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Peter Jackson Might Direct The Hobbit... Only If He's Allowed
by Alex Billington
May 31, 2010
Source: Dominion Post
As expected, an interesting bit of follow-up news regarding Guillermo del Toro's decision to no longer direct The Hobbit arrived today by way of a new article in the The Dominion Post (via The Playlist). They actually caught up with Peter Jackson himself and talked about the news and what it means for the project's future The production is worth "many millions of dollars" to the city of Wellington's economy, which is why they're trying to do everything they can to keep things moving, too. "It was simply longer than anyone expected, the fans and the filmmakers," del Toro told them about the film's delay. But could Jackson return and direct?
The key bit of news was that Jackson could end up directing The Hobbit, if worst comes to worst and they don't find anyone. "Jackson met studio representatives yesterday to begin the search for a new director but wouldn't rule out directing The Hobbit himself if a suitable person could not be found." But it's not up to him. Like Bryan Singer, he has contractual commitments to other projects. "If that's what I have to do to protect Warner Bros' investment, then obviously that's one angle which I'll explore," he says. But he has two other films in the works, one starting next year, and "the other studios may not let me out of the contracts."
The Dominion says that the reported $150 million budget for The Hobbit is more of a "ballpark figure" and could be higher if they go 3D. Some are guessing that Guillermo was "kicked off" because he didn't want to shoot it in 3D and New Line was unhappy. I don't know if I believe that, so we'll stick to the facts. Any idea when they'll be shooting? "I just don't know now until we get a new director. The key thing is that we don't intend to shut the project down. We don't intend to let this affect the progress. Everybody, including the studio, wants to see things carry on as per normal. The idea is to make it as smooth a transition as we can."
We'll obviously keep you updated on all the latest with The Hobbit. But for now, I'd like to open up the floor to discussion, since there's a lot to consider about the future of this adaptation. Would you be happier seeing Peter Jackson return to direct both films again or should they find someone else new to direct, and who?
44 Comments
1
They already lost the best director for the project. The second best is Mr. Jackson himself.
germs on May 31, 2010
2
I'd take Peter Weir as director for 'The Hobbit'. I think he'd do as good a job or even better than Del Toro or Jackson; but Peter Jackson wouldn't be a bad choice obviously.
Dave Lister, J.M.C. on May 31, 2010
3
Germs said: They already lost the best director for the project. The second best is Mr. Jackson himself. If you think that after directing the LOTR's, making $3 Billion world wide box office, 17 Oscars including 3 best picture noms makes Jackson second best to Del Toro, then Germs you are a fucking retard! To borrow a line from Aragorn: Mr. Jackson bows to no one!
Hattori Hanzo on May 31, 2010
4
Yes. Please. Definitely the best option available, and a massive upgrade over del Toro.
RT on May 31, 2010
5
#3: I don't judge movies based off of how much money they make or how many oscars they win. And it's not that I think Del Toro is better than anyone else; but in this case, with already having seen three LOTR movies with Jackson at the helm, Del Toro would have been a nice change of pace. Pan's Labyrinth was an amazing movie, and I would have loved to have seen that type of fantastical imagery and story telling in The Hobbit. Not to mention that I wasn't all that impressed with Lovely Bones. BUT if Del Toro can't do it then I think Jackson is the second best choice. Oh, and please refrain from name calling every time you disagree with someone. cheers.
germs on May 31, 2010
6
Agreed Germs, Would have been nice to see Del Toro's amazing mind set to work on the next Tolkein Book films. Peter Jackson is still epic but will he have the zeal to keep the films historic? When Lucas returned to Star Wars it's as if he didnt even care anymore, and IMHO he butchered Star Wars's legacy, and half responsible for Jones 4 failure. If Peter returns will he try to out do himself? And not with just simply making them blockbusters, but being patient and and allowing the film to develop organically. Making sure to pay great attention to detail, the thing that most directors rush, and making sure the character development and world immersion is magical. Other nods: Alfonso Cuarón? Is Abrams capable of creating Fantasy genre?
James A Branscome on May 31, 2010
7
Fran Walsh
shadow on May 31, 2010
8
P.J. Please!
trat on May 31, 2010
9
Del Toro's influence has already been injected into The Hobbit. The creatures and characters already have his input. Essentialy, all the pre-production work is done. The only thing that's happening now is a Director to steer the performances. GdT already has a director/producer-like influence on the creation of this project.
Robert on May 31, 2010
10
If not PJ, I wouldn't mind seeing Matthew Vaughn or JJ Abrams give it a go.
RT on May 31, 2010
11
john hillcoat, peter jackson, peter weir,
jebstuart on May 31, 2010
12
Alfonso Cuarón!
james on May 31, 2010
13
I don't think anyone should do it except Jackson, but Cuaron could be a good choice too if he has to honor his contracts (which is the respectable thing to do).
peloquin on May 31, 2010
14
paul verhooven. with ed-209 cast as smog.
adaggio dude on May 31, 2010
15
As much as I loved Lord of the Rings, my faith in Peter Jackson has wavered since seeing The Lovely Bones. That movie was a mess. I'd much rather have del Toro, but I suppose Jackson is still better than most other choices.
Craig on May 31, 2010
16
Del Toro went down fighting against 3D. good for him.
Al on May 31, 2010
17
@Al I truly hope that was one of the reasons!!!
Xerxex on May 31, 2010
18
#10 Abrams? ewww
DoomCanoe on May 31, 2010
19
if peter jackson becomes director, this entire two year period has been a huge waste of time. why not go with him in the first place?
josh on May 31, 2010
20
yes yes yes this is destiny!!!!!!!!
