Attention Cate Blanchett, Viggo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom, and Sean Astin: You’ve gone “There.” Now get ready to go “Back Again” - at least according to Elijah Wood’s conversations with “Hobbit” maestro Peter Jackson.
“I haven’t spoken to him directly about it [but] I’ve e-mailed him, and as far as I know the two films that they’re doing, one will be ‘The Hobbit’ and another will take place between the 60 years that happened between ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings,’” the once and future Frodo enthused to MTV News, possibly confirming rumors that the second planned film would not be a Part II, but instead a narrative bridge.
Which means plenty of opportunities for all the stars of “LOTR” to reprise their famous characters in some capacity. None more so, perhaps, than Wood himself, who would arguably be a central figure along with Gandalf, Aragorn, Galadriel, and Gollum in any connecting story.
For his part, Wood, who next stars as a conscripted citizen in “Day Zero,” is positively thrilled at the possibility.
“If I’m asked to go back and revisit that character and it makes sense, I would love to. I would absolutely love to,” he said.
True, hard-core Tolkien aficionados could tell you that not much is known about Frodo in the intervening years between “The Hobbit” and “LOTR,” excepting, of course, his parents’ deaths and some conversations and journeys with Bilbo which are alluded to in the later legendarium.
That makes it all the more a guarantee that Wood would return, he declared.
“Nothing was really written with Frodo involved in it. That was sort of an ancillary tale outside of ‘Lord of the Rings.’ I can’t imagine that they [Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens] would write great reams of information regarding my character,” he said of necessary invention outside of Tolkien’s established canon. “But if he [Frodo] should show up, it would actually be the perfect way to revisit because it could be small enough that I could go back and have a nice sort of reunion with the memories that I have of the experience.”
As an actor, Wood is excited about the possibility of returning with Jackson to the world of Middle-earth. But he’s even more excited, he said, as a fan.
“It’s a great triumph [that Peter is involved.] I think that’s really important that the same team that worked on the [earlier] films [work on "The Hobbit"], the same effects team, that it be shot in New Zealand. I think that it’s important that Ian McKellen is cast as Gandalf, just so that there’s a synergy between the films,” he insisted. “I think people want it to exist in the same world. So at least now we are assured that it will be done through that same lens, which is great. It’s exciting.”
What do you think? Does the thought of there being a bridge film excite you as a fan? And how much of Frodo do you want to see? Sound off below.
January 15th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Emma, acutally StrongJoy mentioned it. That’s why people are refuting it.
January 15th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
I am all about the Hobbit. But why a bridge film. I would much rather a film based off “The War of the Ring. You could then explain in detail why Sauraman is an eye. Remember in the prologue of the fellowship of the ring when we leared that Sauraman gave all the elf kings, dwarf lords and men rings. Why did they trust him to begin with. A movie based off “The War of the Ring” would explain that to the none reader and it is a very interesting story. I rather hollywood and jackson would stick with Tolkiens work rather then write a bridge story.
January 15th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Oh, I forgot to comment on Fro do and Wood. Keep him at home. He played a great fro do but he is not Bilbo and It would not make sense to bring him back even as a narrator. Though I could see Jackson putting Sam at Bag end after Fro do and Bilbo leave. Then Bilbo can some how come across Bilbo’s book on his adventure. Then as he starts to read the story The real story begins. And that is a maybe, but Wood should stay home. And Holm would be fine as Bilbo. Bilbo was not that young anyway and FX can cover the rest.
January 15th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
elijah put out the new apples in stereo album “new magnetic wonder” via his Simian records label. he has great taste!!
January 15th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Of course the idea of being a “bridge movie” between the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings is excinting!! which fan wouldn’t like that? And I think Frodo should be a part of that, but maybe not as main character. I think it should be more about Bilbo and the Ring.
Then, I think too that Peter Jackson and the same crew of the Lord of the Rings movies should film the Hobbit and the bridge movie. And I’d like it to be shot on New Zealand as well.
