This is the best news i've heard in ages, surpassing my excitement over the "Blade Runner" DVD! I wonder why Jackson wants to do two films and how he'll divide them? Can't wait for the Battle of Five Armies, and can't wait to see Smaug! I'm really hoping that this time the Elven sword Glamdring glows more than it did in the LOTR movies. It's supposed to constantly emit the blue light when in the presence of Orcs.
And fingers crossed: we absolutely, positively *must* get lucky enough to have Ian Mckellan back as Gandalf! -------------- Original message -------------- From: Daryle <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> source: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ie2960ff97697ea62 71399e8be7399978 Dec 19, 2007 NEW YORK -- The eagerly awaited prequels to the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy will finally hit the big screen. MGM and New Line have pacted to co-finance and co-distribute "The Hobbit" and a sequel to the film. New Line will handle distribution in North America, and MGM will distribute the J.R.R. Tolkien adaptations internationally. Putting aside what once seemed like irreconcilable differences over the filmmaker's profit participation, "Rings" writer-director Peter Jackson and New Line have settled all litigation over the nearly $3 billion-grossing "Rings" trilogy. Jackson and Fran Walsh will executive produce the films, to be shot simultaneously, and New Line will manage their production. Preproduction will begin soon, and principal photography is tentatively set for 2009. The release of the first film is slated for 2010 and the sequel in 2011. Jackson, MGM chairman and CEO Harry Sloan and New Line co-chairman and co-CEOs Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne jointly made the announcement Tuesday morning. "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," Jackson said. " '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." Said Sloan, "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.' 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." "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," Shaye said. "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." Lynne said, "Peter is a visionary filmmaker, and he broke new ground with 'The Lord of the Rings.' 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." [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
