Hobbit Films Officially Greenlit

“Jackson will utilize groundbreaking visual effects and his incomparable story-telling to bring J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel to the big screen. Both Hobbit movies will be filmed in Digital 3-D, using the latest camera and stereo technology to create a high quality, comfortable viewing experience. Jackson also co-wrote the screenplays with Fran Walsh, Phillipa Boyens and Guillermo del Toro."

I'm glad that they are able to use Jackson's incomparable story-telling skills for the film, to liven up what Hollywood thinks is a very dull book

I imagine all the fan-sites will be abuzz with the news, and speculation will run wild as to who will be cast in the role of Bilbo. Personally I had hoped the whole thing would have died a slow, horrible death - but I guess there is just way too much potential cash on the table, what with all the "collectibles" and other rubbish that will inevitably accompany these movies. As for jackson’s "incomparable story-telling" - I can't wait for more dwarf-tossing jokes and wizard fights.

As for jackson’s "incomparable story-telling" - I can't wait for more dwarf-tossing jokes and wizard fights.

LOL

"but New Zealand's place as home to Middle-Earth remains uncertain as the dispute between the Actors Equity union and the show's producers rumbles on."

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/art ... ?c_id=1&objectid=10681118

So they've got the green light to make it, but nowhere to film. There's still plenty that could go wrong!

- wellinghall

My brother-in-law (& my sister) moved to Matamata to work on the Hobbiton set in April this year (for 6 months). They've already moved on (or are due to right now, in October) to Wellington (Miramir, where all the studios are). So my guess is that filming is (or was) very much intended to go ahead in NZ early next year...

BH

Terrible news! Jackson made an entertaining film but is in no way the only one who could make a Middle Earth movie. Why is it so hard to make a movie exactly like the book. The Hobbit is not strictly canon and is written for children. None of Tolkiens works should be made into live action movies. In 3D, come on. Are we not over this decades obsession with this sub standard way of filming movies!!

"I am a wizard," continued Gandalf. "I have heard of you, if you have not heard of me; but perhaps you have heard of my good cousin Radagast who lives near the southern borders of Mirkwood?"

Scottish actor Sylvester McCoy, famous for his role as sci-fi's Dr Who in the 1980s, was this weekend cast as wizard Radagast the Brown in the film.

This is exactly what I feared, one mention of Radagast in the book and Jackson has cast an actor, I can sense more "wizard fights" looming.

Oh great. I wonder if the movie will be full of flashbacks, or if there will be a short half hour intro showing the Istari arriving.

Sylvester McCoy, a good Doctor, but.....