8=D on May 31, 2010
21
Not wishing to appear churlish, but I did link to this article earlier today.
cinemabandit on May 31, 2010
22
IMO it would be nice to have PJ finish this off. I loved the books, love the movies so far. If jackson returns there will be a certain consistency from end to end of the entire LOTR series, and that would be nice. Having Del Toro would have been interesting in respect to seeing the differences, but in the end that may have been a distraction from what is really a good story. PJ did a pretty good keeping the characters true to the story too (with a little departure on Faramir, I admit)! Xerxex, there's gonna be epic shots of Smaug swooping down at you, wargs snapping at your throat and arrows whipping past your face... all in 3D. Too bad you won't enjoy it. 😉
Gonnarentit on May 31, 2010
23
Uwe Boll. Seriously.
The 13th Wang on May 31, 2010
24
only jackson oder guilmero can direct this movie, no one else(maybe speilberg but..). Every other director would be a fail and i would definitly not watch this shit seriously if bryan singer directs this....gg ok uwe boll would be funny ;D
jim on Jun 1, 2010
25
guilmerro was so fucking perfect, no one else brings magic and fantasy better into life then he does
jim on Jun 1, 2010
26
My apologies Germ .
Hattori Hanzo on Jun 1, 2010
27
My biggest problem with De Toro being imvolved in The Hobbit is that his creatures are so distintive in design and have the same sort of loo ie: Pan and Hell Boy II in particular. They would look so out of place in Middle Earth.
Sandy on Jun 1, 2010
28
Sam Raimi. He's back on form now, and has worked in New Zealand and with Weta a lot in the '90s. With Jackson between him and any meddling studio, should be a fine combination.
PhoenixWright on Jun 1, 2010
29
Fucking McG!!! YES! heh...
WingIt on Jun 1, 2010
30
Nobody but PJ should even touch this!!!
KB on Jun 1, 2010
31
BRING BACK PETER FULL TIME!! No other director can do it true justice and even Toro was not the perfect candidate.
Tomi on Jun 1, 2010
32
#3 wow, to react like that to someone who disagrees with you about a director is, well..... just plain pathetic. how old are you anyway, 11, 12...maybe 13 at the oldest?
Sharon on Jun 1, 2010
33
#32 ---- Before mouthing off on such things, it would be a good idea to read all the posts firrst. Try reading post #26.
Hattori Hanzo on Jun 1, 2010
34
Let's give Micheal Bay a chance. Maybe The Hobbit can "transform" his "bad boys" image
Kevin on Jun 1, 2010
35
if they intend to shoot 3d they may as well have micky mouse direct it FFS!
Ian on Jun 1, 2010
36
best news ive heard all year, thank you del toro you did everyone a favor by making this possible and $150m is a lowball estimate, im sure it will be much more even though they should still have a number of usable set pieces from the original trilogy if they havnt been destroyed yet
harrison on Jun 1, 2010
37
Peter jackson needs to do this.
vold on Jun 1, 2010
38
I am with you guys I think Peter should do it if he can work it out ! RP Hayes
R P Hayes on Jun 1, 2010
39
While I think Jackson would be the best, given contractual obligations, I think it's unlikely. Give it to Cuaron (sp) - I liked his work in the HP series. Or, ask Kenneth Branagh if he wants a massive project like Hobbit hard on the heels of his Thor work (again, unlikely due to timeframe). Much as I love Alias, MI3, and ST reboot - keep Abrams away.
Myrrhibis on Jun 2, 2010
40
If Peter Jackson is unavailable, Alfonso Cuarón is a very good choice.
casting couch on Jun 2, 2010
41
Del Toro is great. Peter Jackson is great! Hard to choose considering this is NOT LOTR. Sad at the news of Del Toro, excited about the possible return to the helm with Peter. Having said that if Jackson cannot direct due to other project obligations my vote is also very strong for Alfonso Cuaron. HP3 is probably one of if not the best movie adaptations of the seven( or eight ) so far. He brought the series out of the adolescent Chris Columbus HP world into a more mature world we now know. Not to mention his attention to detail was delicate yet comfortably complex. And he also shows his ability to work with some real star power. Am eger for the official news on this matter!
dave V on Jun 2, 2010
42
del toro was THE best choice for hobbit movies... too bad nobody will see it in his vison... i think that PJ shouldnt direct hobbit unless you like his McDonald's(happymeal) version of LOTR. and i just want to say that who ever is gonna direct he should NEVER EVER TRY TO MAKE IT WITH THE FANS OF THE BOOK IN HIS MIND. LOTR IS TOO CHILDLISH PG-13 VERSION. hobbit should be at least nc-17 or r rated (that would be cool to see). i'm fan of the book but if they cut some small details from the book thats ok by me. my directors could be (the possible list): Cuaron, marc forster (kite runner, james bond, stay), john hillcoat(only if he can make hobbit look like "proposition") Samuel Maoz (lebanon) from the immposible list : 1. terrence malick 2. Sam peckinpah (i would give my life to see his version of hobbit) 3. Abel Ferrara 4. walter hill (southern comfort style!!!)
danilo nikolic on Jun 3, 2010
43
Guillermo del toro looks just like my german teacher at school! weird! Anyway, these films are Jacksons project so he should direct them! He always does a good job anyway!
yumyumfish on Jun 4, 2010
44
I cannot say who is the best to direct this wondrous film. Peter did a splendid job on the others, but in the end I don't know. Whoever tackles it though, I hope and pray he or she will stay as close to the book as is possible. After all this amazing body of work came from the mind of JRR Tolkien and I would like to think he would be love the movie if he could be here to view it.
Leelee on Jun 17, 2010
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