The Hobbit

[angelaudie]

Count me among the disappointed as well though I understand why Guillermo decided to move on. The only potential light at the end of the tunnel is this might move Jackson to decide to direct the movie himself (come on Pete this movie shouldn't be nearly as daunting as LOTR!).

I can't believe how MGM is managing to screw this up! They have Peter Jackson and his team, the cast from LOTR willing to reprise their parts (and that's out of loyalty and love for Jackson not you MGM!), and had Del Torro and yet the project is still getting screwed!

[kostgard]

I've seen some people speculate if the fact that Del Torro refused to film it in 3D had anything to do with him leaving. All the studios are going 3D crazy at the moment and maybe MGM was demanding it.

[Deleted]

Some more details and speculation from EW. Doesn't sound like PJ will direct.

So who could take Del Toro’s place? Not Jackson. “As for Peter directing,” writes Kamins from New Zealand, “that’s not something he can consider at this time as he has other commitments to other projects. But make no mistake, Peter and Fran’s commitment to the franchise is total and will do everything necessary to protect the films and the investment made by New Line, [parent company] Warner Bros. and MGM.”

[fabrichnova]

I highly doubt he'd do it, but with Del Toro out, my mind goes to Alfonso Cuaron.

[angelaudie]

EW readers came up with 15 directors that could replace Del Torro. Some, like Alfonso Cuaron or even Neil Blomkamp, could work. Others, like James Cameron, not so much.

[angelaudie]

Forgive the double post please! EW is reporting Peter Jackson is in talks to take over directing duties.

[Deleted]

Jun 25, 2010 18:49:40 GMT -4 angelaudie said:

Forgive the double post please! EW is reporting Peter Jackson is in talks to take over directing duties.

YES! As long as his heart is in it, I think he is the best choice. And I hope this means they ARE getting greenlit soon. Wow. I would have never believed that it would be such an ordeal to get this movie off the ground. It seems like such a sure-fire money-maker after the LOTR movies. But I guess MGM's problems might have hamstrung the project from the get-go, and maybe tptb didn't want anyone but PJ attached?

I still think DelToro could have made a great director for this movie. I just hope we get some solid statements on wth is going on.

[bklynred]

I'd gladly take another Jackson movie, although I was looking forward to Del Toro's interpretation. At this point I'm getting antsy just to see some kind of progress with filming.

[Deleted]

Yes, it seems it is finally official: it has been greenlit and PJ is directing.

Now the only question is if it will be shot in NZ or somewhere else. There is lots of posturing and acrimony apparently when it comes to the actors' union about conditions and wages. I hope it eventually shoots in NZ, for continuity if nothing else.

[angelaudie]

More union/studio dispute updates! So, it sounds like the unions have backed off but PJ's statement make it sound like the studio is still considering taking filming elsewhere. But PJ claims he and Fran are trying to convince the studio to stay in NZ. Ok, here's where things don't make sense to me. From what I understand a good many of the sets are built or almost completely built. Wouldn't moving the film out of NZ be wasting money and be really stupid since MGM isn't exactly rolling in money (seriously when you are forced to cancel an upcoming James Bond film due to budget concerns you are having problems!) right now? Unless this an idle threat to insure the unions will not talk of boycotts and strikes again. In that case, in a few days we'll probably get an announcement declaring Middle Earth will remain in NZ and it will have heaps of praise for Peter and Fran for convincing the big bad studio to keep the film in NZ.