Home > News and Features > News > Cinema
Peter Jackson in talks to direct 'Hobbit' movies
June 25, 2010
It looks like Peter Jackson might direct the two "Hobbit" movies after all.
Jackson is in negotiations to helm the films, which were left without a captain after Guillermo del Toro parted ways on May 30. Obstacles to a deal remain, including agreeing on a schedule that will allow Jackson to fast-track the films for release in 2012 and 2013, but insiders are cautiously optimistic that a pact can be worked out.
Talks, which have been going on for a week or two, heated up in recent days between Warner Bros./New Line and Jackson's team. Complications include the shaky financial situation of partner MGM, which owns the "Hobbit" rights and could hold up the production timetable. A significant delay would be a dealbreaker for Jackson.
Del Toro left the project over similar timing concerns. His move caught observers by surprise because the filmmaker had devoted so much time to work with Jackson drawing up plans for the movies, and working on the script with Jackson, Fran Walsh and Phillippa Boyens. He moved his family to New Zealand. Casting was even in the early stages.
But since his departure, Warners/New Line, which runs point on the production over partner MGM, never did a full-on search for a director, even as some names surfaced as possible contenders. Why? Because Warners/New Line was trying to woo Jackson back to Middle-earth.
Jackson has other commitments -- the director has been working on secret projects -- and wasn't sure he wanted to devote another chunk of his life to the tales of J.R.R. Tolkien. But because of the complicated nature and the advanced stage of the undertaking -- Middle-earth was being built from the ground up when del Toro left so unexpectedly -- it wasn't simply filling a chair with a warm body.
To Warners/New Line, Jackson is the most logical choice not only because he made the "Lord of the Rings" movies but also because he is deeply involved as a producer on the "Hobbit" films.
Insiders say the next few days will be crucial in the negotiating process between Jackson's camp and the Warners/New Line side.
-The Hollywood Reporter
Peter Jackson in talks to direct 'Hobbit' movies
June 25, 2010
It looks like Peter Jackson might direct the two "Hobbit" movies after all.
Jackson is in negotiations to helm the films, which were left without a captain after Guillermo del Toro parted ways on May 30. Obstacles to a deal remain, including agreeing on a schedule that will allow Jackson to fast-track the films for release in 2012 and 2013, but insiders are cautiously optimistic that a pact can be worked out.
Talks, which have been going on for a week or two, heated up in recent days between Warner Bros./New Line and Jackson's team. Complications include the shaky financial situation of partner MGM, which owns the "Hobbit" rights and could hold up the production timetable. A significant delay would be a dealbreaker for Jackson.
Del Toro left the project over similar timing concerns. His move caught observers by surprise because the filmmaker had devoted so much time to work with Jackson drawing up plans for the movies, and working on the script with Jackson, Fran Walsh and Phillippa Boyens. He moved his family to New Zealand. Casting was even in the early stages.
But since his departure, Warners/New Line, which runs point on the production over partner MGM, never did a full-on search for a director, even as some names surfaced as possible contenders. Why? Because Warners/New Line was trying to woo Jackson back to Middle-earth.
Jackson has other commitments -- the director has been working on secret projects -- and wasn't sure he wanted to devote another chunk of his life to the tales of J.R.R. Tolkien. But because of the complicated nature and the advanced stage of the undertaking -- Middle-earth was being built from the ground up when del Toro left so unexpectedly -- it wasn't simply filling a chair with a warm body.
To Warners/New Line, Jackson is the most logical choice not only because he made the "Lord of the Rings" movies but also because he is deeply involved as a producer on the "Hobbit" films.
Insiders say the next few days will be crucial in the negotiating process between Jackson's camp and the Warners/New Line side.
-The Hollywood Reporter
Jackson is in negotiations to helm the films, which were left without a captain after Guillermo del Toro parted ways on May 30. Obstacles to a deal remain, including agreeing on a schedule that will allow Jackson to fast-track the films for release in 2012 and 2013, but insiders are cautiously optimistic that a pact can be worked out.
