Peter Jackson to produce `The Hobbit'

[Carol]

Peter Jackson to produce `The Hobbit' :elf:
By JAKE COYLE, AP Entertainment Writer


Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema have reached agreement to make J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit," a planned prequel to the blockbuster trilogy "The Lord of the Rings."

Jackson, who directed the "Rings" trilogy, will serve as executive producer for "The Hobbit." A director for the prequel films has yet to be named.

Relations between Jackson and New Line had soured after "Rings," despite a collective worldwide box office gross of nearly $3 billion — an enormous success. The two sides nevertheless were able to reconcile, with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios (MGM) splitting "The Hobbit" 50/50, spokemen for both studios said Tuesday.

"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," Jackson said in a statement. "We are delighted to continue our journey through Middle Earth."

Two "Hobbit" films are scheduled to be shot simultaneously, similar to how the three "Lord of the Rings" films were made. Production is set to begin in 2009 with a released planned for 2010, with the sequel scheduled for a 2011 release.

New Line Cinema is owned by Time Warner. Sony and Comcast are among the owners of MGM.

:joy::joy::joy::joy::joy::joy::joy:

[NotaGeek]

YES! I am SO excited!

[thrillme]

Works for me.

I just kinda wish it came first. I hate knowing how everything's going to end

[diz_girl]

Sweet!

I'd expect a Christmas release, similar to LOTR. At Christmas the year following the 'The Return of the King,' it felt like something was missing because there was no LOTR movie. Just as long as they bring back both Ians (Holm and McKellen), I'll be content.

I'm just wondering at what point in the book will they have the end of the first movie and the beginning of the second. Anyway, I can see the DVD box set of all five movies (3 LOTR and 2 Hobbit) being released the Christmas after the last Hobbit movie is released.

If they're really ambitious they can try to make a movie out of 'The Silmarillion.' If you think LOTR is tough to read, that's nothing compared to 'The Silmarillion,' even though it's only one book.

[ibrowse17]

That is great!! I will be looking forward to those movies:thumbsup:

[BriarRose0708]

YYYEEEESSSSSS!!!!!!! This is fantastic news, and TWO movies!!!! Woooot!

[IloveJack]

What a coincidence that I find this thread now... I'm watching The Fellowship of the Ring right now! (It's an annual thing, while I'm grading exams). :blush:

That's amazing news! I can't wait. Wonder if they'll do extended versions, like with LOTR? :secret:

[ChipnDaleGal]

I think it is Peter Jackson's story to tell. I wish he would be the director on the project, but at least he is involved. That is good. :thumbsup:

[Jeff G]

Awesome news! LOTR's is my all time favorite movie series:number1: and I've been hoping they would make the Hobbit into a movie.

Now if only I could get Jackson to partake in making Terry Brook's Shannara books into a movie.

[LibertyTreeGal]

This may sound horrid, but PLEASE Peter -- get it done while Ian McKellan is still alive. He's 76 now and I cannot picture anyone else as Gandalf!!!

[Noah's Helper]

:clappy::woohoo::clappy:

As an added bonus, my kids will be old enough to enjoy these movies with me!

With two movies, maybe there won't be a need for an extended DVD version.