Well, those are my expectatives for the upcoming movies.. I really hope they don’t let me down (I don’t think so, as long as the same people is envolved in cast and crew).
Namárië!
January 15th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
I forgot!! Elijah Wood MUSTN’T play as Bilbo… he must be Frodo… and Bilbo must be played by Ian Holm! I think it would be awful to watch the Hobbit and then the Lord of the Rings trilogy with Elijah Wood playing two roles. Bilbo is Ian Holm and that’s it! hehe
January 15th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
I am thrilled that there will be two films. How many of the non-tolkien fans wondered how Legolas even knew Aragorn at the Council. This will enable PJ to cover a vast array of things, not covered, along with many new characters. I look forward to the storyline of possibly Aragorn/Estel as a child in Imladris, or the twins. Of how he was told of his heritage.
Also, it would be nice to see, the entire story of how he took Gollum to Mirkwood, and then Gollum escaped. Henceforth, bringing King Thranduil into the picture.
As Aragorn was 10 when the dwarves showed up in Rivendell, it is possible to perhaps even see him in the Hobbit. I eagerly await whatever genius PJ creates.
January 15th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
First, Sauron made and gave the rings, not Sauruman.
And Second, The Hobbit could be split into 2 movies and the second could have a 30 min “ending” which would bridge it with LOTR:FOTR.
January 15th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
i like the idea of the hobbit being split into two films, although if the second one is to be more of a bridge film then i’m not so sure. i would much rather see something made out of the appendices instead.
January 15th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
C’mon get the film out ASAP…. Gandalf and Bilbo are not getting any younger!!!! Ian McKellan must be Gandalf, there is no doubt about it.
January 15th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Must we get another movie about walking. If you want to see more people walking go to the mall. No need for more movies. 3 parts is more than enough, not like its Star Wars.
January 15th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
I think that making the Hobbit into two movies is fine, it will give them more time to show the wonder that is Tolkien’s world. Though having a bridge that will need to be created from scratch, without having hardly any writings from Tolkien’s to use as a guideline, I am against. It may turn out to be a disenchanting tale that destroys the magic that the films have created for so many.
January 15th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
I don’t see why Frodo should return. If anything should be added to The Hobbit it should be a prologue of how the dwarfs were driven from Erebor; of Thror being beheaded by Azog in Moria (the son of Azog being Bolg [I belive this was his name] from the Battle of Five Armies); how Nar was left to leave Moria to take the tale back to Thrain; of the battle of the dwarfs and orcs throughout the Misty Mts. as a result; how Dain (from The Hobbit) finally slew Azog at the entrance to Moria; the capture of Thrain by Sauron (the Necromancer); and finally the finding of Thrain by Gandalf in Dol Guldur, which leads to The map and key in The Hobbit. Also, I would show in the films the White Council (bringing back the actors in the roles of Galadriel and Saruman), and how they drove out of the evil of southern Mirkwood. I believe this is the reason Gandalf left Bilbo and the dwarves near Mirkwood.
January 16th, 2008 at 10:14 am
ct28374, if you mean that LOTR won’t fall into the same realms of horrendous disappointment that the prequel trilogy of Star wars did then yeah, three’s enough. Still, PJ and co aren’t recluses lost in the reams of their own nonsense. I would advise against making a lot of stuff up for a two part hobbit movie because, as big a LOTR geek I am, the bits where the filmmakers made significant changes lacked proper sense. eg Orcs and wargs attacking in daylight? Thought only the Uruks could venture out daytime? etc. Still, don’t jump on the band wagon and call LOTR a movie about walking. In road movies, would you prefer that they showed the stars instantly jumping from place to place? No, ya impatient bastard!! That aside, best of luck etc, and chin chin! x
January 16th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Now if they took and made the hobbit movie into some sort of gay porn thats where the others were leading. They are able to keep in good shape with all that walking. And if this is pre lord of the rings they can show them in their expperimenting phase, come on we know they did. Its so obvious
January 16th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
ct28374, what they displayed was *love* unconditional, pure, love. We should all be so lucky to be loved and love that deeply and purely. More power to them and may hobbity love live forever!
