The Hobbit

[Sean P Kelly]

The legal troubles are over and production is finally planned to start on a film based on The Hobbit, plus a second movie that bridges the film with LOTR.

Press Release:

ACADEMY AWARD-WINNER PETER JACKSON AND NEW LINE CINEMA JOIN WITH MGM TO PRODUCE “THE HOBBIT,” EAGERLY-ANTICIPATED FANTASY ADVENTURE EPIC

NEW LINE AND MGM TO CO-PRODUCE AND SHARE WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS

PETER JACKSON AND FRAN WALSH TO EXECUTIVE PRODUCE TWO FILMS BASED ON “THE HOBBIT”

Los Angeles, CA (Tuesday, December 18, 2007) Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson; Harry Sloan, Chairman and CEO, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM); Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne, Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs of New Line Cinema have jointly announced today that they have entered into the following series of agreements:

* 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.

The Oscar-winning, critically-acclaimed LOTR Trilogy grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide at the box-office. In 2003, “Return of the King” swept the Academy Awards, winning all of the eleven categories in which it was nominated, including Best Picture – the first ever Best Picture win for a fantasy film. The Trilogy’s production was also unprecedented at the time.

For more information about “The Hobbit” films, please visit The Hobbit: The Official Movie Blog.

About New Line Cinema Corporation:

Celebrating its 40th anniversary year, New Line Cinema is the most successful independent film company in the world. Its mission is to produce innovative, popular and profitable entertainment in the best creative environment. In addition to the production, marketing and distribution of theatrical motion pictures, the fully-integrated studio has divisions devoted to home entertainment, television, music, theater, merchandising and an international unit. In 2005, New Line partnered with HBO to form Picturehouse, a new theatrical distribution company to release independent films. A pioneer in franchise filmmaking, New Line’s Oscar-winning The Lord of the Rings trilogy is one of the most successful film franchises in history. New Line is a division of Time Warner, Inc. (TWX).

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world’s largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., Ventanazul, MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Domestic Networks LLC, MGM Distribution Co, MGM International Television Distribution In, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Worldwide Digital Media, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 120 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), TPG (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit MGM.com : Official website of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. - Ars Gratia Artis.

About Peter Jackson/Wingnut Films:

Peter Jackson is one of the world’s most successful filmmakers. His monumental achievement co-writing, co-producing and directing The Lord of the Rings trilogy (with fellow Academy Award winners and frequent collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens) earned a total of 30 Academy Award nominations and 17 Academy Awards. Jackson and Walsh received their first Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay for their acclaimed film Heavenly Creatures. Jackson, through his New Zealand-based Wingnut Films banner, also was responsible for the globally successful 2005 remake of King Kong which earned over $500 million worldwide and 3 Academy Awards. Currently, Jackson is directing an adaptation of The Lovely Bones, from the acclaimed best-selling novel by Alice Sebold. He is also developing a trilogy of films with Steven Spielberg based on Tintin, the world renowned comic book series by Herge.

[Booyakasha]

Uhhh...so why are they making two movies instead of just the one? I ask because the stuff that happens between 'The Hobbit' and 'LotR' is kind of boring.

[Sean P Kelly]

^ Best answer - $$$$

[CaptHayfever]

Is Jackson directing?
Do they have both Ians, Weaving, Serkis, etc.?

And remember, "I'm-a Luigi, number one!"

[Wyborn]

I hope Beorn doesn't go the way of Tom Bombadil. Beorn was thirty-three kinds of awesome.

[Sean P Kelly]

I think Peter Jackson is only confirmed as producing.

I don't think casting will happen until sometime next year, but I would believe that they'll try some of the LOTR guys back (at the very least Ian McKellen and Andy Serkis) for continuity reasons.

[Galefore]

There needs to be Beorn. Skinchangers rule.

I look forward to it. There needs to be more awesome LotR style movies out there. I just hope they do this epic tale justice, as I'm sure they will.

[Sean P Kelly]

It has been pretty much confirmed that Peter Jackson is going to be too busy to actually direct the films.

That said, who should direct?

[Galefore]

Hm. Not many people I could pick off the top of my head. Just as long as its someone with a similar vision to Jackson.

[Sean P Kelly]

In today's superbump, I'm reporting that after month of rumours, Guillermo del Toro has officially signed on to direct the films.

So, if this means that the films will be LOTR meets Pans Labyrinth, I'm in!

EDIT: I think now that he film is officially a go, I will talk briefly on who from LOTR is likely to return:

• Ian McKellen has already stated that he is willing to return as Gandalf
• I don't see anybody but Andy Serkis doing Gollum
• I wouldn't be surprised if Hugo Weaving returns as Elrond

In addition, since the second movie is supposed to tie the two stories together any character can come back.

[Crazyswordsman]

At least Ian McKellen is back. And I hope Guillermo del Toro can do as good a job as Jackson did. -CSM

[Booyakasha]

You know, I'm sure I'm in the minority here, but I don't really see a need for a new movie of 'The Hobbit'. I thought the old animated version was plenty good enough. Featured a really awesome spooky Gollum, and they did a good job with the songs. Plus, it was narrated by Leonard Nimoy, a man who knows a thing or two about hobbits.

[Galefore]

Sorry for the minor bump, but it's been pretty much confirmed that Del Toro told McKellen that he's playing Gandalf. Accordingly, nothing has been signed or set in stone exactly, but McKellen has made it clear that he really wants this role.

I'm thrilled that Del Toro is directing. Pan's Labyrinth was all kinds of badass, so I hope this is every bit as good.

[Sean P Kelly]

^ I think Andy Serkis is also all but confirmed to return.

BTW, here's an interview with Del Toro about what he plans for the films (the big thing he says is that he wants to use animatronics and develop them in the same way CGI was developed for Lord of the Rings -- i.e. the best animatronics anyone has ever seen)

[1-up Salesman]

^ Best answer - $$$$

yes, and ,because peter jackson is involved.and even more, if steven spielberg is involved.

[PK FIRE!]

For the Hobbit movie I hope they don't screw over the riddle game with Golum, and bilbo's chat with Smog those were my two favorate parts of the book. Though I admit Bilbo pissing off the spiders and freeing the dwarves from them is a very close thrid.
On the matter of the tei in movie, i'm not too sure that it'll be any good.

[Sean P Kelly]

If you have any questions about this film, the answer is probably in the chat transcript from last Saturday.

Weta Holics: Updates and News about what's happening @ Weta - An Unexpected Party Chat transcript now available!

[Sheik]

I heard somewhere that Christopher Tolkein was looking to block this from coming to fruition to preserve his father's legacy or some such. Also, New Line also owes the Tolkein estate some tens of millions in royalties. No chance that this film gets halted, but it's just something to consider along the lines of "legal entanglements with 'The Hobbit'".

[awesomeman500]

Yeah they held that chat, I was there but none of my questions were answered.