The LA Times writes more on the speculation that Warner Bros. and Peter Jackson are looking to convert the planned two Hobbit films into a trilogy: (New info bolded below)
The Burbank film studio originally planned to release two “Hobbit” movies based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s literary prelude to “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, and principal photography on those two pictures finished in New Zealand this month. The first is set to come out in December, followed by the second in December 2013. The two films combined cost about $500 million.
But Jackson has concluded that there is enough material from the book, as well as the extensive appendixes to “The Lord of the Rings,” to make a third film, according to three people who were not authorized to speak publicly. New Line Cinema, the Warner Bros. unit overseeing production of the movies, is eager to see it happen, and talks are underway with actors and others who would need to sign off on the plan.
We focus on this story because it is brand new and seems to imply that the LA Times has acquired additional information from what was previously reported during Comic-Con. What say you? [Read Article]
So over the last 24 to 48 hours, there’s only been about half a billion articles posted across the interwebs about the Hall H presentation. Then add an equal number of video interviews that Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens, Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen and Richard Armitage have been doing about The Hobbit.
Talk about feast or famine!
So without further ado, here’s a round-up of the latest ones, and a bit of a summary for many of the articles to help you decide what to read or watch.
Bootnote: big props to everyone who has been sending in links to spymaster at theonering dot net — you’re all ace! And be sure to drop us a line if you think you have a scoop about the production — we’d love to hear from you!
Now updated! with press conference video footage!
SPOILER WARNING!
Continue reading “TORn’s ultimate Comic-Con 2012 round-up!”
TheOneRing.net scored a few exclusive moments with Peter Jackson in the Comic-Con press line to chat. He was asked about his additional filming plans for The Hobbit.
Jackson says that he greatly desires to go back and film more in Middle-earth. This extra footage may or may not be destined for extended editions — extended editions are something that we definitely expect to see. However, the exciting possibility is that a third Hobbit film is also on Jackson’s mind — and he admitted it!
He wouldn’t outright commit to anything. He didn’t say: “Yes, I’m doing a third film”. On the other hand, he didn’t close the door completely.
His words: “There’s much more material from the Appendices of Lord of the Rings that we didn’t fit in.”
Remember though, we reported the other day that Warner Bros has no plans for a third film. Studio sources told Variety that “the plan was always for two.” What will happen? Well, it may all hinge on what sort of success An Unexpected Journey has this December.
Update: Now with video from the press chat!
The Los Angeles Times caught up with Peter Jackson for a quick Q & A interview. He told Geoff Boucher about his choice for making two movies and Jackson was “surprised at how rich the world is, and how many interesting themes and characters there are to explore” and by “also using extensive parts of the appendixes, which were published at the end of “Return of the King.” This is not just “The Hobbit” – it’s “The Hobbit” set in a much greater context of events taking place throughout Middle-earth during this period”
Peter Jackson also added: “. The material is so rich. In fact, only this last week or two, we’ve been talking to the studio about allowing us to shoot some additional material next year, to fully complete the story.” Extended Edition anyone? here’s hoping:) [More]
iamROGUE.com caught up with Elijah Wood at the San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday while he was promoting his current FX series Wilfred. iamROGUE’s reporter took a few moments to ask about his return to New Zealand and what he felt on reprising his role as Frodo Baggins.
Wood replied: “The part is so small that I had no pressure of the original films. I could just come in and revisit the character.”
Highlight possible spoiler: asked whether he will bookend the films, Wood replied, “yeah, that’s kinda the idea.” Could Wood pop up at the end as well as the beginning?
Wood will be at the The Hobbit panel presentation in Hall H on Saturday.
From MovieswithButter.com: At CinemaCon in April, Peter Jackson presented a exclusive ten-minute preview clip of The Hobbit. The footage, played at 45 fps, received mixed reviews from fans: complaints mainly due to the footage looking both hyper-real and unfinished.
According to Jeffrey Wells, Warner Brothers is considering “massaging” the unnaturally realistic look of the 48 fps format of “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” for Comic-Con. They may add grain to the footage to make it look more cinematic and less like high-def video.
[Read more]