Talks, which have been going on for a week or two, heated up in recent days between Warner Bros./New Line and Jackson's team. Complications include the shaky financial situation of partner MGM, which owns the "Hobbit" rights and could hold up the production timetable. A significant delay would be a dealbreaker for Jackson.
Del Toro left the project over similar timing concerns. His move caught observers by surprise because the filmmaker had devoted so much time to work with Jackson drawing up plans for the movies, and working on the script with Jackson, Fran Walsh and Phillippa Boyens. He moved his family to New Zealand. Casting was even in the early stages.
But since his departure, Warners/New Line, which runs point on the production over partner MGM, never did a full-on search for a director, even as some names surfaced as possible contenders. Why? Because Warners/New Line was trying to woo Jackson back to Middle-earth.
Jackson has other commitments -- the director has been working on secret projects -- and wasn't sure he wanted to devote another chunk of his life to the tales of J.R.R. Tolkien. But because of the complicated nature and the advanced stage of the undertaking -- Middle-earth was being built from the ground up when del Toro left so unexpectedly -- it wasn't simply filling a chair with a warm body.
To Warners/New Line, Jackson is the most logical choice not only because he made the "Lord of the Rings" movies but also because he is deeply involved as a producer on the "Hobbit" films.
Insiders say the next few days will be crucial in the negotiating process between Jackson's camp and the Warners/New Line side.
-The Hollywood Reporter
More Cinemas
Cineplex raises $1 million for Starlight FoundationCineplex Entertainment announced that it raised $1 million for the Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada in 2011. More » |
Marcus Theatres to acquire Duluth OMNIMAXMarcus Theatres will acquire the former OMNIMAX Theatre located in the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center adjacent to the company’s 10-screen Duluth Cinema at 300 Harbor Drive in Duluth, MN. More » |
Cinemagic plans 8-plex in Sturbridge, Mass.Cinemagic Stadium Theaters received approval to build a new cinema complex at the Center at Hobbs Brook in Sturbridge, Mass., for a summer 2012 opening. More » |
Former ShoWest executive director Herb Burton diesIndustry veteran Herb Burton, who for 21 years was the executive director of ShoWest, passed away on Jan. 25. More » |
ADVERTISEMENT
REVIEWS
Film Review: The Woman in Black
The unimaginative approach of both director and screenwriter make this attempt at classy horror singularly uninvolving and lacking in the essential element of surprise. More »
Film Review: Big Miracle
Fictional treatment of the 1988 effort to rescue three whales trapped under Alaskan ice features a wide-ranging cast of characters and offers solid family entertainment. More »
ADVERTISEMENT
INDUSTRY GUIDES
» Blue Sheets
FJI's guide to upcoming movie releases, including films in production and development. Check back weekly for the latest additions.
ORDER A PRINT SUBSCRIPTION
Subscribe to the monthly print edition of Film Journal International and get the full visual impact of this valuable resource for the cinema business.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Learn how to promote your company at the Film Expo Group events: ShowEast, CineEurope, and CineAsia.
Film Journal International News
Film Journal International News - A trade publication covering the motion picture industry, including theatrical exhibition, production, distribution, and allied activities.
Film Journal International, now in its 73rd year, is a trade publication covering the motion picture industry, including theatrical exhibition, production, distribution, and allied activities.
Film Journal International covers key aspects of the Film Industry, from the latest Movie Reviews to all the best resources for Movie Theater Owners. Since 1934 our editorial experts cover all aspects of the Film industry, from Movie Box Office News to trends and more. For independent Cinema Owners operating in the US, Film Journal provides an inside look at Movie and Concession Equipment, from Popcorn to Projectors. For Filmmakers and industry insiders looking to distribute their works, Film Journal International provides an array of Movie and Distribution Resources, from the Blue Sheets database to Digital Cinema News. Our publication is considered one of the web's most valuable and comprehensive sources for Movie Reviews and information on upcoming Films.
ABOUT US | CONTACT US | ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES | RSS | SITE MAP