Peter Jackson to produce `The Hobbit'

AP via Yahoo ^ | 12/18/07 | JAKE COYLE

[Abathar]

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.

[Abathar]

I hope whoever directs it does as well as Jackson did on LOTR, I am glad they are finally going to do it.

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

I like The Hobbit even better than the LOTR trilogy.

[GOP_Party_Animal]

If only Peter Jackson could have directed Leonard Nemory in this debacle:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC73PHdQX04

[BigBlueJon]

Shouldn’t we issue a “Smaug” Alert?

[Abathar]

LOL I have that bookmarked, just to watch my friends jaw drop when they see it for the first time.

[Lil'freeper]

!!!!

[JenB]

ping!

Yippy!

[Hyzenthlay]

Yay!

This just made my day! I’m SO very very very happy right now!

[Tired of Taxes]

I don’t want to see any movie directed by Peter Jackson again.

Tolkien fans here. We read the books many years ago, and the LOTR movies are well-made, without a doubt.

But, skip forward about halfway in this Charlie Rose interview to see Viggo, with nods of agreement from Peter and Elijah, talk about the “War for Oil” and how the U.S. is the evil one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHyrADFhNZw

[GATOR NAVY]

I wish Jackson was directing but at least he’ll be involved. Other than the obvious reason (money), why are they milking this into two films? The story isn’t that long.

[Red_Devil 232]

I wonder why the Hobbit was not made first? It is the key to understanding the trilogy and many of the characters.

[Red_Devil 232]

I also enjoyed the Havard Lampoon version of the Hobbit ... with characters like Dildo Baggins, Frito, and Goodgulf.

[HairOfTheDog]

Oh - this is good news!

[Tijeras_Slim]

Oh Lordy..... :)

[ecurbh]

Mostly good news... PJ isn't directing, but he'll be producer.

Ring Ping!!

Anyone wishing to be added to or removed from the Ring-Ping list, please don't hesitate to let me know.

[BibChr]

Sam Raimi had expressed interest, but only if Jackson were involved. This clears the way for that.

[Abathar]

Licensing agreements are owned by company A, but the family and company B want to buy them etc... etc.... LOTR was for sale so they bought the rights for that, and since they made so much money and did such a good job the people who own the rights to The Hobbit are willing to share the rights if Jackson does it.

[Corin Stormhands]

Entmoot 2012 here we come!

[Corin Stormhands]

I don’t want to see any movie directed by Peter Jackson again.

Good, more room in line for the rest of us.

[JenB]

Woot!