January 16th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Oh how I wish it would be another set of 3 films with the inclusion of the silmarillion & stories of middleearth and the hobbit just making up the third part of the prequel…
that’s how I always read the books and it would seem more organic - imho
i guess it’s to late in the process for this dream…
January 16th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
i think this sounds like a BRILLIANT idea!!! i mean, how can u go wrong with a Frodo story? it would be like he never left!!
January 16th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
I really hope elijah has just heard the same rumors as everyone else about the ‘bridge’ movie…
Without going vastly away from tolkeins vision you couldn’t make it work as a film, yeah theres stuff written about those 60 years, but its a history, not a story, its not so much lack of content as lack of a connected, driven plot.
What a lot of people are hoping for is that ‘the hobbit’ will be split over two films, with the white council story & a few other bits put back in the correct chronological places, filling in Gandalf’s missing sections in ‘the hobbit’.
Gollum, Gandalf, Elrond, Saruman, bilbo (maybe with another actor) & galadriel would all nessesarily return. Legolas could easily be given a part in it too, aragorn & frodo if made to look a bit younger might manage a cameo at the end. And in two films characters like radagast, thorin, thandruil and beorn could be developed into favourites as well.
For me ‘the hobbit and the necromancer’ 2 movies would be better than just one, whereas ‘the hobbit’ & ‘the bridge’ would be worse.
January 16th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
The thought of having the Hobbit and some other “bridge movie” makes me ecstatic! the most important thing is that the symetry between they and the LOTR, is strong. i would love for frodo to have a main part in it, and possibly to go on an adventure with bilbo. I know many people that would agree. Without a doubt, Elisha Wood Ian Mckellen, Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Phillipa Boyens, Viggo Mortensen, and bilbo MUST COME BACK. I agree with Wood, that it also must be filmed in new zealand. oh, i would just love for the movies not only to be done, but done with excelence, and a fat budget! if they are well done, i will absolutely buy them!
January 16th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
I agree with han, whole heartedly!
January 16th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
They walk,they talk,they fight
They walk,they talk,they fight
BRING IT ON!!
January 17th, 2008 at 4:39 am
I didn’t think it would ever happen! and with Pete!So what if they stretch a little, or add a little its all for the love of LOTR we carn’t have enough of a good thing.
I vote for the Beren and Luthien, the tale from the Silmarillion, can you imagine how great that would be. It sure would show people who haven’t read the books how deep they are. I’m sick of them saying, Oh I’m not into sword figthing movies.
Carn’t wait.
January 17th, 2008 at 7:31 am
love to see Boromir, Faramir and their father back.
January 17th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
he once said, he would never be envolbed in an epic picture again! an there he is, excited about it!if he wants to be free of the curse of being stuck in the character, this is not the best way…
January 18th, 2008 at 9:27 am
I am so happy I can’t even speak! I’ve had withdrawal symptoms (severe!) since the end of the Trilogy, then sunk into deeper gloom when I heard PJ was not going to be involved.
This is the best news ever!!!!!
January 18th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
I am so glad that they are making a Hobbit movie! And the cherry on top would to have some of the characters revisited!
January 18th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
I dunno - I understand dramatic license and was able to deal with it in the trilogy, but to me, adding an additional section that was not written by Tolkien is not something I’d like to see. A two-part Hobbit is understandable, but I’m not interested in a whole movie that was someone else’s ideas.
As far as the extensive “walking” goes, that’s part of JRR’s style. The books were at times mind boggling in the descriptions of land they were just passing through. Not saying I LIKED reading a two full pages describing a tree all the time, but I accepted it as part of his style.
All that being said - glad to see that PJ is in charge of the project. He did an amazing job on the Trilogy.
January 20th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
OH MY G…ANDALF!
