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.

Comments

sequel?

[BlueStraggler]

Didn't he already shoot the sequel to The Hobbit?

Re:sequel?

[moderatorrater]

I would prefer he do a series of short films based on the Unfinished Tales, then a documentary based on the Silmarilion. That would be awesome beyond all reason.

Re:sequEl?

[Gaerek]

The first movie will be entitled "The Hobbit." The second movie is tenatively entitled "Movie About Hobbits in an Effort to Milk the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit Properties for All They're Worth." Of course, this is a tenative title and subject to change.

Re:sequEl?

[techpawn]

NO just watch...
First movie. The Hobbit: There
Second movie. The Hobbit: And Back again

Just like the iocane powder I found, I'd bet my life on it!

Re:sequel?

[AdmiralWeirdbeard]

I think that the opening, with the creation of the world through the orchestra of the Valar would probably be one of the most epic and impressive audiovisual entertainments ever, if done right.

Re:Not that I care, but

[rehtonAesoohC]

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!

Re:is this a good idea?

[nuzak]

He will disappoint you. Bank on it. The other 99.99% of us will, however, probably like it.

The Sequel's title will be...

[Korveck]

"The daily life of Tom Bombadil, Treebeard, and Radagast" Sponsored by Green Peace.

Re:Martin Freeman Would Be Better

[charlesbakerharris]

Am I the only one who's noticed that Martin Freeman wasn't actually in the LOTR?

Re:Actors ...

[njfuzzy]

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.

the ending..

[savuporo]

I hope they get the the ending right this time.

Re:Sequel??

[dubbreak]

..with Bilbo at the end screaming "DO NOT WANT"

There, fixed that for you.

LOTR actors

[syrinx]

I don't think Ian Holm will be able to be cast as Bilbo... they made him look younger for a brief shot in LOTR, but from what I remember it involved stretching the skin on his face, etc, and wouldn't be workable for a full movie.

Ian McKellen and Andy Serkis I believe have both said they'd be very interested in coming back for a Hobbit movie as Gandalf and Gollum. The only other cross-over character bookwise would be Elrond; I don't know if Hugo Weaving has said anything one way or the other. (I suppose there was some guy in the FOTR movie who was ostensibly Gloin at the council scene, but I don't think anyone would notice if he came back or not...)

They could sneak in cameos from other actors I suppose; there's nothing saying Legolas wasn't hanging out with his father in the Elves' home in Mirkwood. I don't know that I want Legolas showing up at the Battle of Five Armies to surf on an eagle shooting down wargs though.

(Hey, so about 7 years in between accepted Slashdot submissions. Roland, I'm catching up!)