfanboy]

This is very sad news..

Officially Announced: Guillermo del Toro is Now Off The Hobbit

May 30, 2010
Source: TheOneRing.net
by Alex Billington
Guillermo del Toro / Peter Jackson

Holy crap this is big. It was announced by Peter Jackson & Guillermo del Toro today on TheOneRing that del Toro will no longer direct The Hobbit, but will still co-write the screenplays. "Out of respect to the legions of loyal Tolkien fans," they broke the news on the site and will make sure "the films are everything that the fans want them to be." Del Toro: "In light of ongoing delays... for filming The Hobbit, I am faced with the hardest decision of my life. After nearly two years of living, breathing and designing a world as rich as Tolkien's Middle Earth, I must, with great regret, take leave from helming these wonderful pictures."

This is so sad to hear and means a lot more about the project's delay, which has been stalled since MGM went bankrupt last year and on hold until they find someone to re-finance the entire company. As for the future of The Hobbit, we're not sure what to expect. "We feel very sad to see Guillermo leave The Hobbit, but he has kept us fully in the loop and we understand how the protracted development time on these two films, due to reasons beyond anyone's control, has compromised his commitment to other long-term projects," Jackson said. It sounds like there's a very interesting story behind this and maybe we'll find out more in the coming months about what happened, such as if GDT is announced as a director on another different film.

According to TheOneRing.net, The Hobbit is still planned to be adapted into two movies, one to be released in December 2012 & the other in December 2013. So as far as they know, it's still on, but no mention of who will take his place instead. "The blessings have been plenty, but conflicting schedules have overwhelmed the time slot originally allocated," said del Toro. "Both as a co-writer and as a director, I wish the production nothing but the very best of luck and I will be first in line to see the finished product. I remain an ally to it and its makers, present and future, and fully support a smooth transition to a new director." Thoughts?

Read more: http://www.firstshowing.net/2010/05/30/officially-announced-guillermo-del-toro-is-off-of-the-hobbit/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+firstshowing+%28FirstShowing.net%29#ixzz0pSYV74AX

[Bryancd]

I have to admit, was completely ambivalent to his participation.

[Rico]

I thought Guillermo would have done a great job with this.  This whole thing is really struggling to get going it seems.  Kind of sad because I'm sure it means more delays.

[X]

I'm personally glad he's not doing it. I enjoy his eye, but it's rather specific and something I don't see working well with The Hobbit. While his eye worked well for Pan and changed the vision of Hell Boy, I wasn't impressed with his take on vampires in blade II and I don't think the Hobbit was the best match for his style.

[Geekyfanboy]

I'm personally glad he's not doing it. I enjoy his eye, but it's rather specific and something I don't see working well with The Hobbit. While his eye worked well for Pan and changed the vision of Hell Boy, I wasn't impressed with his take on vampires in blade II and I don't think the Hobbit was the best match for his style.

I totally disagree with you.. love his vision and think he would have made the Hobbit his own but also what we know and love. I mean Peter Jackson is an executive and LOTR is his baby and there is no way he would let him stray to far. Also Del Toro has already worked on The Hobbit for two years, here is a quote from Del Toro "We have designed all the creatures, We've designed the sets and the wardrobe. We have done animatics and planned battles sequences. We are very, very prepared for when it is finally triggered." I doubt that they put this much work into all this just to through it away.. so this Hobbit movie, if ever made will have the Del Toro touch.

[X]

I'm personally glad he's not doing it. I enjoy his eye, but it's rather specific and something I don't see working well with The Hobbit. While his eye worked well for Pan and changed the vision of Hell Boy, I wasn't impressed with his take on vampires in blade II and I don't think the Hobbit was the best match for his style.

I totally disagree with you.. love his vision and think he would have made the Hobbit his own but also what we know and love. I mean Peter Jackson is an executive and LOTR is his baby and there is no way he would let him stray to far. Also Del Toro has already worked on The Hobbit for two years, here is a quote from Del Toro "We have designed all the creatures, We've designed the sets and the wardrobe. We have done animatics and planned battles sequences. We are very, very prepared for when it is finally triggered." I doubt that they put this much work into all this just to through it away.. so this Hobbit movie, if ever made will have the Del Toro touch.

I understand what you're saying, but doesn't the visual elements of Pan and Hell Boy seem just a bit too interchangeable? I wouldn't like that look for anything in Middle Earth. I won't say that he isn't a good director, but his stamp is just a bit too distinct for me to want around Middle Earth.

But that's just me and I'm probably in the minority on that.

[Bromptonboy]

This delay really stinks.  My family and I are listening to The Hobbit (Rob Inglis unabridged audio-book version) while driving around each day.  Even though Hobbit has a kinder & gentler means of telling the story - it is just as violent & dark as LOTR.  I was really anxious to see Del Toro's take on this - and how he would handle the storytelling.  Having never seen HB II - I was mesmerized by Pan.

[Meds]

MGM has a lot to answer for dont they? I mean Bond is put onhold and now this. sad news. My only hope now is jackson will bite the bullet and take the directing reigns :D

[Geekyfanboy]

Well you may get your wish Meds... this just in..

http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2010/05/31/36934-pj-may-direct-the-hobbit-2/

PJ 'may direct The Hobbit'

Sir Peter Jackson says he will step into the breach and direct The Hobbit himself if it becomes the only way to ensure the US$150 million (NZ$219m) film is made after the sudden departure of director Guillermo del Toro.

Wellington Chamber of Commerce has said that the film is worth "many millions of dollars" to Wellington's economy and further delays may mean the film does not start shooting until next year.

Del Toro announced yesterday he had quit the The Lord of the Rings prequel over frustration with repeated delays. He had commitments to other films and said his resignation was "the hardest decision I've ever taken".

[Bryancd]

How is this not anything but IDEAL?! I wanted PJ from the start. I have no great love for Del Torro. I could care less about him. Jackson MADE LOTR what it was...the BEST 3 film trilogy I have ever seen.

[X]

How is this not anything but IDEAL?! I wanted PJ from the start. I have no great love for Del Torro. I could care less about him. Jackson MADE LOTR what it was...the BEST 3 film trilogy I have ever seen.

Seconded.

[Jobydrone]

It doesn't seem like PJ wants to though.  Is it just me or does it seem like a begrudging type of statement?  "Oh I SUPPOSE I'll direct your multi million dollar franchise films, if it's the only way they will get made."  Give me a break.

[Bryancd]

It doesn't seem like PJ wants to though.  Is it just me or does it seem like a begrudging type of statement?  "Oh I SUPPOSE I'll direct your multi million dollar franchise films, if it's the only way they will get made."  Give me a break.

One word: LEVERAGE

[Rico]

One thing any director of this film (or films) would have always had to deal with was to have "The Hobbit" sort of 'fit' into what has come before.  You really can't diverge too much from the style, look, direction of the LOTR trilogy.  So, frankly any director is going to have to create a set of films that fits with what has come before.