Looks like the film version of The Hobbit is going to happen after all. And it’s going to be a two-parter (because they sell more popcorn like that, see).
New Line and filmmaker Peter Jackson have resolved their differences over Jackson’s profit participation over the $3 billion-grossing “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, paving the way for a two-film adaptation of Tolkien’s children’s masterpiece.
New Line and MGM, which holds “Hobbit” feature rights, have pacted to co-finance and co-distribute the movies, with New Line handling North American and MGM international distribution.
And Peter Jackson isn’t writing or directing this time, just supervising it all.
Jackson decided not to take on writing and directing roles himself because with his other commitments, he figured that he would not be able to complete the “Hobbit” films until around 2015. One consideration that pushed all the parties to reach an agreement is the huge fan interest surrounding the franchise.
Jackson didn’t want to keep the fans waiting that long, and New Line and MGM knew that if they moved ahead on the project without Jackson’s involvement, they risked alienating the fans. As executive producer, Jackson will have approval over creative elements of both films.
I don’t care. Just tell me Sir Ian is back as Gandalf and I’m there.
The release of the first film is slated for 2010 and the sequel in 2011.
We must away, ere break of day,
To claim our long-forgotten gold.
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