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Peter Jackson to Produce The Hobbit - Confirmed!

Discussion in 'Game/SP News & Comments' started by Taluntain, Dec 18, 2007.

  1. Taluntain

    Taluntain Resident Alpha and Omega Staff Member ★ SPS Account Holder Resourceful Adored Veteran Pillars of Eternity SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!) New Server Contributor [2012] (for helping Sorcerer's Place lease a new, more powerful server!) Torment: Tides of Numenera SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!) BoM XenForo Migration Contributor [2015] (for helping support the migration to new forum software!)

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    Remove all ads!
    After years of rumours, speculation, confirmations and denials, it is now finally official and confirmed - Peter Jackson is going to produce not one but TWO "The Hobbit" films. Here's the entire press release:

    * * *

    PETER JACKSON AND NEW LINE CINEMA JOIN WITH MGM TO PRODUCE “THE HOBBIT”
    December 18, 2007

    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 www.TheHobbitBlog.com.

    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 www.mgm.com.

    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.

    * * *​

    Excellent news - now the speculation about the director and the cast can begin. Discuss!
     
    Taluntain, Dec 18, 2007
    #1
  2. Spellbound

    Spellbound Fleur de Mystique Distinguished Member ★ SPS Account Holder Veteran

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    This is the best news of the year!!! Jackson showed his genius with his creation of LoTR -- I expect these two movies will be equally superior. :D
     
    Spellbound, Dec 18, 2007
    #2

  3. Dinsdale Gems: 13/31
    Latest gem: Ziose

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    This is great news, indeed!

    A sequel to "The Hobbit?" Unless they plan on splitting it into two movies I don't see the point. Of course maybe they'll use the extensive appendices from LOTR to make another movie. Hmm!
     
    Dinsdale, Dec 18, 2007
    #3
  4. Urithrand

    Urithrand Mind turning the light off? ★ SPS Account Holder Veteran

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    About time too! This news has been a long time coming, New Line had to break in the end, no-one could have filled Jackson's shoes.
     
    Urithrand, Dec 19, 2007
    #4
  5. Sir Belisarius

    Sir Belisarius Viconia's Boy Toy Distinguished Member ★ SPS Account Holder

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    I like that they'll break the Hobbit into two films...That means they'll be able to get in more of the story. I wonder where it will break? I'm guessing a good cliffhanger might be when they're captured by the elves, or by the spiders...

    Anyone else have any thoughts?
     
    Sir Belisarius, Dec 19, 2007
    #5
  6. Taluntain

    Taluntain Resident Alpha and Omega Staff Member ★ SPS Account Holder Resourceful Adored Veteran Pillars of Eternity SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!) New Server Contributor [2012] (for helping Sorcerer's Place lease a new, more powerful server!) Torment: Tides of Numenera SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!) BoM XenForo Migration Contributor [2015] (for helping support the migration to new forum software!)

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    From what I've read, it seems like it'll be two separate films... one the adaptation of the "actual" Hobbit book, and the other one a gap bridger between that and the LotR trilogy.
     
    Taluntain, Dec 19, 2007
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  7. Urithrand

    Urithrand Mind turning the light off? ★ SPS Account Holder Veteran

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    Hmm, not sure how I feel about that. Jackson might be good, but he doesn't hold a candle to Tolkien :p
     
    Urithrand, Dec 19, 2007
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  8. Sir Belisarius

    Sir Belisarius Viconia's Boy Toy Distinguished Member ★ SPS Account Holder

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    It would be cool if they show the witchking being driven out of the Mirkwood, Saruman going to Sauron's side, and Balin entering Khazad-Dum to retake it. They were events mentioned in the books that you don't get much detail on. It would be cool to see them fleshed out in a movie...I'm trying to think what else would be added to a bridge movie between Hobbit and LOTR....
     
    Sir Belisarius, Dec 20, 2007
    #8
  9. Harbourboy

    Harbourboy Take thy form from off my door! Veteran Pillars of Eternity SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!)

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    I'm sure these films will do very well.
     
    Harbourboy, Dec 21, 2007
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  10. dmc

    dmc Speak softly and carry a big briefcase Staff Member Distinguished Member ★ SPS Account Holder Resourceful Adored Veteran New Server Contributor [2012] (for helping Sorcerer's Place lease a new, more powerful server!)

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    Probably add the initial capture and questioning of gollum by the good guys and his subsequent flight and when he found out about Shelob.
     
    dmc, Dec 21, 2007
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  11. Urithrand

    Urithrand Mind turning the light off? ★ SPS Account Holder Veteran

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    Maybe they'll take snippets from the LotR books that they missed in the movies? I'd love to see a meeting with Tom Bombadil!
     
    Urithrand, Dec 21, 2007
    #11
  12. Morgoroth

    Morgoroth Just because I happen to have tentacles, it doesn'

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    As someone who thought the first film of the trilogy was mediocre and the two following ones just plain bad I won't be holding my breath.
     
    Morgoroth, Dec 22, 2007
    #12
  13. Merlanni

    Merlanni Veteran New Server Contributor [2012] (for helping Sorcerer's Place lease a new, more powerful server!)

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    No. not Tom B. Tolkien himself said not to do it. Forgive me for not remebering the source. So unlikely to see Tom.

    But enough happens in the Hobbit, and we have read it all, have we not, to fill 5 hours of cinema. I just hope they will not do what they did whit Helms Diep. The battle of five armies will be good, and must take a while, but scene's like the trolls must not be dealt whit a mere 5 minits.

    (If for some reason you have not read the book, turn off you pc, go tho the nearest store and buy it. I expect a full essay whit footnote on how ashamed you are after Christmas.)
     
    Merlanni, Dec 22, 2007
    #13
  14. Saber

    Saber A revolution without dancing is not worth having! Veteran

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    I'm with Morgoroth on this...
     
    Saber, Dec 22, 2007
    #14
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