I just read it…still unable to speak or think…This is just…I mean…unbelievable! I had hoped for it for years, and now…I still can’t believe it! I’m a huge LotR Fan ever since my dad read out the books to me ages ago, and I was so thrilled to see it on screen. And now the Hobbit…That’d be so cool! The very best of news! So cross your fingers it’ll really come true…I really can’t believe it! Great! Man, I just *have* to go to New Zealand…
January 20th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
So, if they did the Beren & Luthien story, couldn’t Viggo & Liv come back for that? MINT! What could be better? I like the White Council Idea, too. And so much was left out of The Fellowship of the Ring that could be revisited here….Lots to do, Peter!
January 21st, 2008 at 10:18 pm
I say it is a great idea to make another LOTR’s movie.Because Elijah Wood does such a great job at playing in Midd-Evil movies. And if any of my books that I am writing, like The Dragon Riders of the North(book 1 inheritance), Or South(book 2), or east(book 3), or West(book 4 the last book of the trilogy), ever get published in to a movie. I will deinatly recomend having Elijah Wood play as one of the stars in that movie Trilogy.
January 21st, 2008 at 11:23 pm
I really don’t see why Frodo should have aything to do with the new movies. There was nothing written in story about the years before “The Long Expected Party” that would pertain to Fordo. The only thing written would be bits about how his father Drogo drowned, he was adopted by Bilbo, and the rumor that Frodo visited elves on occasion. That doesn’t sound like a very good story to me. They could make up a story, but I don’t see why. Frodo ‘was’ known for having an un-hobboit like attitude, but he never had did anything worthy of story until LotRs. And, if he did have some grand ‘made-up’ aventure it would take away from his original inoccence and development in the early stages of LotR. I really don’t like this idea, just like I didn’t like other tamperings in the LotRs. The story is perfect on it’s own, in my opinion, and shouldn’t be altered whatsoever. If they add anything it should be a prequel to The Hobbit dealing with the people of Durin: with the awakening of the Balrog, the exile from Moria, the colonizing of Erebor, the attack of Smaug, the beheading of Thror by Azog, the battle vs the orcs throughout the Misty Mts., Dain slaying Azog at the gates of Moria (Azog’s son is Bolg that lead the orcs in The Battle of The Five Armies), Gandalf getting the map and key from Thrain, etc. This is written about and leads to The Hobbit.
January 22nd, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Long before there was any announcement of 2 films, our Minnesota Tolkien Society discussed what we would like to see in a Hobbit film. I believe the Hobbit really does need to be 2 films - not just 1 Hobbit film, and 1 “bridge” film. Here’s why: The story from Bag End to Rivendell is full of plot and character development. The dangers of the Misty Mountain and Biblo’s discovery of the Ring, and narrow escape make for a great conclusion / cliff hanger: free from the dangers of the caves but lost, alone, and separated from all he knows and everyone he trusts. Film 2 would begin with Biblo discoverying (and lying) to the rest of the dwarves, and the departure (and subplot) of Gandalf meeting up with the rest of the Wizards to force the Necromancer (Dark Lord Sauron) out of Mirkwood - and their “too little too late” discovery of the Necromancer’s true identity. Then, back to Bilbo and the Dwarves, caught by the spiders (and escape), caught by the grey elves (I.e. Prince Legolas as a bad guy) and escape, and the Lonely Mountain exploration, killing of Smog, and epic “Battle of the 5 Armies” with dragons, eagles, men, dwarves, & elves (all against eachother)!!! Houueeee! That will be good. Who want to have a “bridge” movie after that kind of a climax?…There will be the same “quick” return to Hobbiton, Biblo promising himself to “come clean” about the story of the Ring to Gandalf when they make it back at the end of the film (like ROTK), with Bilbo returning happy/victorious-turned-shocked/saddened just in time for the funeral of Drogo (Frodo’s dad) who had just drowned, and Biblo taking into his care his young heart-broken orphan nephew, Frodo (at which point, he relunctantly decided to hide the Ring , and whether or not he is ever going to share it with anyone left as a mystery).
