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Hobbit Rumors: Radcliffe Says No Way, Three Movies in 3D?

by Alex Billington
August 18, 2009
Source: Hero Complex, MarketSaw

We'll probably be hearing a lot of rumors about The Hobbit for the next few years, but we'll be here to try and decipher the truth from the bullsh*t. The first bit of news is not actually a rumor, but a confirmation from Daniel Radcliffe himself (via Hero Complex) that he won't be in The Hobbit. "I'd have to say, 'Thanks but no thanks,' not that anyone has asked me," he says. "Whatever I do next, I don't think there will be any wizards in it!" Now the rumor side of this is with Radcliffe out, that still leaves James McAvoy and David Tennant still in the running to play Bilbo, at least according to this LA Times article from July, right?

Another juicy rumor that popped up today comes from MarketSaw, a blog run by longtime 3D supporter Jim Dorey. He says that a "trusted source" has told him that there will actually be three total movies based around J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, not just two (as has been reported all along). Guillermo del Toro will direct the first two, which will cover the book itself, and Peter Jackson will direct the third one, which will be another bridge movie, as was originally planned before they decided that the book itself couldn't fit into one movie. And throw this out there, too - he also says that all three of them will be shot in stereoscopic 3D.

Whenever Guillermo has talked about The Hobbit and the decision to split the book into two movies, he has never mentioned that the bridge movie was actually scrapped (correct me if I'm wrong?). The conversation always focuses on just those two movies. And I'm sure the moment that decision was made, the New Line execs jumped at the possibility of making another trilogy (another $1 billion, anyone?). But it's a very shaky rumor, considering this kind of announcement would probably be made officially, and wouldn't just leak out on the web. Plus, Jackson does love 3D, and with Avatar opening up all kinds of possibilities, who knows?

MarketSaw also has an interesting write-up on what we can expect regarding the dragon Smaug. Their source is saying that the dragon will probably be darker than he was in the books, which probably makes some sense (just think of anything in Lord of the Rings). I'm very curious to see if all of this turns out to be true, because it all seems possible, but isn't confirmed by New Line or anyone else. Stay tuned! Thoughts?

Find more posts: Movie News, Opinions, Rumors

19 Comments

Thank God Radcliffe won't play Bilbo. Wasn't it officially confirmed that The Hobbit would be two movies, not three? I wouldn't mind three movies: two about The Hobbit, one about the gap between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. (I think putting the gap in the second Hobbit movie would make more sense, but that's just me)

Robbie on Aug 18, 2009

This is plain ol' bullshit. PJ just told MTV Rough Cut that it won't be a third bridge film, although with the comment, no matter how fun that would be, but the rights simply aren't there. although if the money is right, who knows but for now, that is waaaay to early to say anything about. but smaug darker? what the hell is that? as in his colour? or his appearance? wtf? Wouldn't it fit with a golden looking dragon? or isn't he malevolent enough? he's a cunning motherfucker. he could creep out anything from lotr..

epleterte on Aug 18, 2009

Does anyone like 3D that much? How much more does it cost to make a movie 3D? Is the cost-benefit ratio really in the studios' favor?

Branden on Aug 18, 2009

The David Tennant rumour was debunked by the actor himself ages ago.

Mark on Aug 18, 2009

... That was a smart move by Radcliffe, he needs to get away from big franchises after Harry Potter... I have to say I'm gathering more and more respect for him. My vote is for a no-name young actor for Bilbo, No Doctor Who or Wesley (that was his name in Wanted right?) ...

Mondo Jay on Aug 18, 2009

Honestly, I think it'll either be McAvoy, or someone who will shock us completely. Didn't McAvoy say he was taking a break from acting? This might prove true according to the delays in starting production. Meaning: If production doesn't start for a few more years, and McAvoy is taking a break, then his return to acting may come in the form of The Hobbit.

Quanah on Aug 18, 2009

so i was hoping 3D would not ruin a great story such as the hobbit. 3D takes away from any focus to actually produce a good story with great acting. its just "hey lets make a film that has some cool bouncy balls fly out towards the audience."

drew on Aug 18, 2009

I don't know why this stuff gets posted. It's been refuted over and over and over. You could do a better job at sorting out the bullsh*t, Alex.

Nick on Aug 18, 2009

I almost feel like this was accidentally posted...

Nick on Aug 18, 2009

Darker as in "evil mo-fo"?? definately...for those that have read the Silmarillion, remember that he, Smaug, causes an incident of INCEST between a brother and his sister...now THAT is evil.....

cornholio_by_the_sea on Aug 18, 2009

Thank God Radcliffe isn't going to be Bilbo. I don't know why some folks seem to be blind to the fact that he really can't act. As for a third movie? Directed by Jackson? What's not to like?!

Mathieu on Aug 18, 2009

I am really sick of this 3-D novelty bullshit. I see no value in it. Didn't it die in the 50's or 70's or something? Seriously, all it does it add lame "show - off" shots that have no purpose other than showing off the novelty. Oh well, I trust both of them to do the right thing. They are more than capable. Also, this are pretty weak rumors and other than the Radcliffe news, which isn't surprising at all, don't see any point in mentioning the gossip from the unreliable source.

Stevo on Aug 18, 2009

I personally would love to see The Hobbit turned into a 2 parter with a bridging follow up...why not do a whole new trilogy? LOTR showed how to do a great film trilogy, and now The Hobbit could show Lucas how to do a Prequel trilogy.

Chris G. on Aug 18, 2009

no more 3d movies! spare us! I hate having to wear those damn glasses!

TNo on Aug 18, 2009

Don't see the point in a 3d version really, but the others weren't and they were fine. Still excited for this, will keep looking for info.

Crapola on Aug 18, 2009

Radcliffe better take what he can get; his 15 minutes are almost up.

Kubrickan on Aug 19, 2009

Yes. His fifteen minutes that spans eight films and billions of dollars.

Fuelbot on Aug 19, 2009

lol... the last thing he was to see on a script its wizards.... Hahahahahahaha....

Dreckent on Aug 19, 2009

Does Radcliffe honestly think he's going to escape being "the Harry Potter kid" for the rest of his life? Sure he might get a few roles here and there, but it'll be just like Mark Hamil who's forever known as Luke Skywalker. Let's be realistic Radcliffe.

IratePirate on Aug 19, 2009

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