The Hobbit Trilogy Discussion Thread

[mjbethancourt]

Originally Posted by Diesel

I'm honestly surprised this project is still kicking at all with all the crap its been through.

They need some resolution to this mess otherwise known as MGM soon, hopefully that stuff pans out and we get the movies made....and James Bond!

At least both properties are valuable enough that they will certainly be picked-up by somebody sooner or later. I think it does more harm to 'The Hobbit' than the Bond franchise, though. The Bond franchise has evolved so much over the years that the parts are interchangeable; but 'The Hobbit' is riding very much on being able to bring together as much of the same talent as possible that worked on LotR. Lose Jackson, or Richard Taylor, or Lesnie, McKellen, Howe and Lee, etc., and it becomes less and less of a safe investment for the studio, some of the fan-base will evaporate.

I'm still not holding my breath, I still see it as the odds against it happening. The window of opportunity is closing very fast.

[Grand Bob]

Originally Posted by mjbethancourt

I think he's said that he's out if they don't get shooting scheduled by year's end.

I remember he was 60 when LotR commenced being filmed, so that currently puts him around 70. I wouldn't blame him for abandoning the Hobbit films if MGM and the production team can't get their act together. Despite the fact that events of "The Hobbit" occur fractionally earlier than LotR (less than 100 years out of Gandalf's 2000+ years of existence in manlike-form), one would still expect him to not appear much older. Although much can be done with stunt doubles and CGI, there would still be some physically demanding parts.

[mjbethancourt]

Originally Posted by Grand Bob

Although much can be done with stunt doubles and CGI, there would still be some physically demanding parts.

Luckily, it's a lot less than what LotR demanded. He would never need to do any horsemanship.

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by mjbethancourt

Luckily, it's a lot less than what LotR demanded. He would never need to do any horsemanship.

What did Shadowfax ever do to you?

[Josh]

Originally Posted by mjbethancourt

I note they mentioned that the deal includes ending MGM's business as a distributor. It's hard to tell how that impacts 'The Hobbit', considering that foreign-market distribution was their only financial stake in the project. That could remove them entirely as joint-investors, and I don't know if that kills any hope of cooperative spirit from their partner, WB, or if it simplifies the matter by cutting them out of the responsibility entirely, leaving them as nothing more than rights-licensors to WB.

That is a concern. MGM could very well try to re-negotiate the terms of their agreement with WB after scuttling their distribution business. That would add more time before production would start, possibly removing all hope of getting the films made at all. MGM needs to get out of The Hobbit and focus on staying alive with their golden franchises (Bond).

Originally Posted by Grand Bob

I remember he was 60 when LotR commenced being filmed, so that currently puts him around 70. I wouldn't blame him for abandoning the Hobbit films if MGM and the production team can't get their act together. Despite the fact that events of "The Hobbit" occur fractionally earlier than LotR (less than 100 years out of Gandalf's 2000+ years of existence in manlike-form), one would still expect him to not appear much older. Although much can be done with stunt doubles and CGI, there would still be some physically demanding parts.

I think it would be difficult to replace any of the characters, but they are doing just that with Bilbo (even though Ian Holm gave an amazing performance in LOTR). While The Hobbit takes place many years before LOTR, the Ring does preserve Bilbo's age during his ownership. Holm could have played Bilbo for The Hobbit with some make-up and CG, but they are going a different direction.

Ian McKellen is Gandalf, but I could see him pulling out of this role and them finding someone else to play him. I guess what I'm saying is, it wouldn't be the end of the world. But I also think if McKellen is replaced, they need to ensure its an entirely new cast. There is nothing worse then watching a sequel (okay, I know this is not a sequel, but how many other movies are anything like this) and seeing half the cast return. Its difficult to emerse yourself in a film where familiarity and discovery continuously butt heads.

[Grand Bob]

Originally Posted by Josh

Ian McKellen is Gandalf, but I could see him pulling out of this role and them finding someone else to play him. I guess what I'm saying is, it wouldn't be the end of the world. But I also think if McKellen is replaced, they need to ensure its an entirely new cast. There is nothing worse then watching a sequel (okay, I know this is not a sequel, but how many other movies are anything like this) and seeing half the cast return. Its difficult to emerse yourself in a film where familiarity and discovery continuously butt heads.

I agree for the most part, as the replacement of Dumbledore in the third Harry Potter movie severely disrupted the continuity of the third and later movies. I might not have too much of a problem "letting go" Ian Holm playing Bilbo. However, the association of Ian McKellen as Gandalf, and Hugo Weaving as Elrond, is so engrained into the public consciousness - that whoever ends up playing them had better be overwhemingly convincing! Also, should the White Council become part of the movies (as I predict), the actors playing Saruman and Galadriel (and perhaps Celeborn) will have big shoes to fill.

