The word just came in from New Line. There is peace in middle earth at last! Jackson won’t be directing BUT he will be overseeing not one, but TWO films as an executive producer.
Details straight from New Line below!
* MGM and New Line will co-finance and co-distribute two films, “The Hobbit” and a sequel to “The Hobbit.” New Line will distribute in North America and MGM will distribute internationally.
* Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh will serve as Executive Producers of two films based on “The Hobbit.” New Line will manage the production of the films, which will be shot simultaneously.
* Peter Jackson and New Line have settled all litigation relating to the “Lord of the Rings” (LOTR) Trilogy.
Said Peter Jackson, “I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to put our differences behind us, so that we may begin a new chapter with our old friends at New Line. ‘The Lord of the Rings’ is a legacy we proudly share with Bob and Michael, and together, we share that legacy with millions of loyal fans all over the world. We are delighted to continue our journey through Middle Earth. I also want to thank Harry Sloan and our new friends at MGM for helping us find the common ground necessary to continue that journey.”
“Peter Jackson has proven himself as the filmmaker who can bring the extraordinary imagination of Tolkien to life and we full heartedly agree with the fans worldwide who know he should be making ‘The Hobbit,’” said Sloan, MGM’s Chairman and CEO. “Now that we are all in agreement on ‘The Hobbit,’ we can focus on assembling the production team that will capture this phenomenal tale on film.”
Bob Shaye, New Line Co-Chairman and Co-CEO comments, “We are very pleased we have been able to resolve our differences, and that Peter and Fran will be actively and creatively involved with ‘The Hobbit’ movies. We know they will bring the same passion, care and talent to these films that they so ably accomplished with ‘The Lord of the Rings’ Trilogy.”
“Peter is a visionary filmmaker, and he broke new ground with ‘The Lord of the Rings,’” notes Michael Lynne, New Line Co-Chairman and Co-CEO. “We’re delighted he’s back for ‘The Hobbit’ films and that the Tolkien saga will continue with his imprint. We greatly appreciate the efforts of Harry Sloan, who has been instrumental in helping us reach our new accord.”
The two “Hobbit” films – “The Hobbit” and its sequel – are scheduled to be shot simultaneously, with pre-production beginning as soon as possible. Principal photography is tentatively set for a 2009 start, with the intention of “The Hobbit” release slated for 2010 and its sequel the following year, in 2011.
There you have it! “The Hobbit” is a go! And Jackson is a part of it! What do you think? Who should direct? Weigh in below!
Two reasons: "The Lovely Bones" and "Tintin."
Regardless, this is fantastic news.
As to the sequel... maybe it'll be HVP - Hobbit vs. Predator
All in all I'm still thrilled about the newly named "Skinny Pete" being part of the phenom he brought forth unto the world! Woohooooo!
Like "Dennis" above, I'm wondering about the "sequel", but there's lots of good material in the Silmarillion, probably enough for more than one movie!
The sequel would just be a continuation. The Hobbit is very detailed and would require two films to cover it even though it is no where near as long as The Lord of the Rings.
I believe the sequel refers to a continuation. The Hobbit is very detailed and would require two movies to convey its complexities even though it is definitely not as long as Lord of the Rings
Making a great action scene is just as hard as making a great drama scene and only very FEW directors can do both. But these two have proven themelves. My third choice would be James Cameron but, he is busy with Avatar and another film.
My vote is for Mel or Woo!!!! They would do the Hobbit justice and might make it a better film than Peter Jackson would have made. Don't get me wrong, I think Peter Jackson is an god among film makers but, so are Gibson and Woo.
The Hobbit could be done in less than 3 hours...
I'm not a huge fan of the books or anything, so I have no emotional attachment to them, but I dug the movies, and I'm just excited to get to go see more "lord of the rings" twice more, in theaters. As long as Jackson has some creative control, it'll be great.
Gregory, ur quite strongly opinionated arent u! in case u hadnt noticed, jacksons quite skinny now lol not that it matters. he did brilliant with LOTR, if it was exactly like the book, page to page, then it would have been a boring film. its SO much more interesting being slightly different. OPEN ur mind.