January 23rd, 2008 at 12:23 am
The fact that frodo is in this movie for more than a small scene or two simply doesn’t fit. The Hobbit will be nice as there is a strict path that must be followed, but we’ll see about this “bridge” movie. It may be absolutely incredible if they centralize it on things such as the adventures of Thorongil in Rohan and Gondor, possibly his trip to the east, the fall of Minas Arnor, the return of Sauron in mirkwood, and/or a little bit of dwarf action, but if they take to much “artistic liberty” it might catch the prequel syndrome.
January 23rd, 2008 at 3:13 pm
They will have to make almost everything up if they are going to make a “narrative bridge”. Tolkien does go into what happened a little bit. But NOTHING happens with Frodo, Sam, Merry or Pippin. Galadriel does very little, as does Elrond. Legolas might have a part. But they can’t pair Legolas and Gimli because they don’t meet until Fellowship. They could do a story on Aragorn falling in love with Arwen, but really, how exciting could that be?
They’ve pretty much only got Gollum and his capture by Aragorn and escape from Thranduil’s realm and his subsequent capture by Sauron. Again, this does not involve a hobbit in any way.
So, my best advice (should Peter Jackson give me a call) would be to bail on trying to make a “narrative bridge” between the stories BECAUSE TOLKIEN ALREADY DID! If you make The Hobbit based on the revised edition then you have all the bridge you need. You don’t have to make #### up.
I must admit I am quite wary about this now. I don’t see how it can end well because while Jackson et. al. did a reasonably good job making a screenplay out of The Lord Of The Rings, making stuff up, that will pass muster in Tolkien’s world is a whole different story. There’s plenty in The Hobbit to make a great movie. It just won’t be The Lord Of The Rings and it shouldn’t be.
January 26th, 2008 at 1:05 am
forget frodo all together. didnt even like elijah wood in the movie. he was the most miscast of every single character. everyone else was great. in the book wasnt frodo older anyway? i say use ian holm again for sure. he was intense as bilbo, just a great actor period. he’ll just need some make up like arnie in T3, haha, but to use someone else would be unjust, same as gandolf, etc. seeing as aragorn was 87 in the movies, he could have his part also, w/ viggo of course. anyways…
January 26th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
As much as I liked Elijah Wood in LOTR, where would he fit in?. In the Hobbit , there is no metion of frodo, sam, or realy any of the other main charecters(except for Elrond, Gandalf, gollum,and of course, Bilbo). As for a bridge film(or Hobbit 2)please, out of respect for token’s work, don’t do it. As others have pointed out, most of it would have to be made up. But as for The Hobbit, please, keep it as close to the book as possible and, I belive It will only work if the original Gandalf, Bilbo, Elrond, and Gollum are in it.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
A bridge movie would be awful. I’m fine with splitting the hobbit up into 2 movies though because it means that they won’t have to cut out as much (like Tom Bombadill from LOTR).
What I WOULD like to see is a television mini-series of sorts depicting the stories found in the Simarillion (sp?)
January 28th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Feckin hobbits…
January 29th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Well, I would guess that it’s a moot point now. Since Jackson is not going to be involved with the project, will any of the original cast still be willing to jump onboard?
January 30th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Peter is NOT involved, he can’t do his visions if he is not directing, this is just a trick to fool the hardcore fans not to protest against Del Toro. If Peter can’t direct, I want NO MOVIE.
This is unacceptable!!! Peters masterpiece cannot be directed by someone else. NOOOOO!
Wood should not be doing this, fooling the fans, we want Peter, We Want Peter, We Want Peter!!!
February 4th, 2008 at 2:01 am
I think Elijah Wood is a good actor & was wonderful as Frodo in LotR. Perhaps he could do the coming-to-live-with-Bilbo-thing after the death of his parents. I would like to see a development of the friendship between him & Bilbo. I hope that the Hobbit movie is truer to the book than LotR was. I’d love to see Tom Bombadil & Goldberry and any of the stories from the Silmarillion. The story of Hurin & Nienor would be an incredibly tragic & wonderful tale to bring to the big screen. Almië, mellyrn!
February 6th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
that’s sooooo totally awesome!!!!! He’s soo sexy and talented, it’d be awesome to see him again in the best movie EVER!!!