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by Grand Bob

I agree for the most part, as the replacement of Dumbledore in the third Harry Potter movie severely disrupted the continuity of the third and later movies. I might not have too much of a problem "letting go" Ian Holm playing Bilbo. However, the association of Ian McKellen as Gandalf, and Hugo Weaving as Elrond, is so engrained into the public consciousness - that whoever ends up playing them had better be overwhemingly convincing! Also, should the White Council become part of the movies (as I predict), the actors playing Saruman and Galadriel (and perhaps Celeborn) will have big shoes to fill.

The fact that I don't even remember who played Celeborn and I think the guy had at most 3 lines kind of tells you he'd be easy to replace.

[Grand Bob]

Originally Posted by Gandalf Stormcrow

The fact that I don't even remember who played Celeborn and I think the guy had at most 3 lines kind of tells you he'd be easy to replace.

Marton Czorkas (Celeborn) had a few more scenes in the extended edition vs. the standard edition of Fellowship of the Ring, which is too bad because it minimized his importance. He ruled Lorien after Galadriel departed, and as Tolkien states in the Forward to Lord of the Rings, when he finally left Middle earth, he took with him the last living memory of the Elder Days.

[sfmarine]

Originally Posted by Grand Bob

...in the meantime, Ian McKellen isn't getting any younger.

Very good point. I hope this becomes resolved and soon.

[radagast]

Originally Posted by Grand Bob

Marton Czorkas (Celeborn) had a few more scenes in the extended edition vs. the standard edition of Fellowship of the Ring, which is too bad because it minimized his importance. He ruled Lorien after Galadriel departed, and as Tolkien states in the Forward to Lord of the Rings, when he finally left Middle earth, he took with him the last living memory of the Elder Days.

I often wondered why Celeborn and Galadriel separated like that. I suppose even Elvish marriages can go bad. I wonder what they argued about.

Galadriel: "I want to go on a cruise".

Celeborn: "Remember how seasick you got coming over here from the Undying Lands? You just had to eat that Lobster, didn't you?"

Galadriel: "Well why would you want to stay here? You never rake the leaves in the fall."

Celeborn: "Stop changing the subject. You want to go back there and listen to all those gods and their endless prattle?"

Galadriel: "Well my ring doesn't work anymore and I don't like it here now that it doesn't."

Celeborn: "We've only been here about 3000 years. Is that ring the only thing that matters to you?"

Galadriel: "I need a change. I'm bored with everything, including you".

[Gaius Marius]

I think to help things out a bit, they should simplify the movie(s). Keep it one movie and just focus on the Hobbit. The Hobbit is an excellent, light, adventure story that doesn't need anything else.

I just don't think this is going to work as planned with all of the SNAFUs of late.

[Duffy12]

Peter Jackson Hopeful For Hobbit News Soon

August 25th, 2010

Hobbit fans have been waiting for years to see progress on the movie version of Tolkien’s classic novel The Hobbit. Or at least word on what final decision will be made. There is now hope that some answers may be forthcoming.

Stuff.co.nz posted an interview with Peter Jackson mentioning that Warner Bros was ”making progress untangling the MGM situation, so we should have certainty with The Hobbit sometime soon”. A decision on whether Jackson would direct the film has not been reached but that verdict likely would be part of any potential announcement.

According to the article, Jackson is anxious to finalize everything in order to “map out a five-year plan for projects that will keep many people very busy”. That would be happy news for the movie industry in New Zealand and the very enthusiastic fan base.

.

Fingers and toes crossed.


.

[Grand Bob]

Originally Posted by radagast

Galadriel: "I need a change. I'm bored with everything, including you".

Ha, I think that may have summed it for people living together for thousands of years; maybe a few hundred years apart gave them a fresh perspective. I hope he remembered to get her flowers when he returned to Elvenhome!

[Grand Bob]

Originally Posted by Duffy12

Fingers and toes crossed.

Here we go again!

[Batman1980]

Sounds like Peter Jackson is just trying to keep buzz for the movies alive but I'll get excited when there's some real news.

[mjbethancourt]

Originally Posted by Grand Bob

Here we go again!

Are you quoting C3PO?

[radagast]

Originally Posted by Grand Bob

Ha, I think that may have summed it for people living together for thousands of years; maybe a few hundred years apart gave them a fresh perspective. I hope he remembered to get her flowers when he returned to Elvenhome!

I believe the flowers of choice were called Elanor, correct?

[Darkhawk9587]

Originally Posted by Gandalf Stormcrow

Sounds like Peter Jackson is just trying to keep buzz for the movies alive but I'll get excited when there's some real news.

I have the same feeling. Though with the MGM situation as it is, maybe there is some good news out there.

[Grand Bob]

Originally Posted by radagast

I believe the flowers of choice were called Elanor, correct?

Yes, and Sam Gamgee named his first daughter after them.

[Grand Bob]

Originally Posted by mjbethancourt

Are you quoting C3PO?

Seems appropriate, and he might have added, "Someday they are going to make that movie." But hey, with Jackson in control, it has a good chance; I just wish I had more patience.