July 22nd, 2008 by Compa_Mighty
| Source: Empire
| Discuss
Forummer diedye posted this piece of news from Empire:
Speaking at a special screening of The Dark Knight at London’s Imax cinema on Monday night, he [Ian McKellen] said: “Well, I haven’t had the contract yet but it’s everyone’s intention that I play Gandalf so yes, I will be returning to the role. Although it’s not until 2010, I’m very much excited about returning.
When asked about del Toro and the look of the movie, Sir Ian answered:
Well, if you’re not going to have Peter Jackson, who else can handle the job? To get an international film-maker of his standing who adores the original trilogy, well I don’t think you could possibly find a better replacement, I think the look will be very much as it was, Weta is still involved, it’s still the same workshops, the same designers, I’ll be there, Andy Serkis (now confirmed to return as Gollum) will be there and Peter Jackson will still be around - not that he’ll interfere too much - so it’ll seem like the old family is getting back together again.
So there you go, further confirmation of several things: no one has been officially cast yet (nothing is signed), Sir Ian and Andy Serkis are to return, everyone’s on board with Guillermo del Toro and the look of the movie is expected to be relatively similar to that of the trilogy. [Empire]
After many years, TheOneRing.net is returning to Comic-Con! This year we are honored to be presenting a panel of ‘The Hobbit’ films:
Friday, July 25th 10:00-11:00 TheOneRing.net: The Hobbit— Middle Earth returns with the announcement that The Hobbit will be developed into a feature film directed by Guillermo del Toro and produced by Peter Jackson. The world’s largest Tolkien community, TheOneRing.net, takes you behind the scenes of the latest news, announcements, and rumors pertaining to the production of the new film. Chris Pirrotta (TheOneRing.net), Larry Curtis (TheOneRing.net), Cliff Broadway (TheOneRing.net), Kristin Thompson (The Frodo Franchise), and possible special guests present this early look at making The Hobbit happen! Room 32AB
We hope you can join us for our first panel in over 5 years! [Comic-Con]
In a bittersweet note, forummer DiveTwin reports this note that appeared in Cinematical:
Lee isn’t interested in filming in New Zealand again because it is simply too far away, for too long of a time. You can hear the tiredness in his voice — and perhaps a bit of regret too.
That doesn’t mean Lee isn’t interested in being in The Hobbit at all, however! He’ll appear in the film as long as he can stay in London, and there’s a character he’s quite keen to play. Or rather, voice.
Cinematical gives a link to the original Rushprint.no video interview in which Mr. Lee talks about Return of the King, Saruman not appearing in The Hobbit, him not returning to New Zealand and his offer to voice Smaug. [Cinematical] [Rushprint.no]
Message board member Dive Twin found an interesting article from Kent News in which Andy Serkis said he’s very keen to reprise his role as Gollum:
“Nothing is signed and sealed,” he said. “Gollum and Gandalf are in The Hobbit and whoever says I am in it for sure is assuming it has all been done and dusted. “But you never know in this industry. It would be fantastic to play Gollum again. He is a wonderful character and I enjoyed playing him in the Lord of the Rings. There’s more to be got out of him and more fun to be had.”
We think it would be fantastic for you to play Gollum again too, Andy! Read More
TheOneRing.net will be providing a segment on this Sunday’s broadcast of ‘Fictional Frontiers with Sohaib,’ on WNJC 1360 AM, Philadelphia at 11AM ET. This week, Sohaib will be speaking with Xoanon about the latest news and rumors concerning ‘The Hobbit’ movies. And of course, we’ll be taking your calls and giving away some gift cards from Sideshow Collectibles. As always, the show is broadcast live via the internet via the WNJC website. Hope you can join us! [Fictional Frontiers] [Netcast] Join us in chat while the show goes on! [Live Chat]
As predicted by GDT last week, a ton of interviews and buzz about the Hobbit will precede the release of ‘Hellboy II: The Golden Army’ this coming Friday. To start off the week, Premiere magazine has just posted their interview with Guillermo del Toro for your reading pleasure. While the majority of the interview covers ‘Hellboy,’ GDT talks about his visual plan for ‘The Hobbit’ and the second film (F2), among other topics. Check it out! (adult language warning) [Check it out!]
So you want to be in the ‘Hobbit’ films? You want to be an extra? Well, besides the answers we provide for you in our Hobbit Movie FAQ, it looks like director Guillermo del Toro is planning some other way for fans to find themselves on the big screen next to Bilbo and company.
“We will set some rules and some contests and some fans will definitely get the chance of being extras. Go and apply for those roles!”
MTV has posted the transcript as well as the video on the topic - check it out! [MTV Movie Blog] [Video Link]
While ‘Fictional Frontiers’ will not have a Tolkien segment from TORn this week, they will be featuring an interview with Doug Jones, the actor who is all but confirmed to have a role in the upcoming ‘Hobbit’ films. Sohaib will also be interviewing Hellboy creator Mike Mignola. It is sure to be a great show, so check it out this Sunday from 11-Noon ET WNJC 1360 AM, Philadelphia. And don’t forget to tune in next week as well as TORn returns with a new segment. [Fictional Frontiers] [Netcast]
Ringer Diedye spotted this posting at MTV.com. Remember a few weeks ago when the MTV Movie Blog was soliciting questions from fans? Well, looks like they asked some of those questions and got some answers. You can view the video above and read the full story at MTV.com. [Read More]
Los Angeles (E! Online) - The two movies based on the Lord of the Rings prequel, The Hobbit, may be a long ways off—hang on until 2011 and 2012, nerds!—but they’re pretty much all Mexican director Guillermo del Toro gets to talk about these days. Sure, he’s out promoting this summer’s comic book flick Hellboy II: The Golden Army, but, like, what’s up with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf and that dragon?
We got the big scoop from del Toro himself at the Saturn Awards, where he received a lifetime achievement award. Here’s what he told us about The Hobbit’s casting, creatures and story:
First of all, expect some crazy new creatures. If you’ve seen Hellboy or his epic Pan’s Labyrinth, you know del Toro would go beyond Orcs and talking trees. He promises to respect J.R.R. Tolkien’s and Peter Jackson’s creations, but sees many more new ones. “I plan to bring myself to The Hobbit,” he said. “No doubt about that.” Hobbit Director del Toro Talks Cast, Creatures
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Forummer diedye posted this piece of news from Empire:
TheOneRing.net will be providing a segment on this Sunday’s broadcast of ‘Fictional Frontiers with Sohaib,’ on WNJC 1360 AM, Philadelphia at 11AM ET. This week, Sohaib will be speaking with Xoanon about the latest news and rumors concerning ‘The Hobbit’ movies. And of course, we’ll be taking your calls and giving away some gift cards from Sideshow Collectibles. As always, the show is broadcast live via the internet via the WNJC website. Hope you can join us! [
MTV
Los Angeles (E! Online) - The two movies based on the Lord of the Rings prequel, The Hobbit, may be a long ways off—hang on until 2011 and 2012, nerds!—but they’re pretty much all Mexican director Guillermo del Toro gets to talk about these days. Sure, he’s out promoting this summer’s comic book flick Hellboy II: The Golden Army, but, like, what’s up with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf and that dragon?
