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Jackson Slated to Make Hobbit Movie, Sequel
syrinx writes "Peter Jackson, New Line Cinema, and MGM have agreed to work on two new movies: a film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Hobbit', and a further sequel. From the article: 'The two Hobbit films ... 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.'" Not sure if it would be possible to nab Ian Holm as Bilbo, but here's hoping.
Jackson has always wanted to do film The Hobbit, but due to legal issues they couldn't agree on terms.
They've finally resolved, woo!
Am I the only one who's noticed that Martin Freeman wasn't actually in the LOTR?
I believe that Sir Ian McKellen has said that he would be overjoyed to play Gandalf-- but not if Peter Jackson wasn't involved. I would say he's likely to reprise the role, which is more important than Ian Holm (who would clearly be too old) in terms of continuity. I'd say the other big role to worry about would be Gollum.
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I say "apparently" because TFA is actually blocked where I am right now, but the most common questions people seem to be asking in this discussion are:
1) "Sequel, WTF?"
and
2)"Will Ian McKellen return as Gandalf?"
According to this article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7150644.stm
the answers are:
1) No, there will not be a sequel based on some new not-created-by-Tolkien story, The Hobbit will be two movies.
2) Yes.
I'm just sayin'.
Somehow I think that this has more to do with the disappointing results from the Golden Compass movie, which New line was hoping would be a 3-year blockbuster holiday series. It appears that the various religious groups are convincing their members to stay away from it due to the anti-religious message in the books.