The Hobbit

[knapplc]

HOORAY!!!!

NEW YORK - Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema have reached agreement to make J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit," a planned prequel to the blockbuster trilogy "The Lord of the Rings."

Jackson, who directed the "Rings" trilogy, will serve as executive producer for "The Hobbit." A director for the prequel films has yet to be named.

Relations between Jackson and New Line had soured after "Rings," despite a collective worldwide box office gross of nearly $3 billion — an enormous success. The two sides nevertheless were able to reconcile, with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios (MGM) splitting "The Hobbit" 50/50, spokemen for both studios said Tuesday.

"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 in a statement. "We are delighted to continue our journey through Middle Earth."

Two "Hobbit" films are scheduled to be shot simultaneously, similar to how the three "Lord of the Rings" films were made. Production is set to begin in 2009 with a released planned for 2010, with the sequel scheduled for a 2011 release.

New Line Cinema is owned by Time Warner. Sony and Comcast are among the owners of MGM.

[Metroid]

I'm not a huge Lord of the Rings fan but I did like all the movies so I'll see em!

[scottaa1]

I didn't read the books either, but did enjoy the LotR trilogy movies. I presume the Hobbit is right up the same ally?

[knapplc]

I didn't read the books either, but did enjoy the LotR trilogy movies. I presume the Hobbit is right up the same ally?

The Hobbit tells the story of how Frodo's uncle Bilbo found the Ring. It involves Gandalf, dwarves, elves, goblinses and a frikkin' huge-ass dragon!

[treat24]

I liked the movies a lot and read the books when I was a kid. I had forgotten almost everything because I read them when i was between 6-10 years old. So these movies are like a refresher and very enjoyable. Very nice not remembering sometimes. I'm excited for this. Thanks for the news Knapp!

[Dan Lambskin]

awesome!!!

maybe next i'll find out they're finally going to make Sin City 2

[treat24]

awesome!!!

maybe next i'll find out they're finally going to make Sin City 2

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0458481/

[Dan Lambskin]

awesome!!!

maybe next i'll find out they're finally going to make Sin City 2

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0458481/

still sounds pretty up in the air

what i really want to see is a Stephen King Dark Tower series, but unless they get a LOTR style budget (which based on Kings past movie history i doubt they would) it would probably suck...best i can hope for is an HBO miniseries

[Art Vandelay]

This is good news. Though even with all of the advances in special effects, they'll never be able to top the depiction of the Battle of Five Armies from the cartoon version of The Hobbit that came out in the late '70s.

[moonhead]

the cartoons were awesome.
i love the hobbit. moreso than lotr. i hope he does it justice. it should be easier to tell visually than the others.