February 7th, 2008 at 10:33 am
I think it would be great to have Elijah playing young Bilbo, when he was young enough to go on adventures. Also, wasn’t Bilbo the same age as Frodo when he first started out on his adventures. Obviously, Bilbo and Frodo were very unique hobbits, as both of them were able to resist the powers of the ring much better than anyone else. Plus these two were the only ones to be chosen to go off to the new world on the Elven ships. So they had not just an uncle-nephew bond, but another bond of being very unique and different. Why shouldn’t the younger actor play the young version of the older one? I think this would be perfect!
I think the LOTR films have been the most important ones that Elijah has done so far and given so many messages, not just those in the story, but also with the kind of ebergy he exudes. If the producers have any sense at all, they will cast him as the younger Bilbo, or wait until he is free to do the films.
I also think that Peter Jackson should direct them, or they won’t have the same magic touch.
February 8th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
ELIJAH WOOD ELIJAH WOOD HES OUR MAN HES OUR MAN IF HE CANT DO IT NO ONE CAN
February 11th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
I would absolutely LOVE to see a Hobbit movie! I read it for the first time when I was 9 and have loved Tolkien ever since. As far as carrying over actors, the only ones you could really bring over (and keep some continuity with LOTR) would be Elrond, Gandalf and Bilbo. From what I understand, dwarves look pretty similar, so John Rhys-Davies could play one of the dwarves. And it would be nice to see Orlando Bloom again..no brainer there. But the younger hobbits weren’t even born yet and it would be strange seeing them there. I’d love to see a Hobbit movie but only with Peter Jackson, Weta, in New Zealand. No one else would put all the time and effort into creating Middle Earth—hello, who didn’t watch all 4 of those making of DVDs?! All that work for things we never even see.
Here’s another thought–who else out there, besides me, would pay some serious money for the original cast to do an unabridged reading of Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings? I have a CD set with Ian Holmes as Frodo but, come on, that’s just not the same. Anyone else agree? So who can make it happen???
February 12th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Nothing would be better than to see my “old friends” again! The LOTR’s movies are the best movies ever made! I would love to see Elijah play froda again. I hope Peter Jackson get’s the film. It would not be the same with out him…
February 13th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
i definatly think that elijah should be cast as frodo, but only if the character is required. i am not so concerned as elijah being frodo as i am ian being gandalf. no one else can play gandalf now. i also think that the same actor (i forgot his name) should play gollum. he did such an amazing job at it, i dont know if anyone else can pull it off that well.
February 15th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
ok, so here’s my take on all this…Someone suggested spliting up the hobbit into two films and making the defeat of dul guldor the climax of the first film and the battle of the five armies the climax to the second. Well, all things are better in three’s right? So make a third film, “the bridge film” and include info on what adventures Frodo and Bilbo have. Tie it into what Gandolf and Aragorn have been up to. There is so much allusion to things going on between the the Hobbit and the LOTR that with a few moments of artistic license from Peter, Fran, and Phillipa a very cohesive and interesting story could evolve. IE- there must be a reason why they know that Tom Bombadil can’t keep the ring safe…Was there a reason that Frodo’s parents died? And was it tied into the presence of the ring in the Shire? There is mention of Dwarves and elves around the Shire, and that the Rangers helped to keep the evil in middle earth at bay. What pupose could this evil have had during the time before middle earth…How about this, what were the Ring Wraithes doing during the time of the Hobbit and before the LOTR? And Saruman had to turn at some point, when did he start talking to Sauron? Did Sauron do something to make him crack? And if everyone is worried about too much artistic license, why not get Christopher Tolkien involved in the storyline. He has helped to finish stories like the Silmarilian and the Children of Hurin. I can’t imagine that there is anyone who would have better insite into what his father might have intended(if anything) for the time inbetween these books. Just my personal opinion…
February 17th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
What is up with you peeps???? NOBODY said ANYTHING about EW playing Bilbo!!!!!!!!!!!
For me, I’d be siked if Elijah showwed up again… Frodo rocks!
I love