A friend sent the below, stating that the second film is actually more "new" material, and not simply the second half of the book? Man, i was assuming Jackson was *directing* the pictures! I really hope he does, though function as executive producer is okay i guess. :(
I'm intrigued by what time of connecting material they could have between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring. Not sure how that turn out, but I do think that it might be better not to release the two films a whole year apart, especially if the second one is something rather new. I think an idea like Tarentino's "Kill Bill" films might work, where the films are separated by only a few months. It'd keep the momentum going. I would really, really love to see someone try to tackle "The Silmarillian", which is a fantastic book of Middle Earth lore that's truly biblical in scope and style. In case you haven't read it, it details the creation of the world and the coming of the first gods, including Morgoth, the dark lord who was actually Sauron's master, the creation of West of the world, the breaking of the Earth, the backstory of Aragon's people the Numenoreans (the "long-lived), and on and on. [from Tyrone] This is definitely exciting, however I was hoping for it to read that Peter Jackson would be directing the Hobbit films. But regardless, his involvement is a good thing. I have a little more information on this project and it seems that the Hobbit will be one complete film. The second film is a sequel that links the Hobbit to the LOTOR trilogy. While this sounds like a shaky film invented to cash in on the franchise, I think there is more to it. I read that Jackson and team will be using notes, manuscripts, and other key story plot points from Tolkien himself that were used as a foundation that connects both storylines. Sounds wierd, but obviously the Tolkien family approves and with PJ as Exec Prod, I wouldn't worry about it too much. I think it may even be an excellent idea cause Jackson and team will be able to really utilize their talent and imagination on the "sequel." The can fill in gaps with their own ideas and with Jackson's knowledge of the material he maybe be ab le to add something special to the film. This is exciting news! -------------- 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]
