As part of our ongoing mission to help keep the fan community informed, TORn has selected some of your most frequently asked questions from emails, our message boards and our chatroom and provided answers below. Useful links to supplement the information have also been included. As the movies progress, the FAQ will evolve and change, so be sure to check back every so often. If you have new information or ideas for the FAQ, e-mail us. And, as always, you can depend on TORn’s Home Page as the ultimate source for the latest Hobbit news and our Hobbit Movie forum and Barliman’s Chat as the best place to discuss it with other fans!

1. GENERAL MOVIE QUESTIONS

1.1. Will The Hobbit be filmed as a single movie?
From everything PJ and GDT have said so far, we expect that The Hobbit will be a stand-alone movie. However, until the screenplays for both movies are written, GDT is keeping his options open: “At this stage we are all finding out things- I believe, at the moment, that “The Hobbit” is better contained in a single film and kept brisk and fluid with no artificial “break point” but that too may change.”

Useful Links:
GDT Message board post about “The Hobbit” as a single movie

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1.2. What will be in the second movie?
If The Hobbit does comprise the first film (see question 1.1), the second movie will cover some of the events in Middle-earth during the 60 years between the end of The Hobbit, when Bilbo returns to Bag End in the year 2941 of the Third Age, and the Long Expected Party that opens The Fellowship of the Ring, in the year 3001 of the Third Age. According to PJ: “At this stage, we’re not imagining a film that literally covers 60 years, like a bio-pic or documentary. We would figure out what happens during that 60 years, and choose one short section of time to drop in and dramatise for the screen.”

Possible events that could be included:

- Sauron returns to Mordor
- Gollum ventures from the Misty Mountains in search of Bilbo and ends up in Mordor
- Aragorn and Arwen meet
- Aragorn and Galdalf meet
- A young Aragorn leaves Rivendell and travels south to fight for Rohan and Gondor under the alias of Thorongil
- The Dwarves, led by Balin, re-inhabit Moria

There has also been mention of taking one character, such as Aragorn or Gandalf, and following their story-line over the 60 year time-frame. Essentially, the film rights include anything from the text or appendices of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. What definitely will not be included in either movie are events or characters from Tolkien’s other works including The Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales and The History of Middle-earth series.

Useful Links:
Message board thread: What does a “sequel” mean?
GDT comment about the 2nd Film

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1.3. What are the movie release dates?
According to PJ: “The plan is to write for the rest of this year and start early conceptual designs. 2009 will be dedicated to pre-production on both movies and 2010 will be the year we shoot both films back to back. Post-production follows, one film at a time, with The Hobbit being released December 2011 and F2 December 2012.” Of course, December of 2011 will mark the 10th anniversary of the release of The Fellowship of the Ring, a date that isn’t lost on fans of PJs original movies, but one that seems to have only recently occured to PJ (from the May 24, 2008 chat): “this is the first time I have actually thought about it … that is nice I will claim credit for the idea from this day forward.”

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1.4. Will both movies be filmed at the same time like they did with LOTR?
Yes, both The Hobbit and the second movie will be filmed at the same time. This will help maintain continuity for both films and ensure the actors are available for the entire filming process. (Also see answer to question 1.3).

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1.5. Where will the movies be filmed?
The films will be made in New Zealand, the same as the Lord of the Rings movies. GDT already has plans to move to New Zealand for several years. Some of the same sets will be used (e.g., Hobbiton) and others will be added. Per GDT: “the first stages of design and R&D will be done with me going back and fourth from LA and New Zealand because there are a lot of things I need to put to bed before I finally move to New Zealand. I’m going much sooner than my relatives would like! We will officially be doing a lot of prep on ‘The Hobbit’ this summer, there is so much to do, its amazing. Just the reforestation of The Shire, re planting all those trees and plants will take months, and we’re going to be as exact as possible.”

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1.6. What LOTR actors, if any, will return for the films?
Both PJ and GDT have indicated that they will recruit as many cast members from the LOTR movies as the story and the actors’ schedules allow. Actors that are already confirmed to be returning include Sir Ian McKellen who will reprise his role as Gandalf, and Andy Serkis who will play Gollum. Per PJ: “You can read “The Hobbit” and pretty much see which characters play a part. The unknown factor is Film Two, which we are still developing. If we wished to write one of the LOTR characters into the narrative of Film Two, we would only do that with that actors blessing, and willingess to take part. Otherwise we’d take the writing in another direction.”

Useful Links:
Ian McKellen will Reprise Role as Gandalf
Serkis Confirms Hobbit Involvement?

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1.7. Will Howard Shore be the composer?
Yes! PJ, Del Toro and Howard Shore himself have all confirmed that he will return to do the Score for The Hobbit and the second film. According to Shore he has been working on ideas since filming of The Two Towers. Per Del Toro: “Shore is the VOICE of these films and will absolutely be invited back. Peter and Fran have talked to him a couple of times already and I’ve exchanged emails about the subject. He will return.”

Useful Links:
Howard Shore Confirms his involvement in The Hobbit

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1.8. Will Weta be doing the special effects?
Yes. Weta Digital will be the primary special effects firm doing effects for the movies, and Weta Workshop will once again be designing the armour and weapons.

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1.9. How do I get cast as an extra in the movies?
The only way to become an extra in the films is to be *in* New Zealand at the time casting calls go out (and specifically *in* the city in which they need extras on the days announcements are made) and either be a citizen of New Zealand or possess a New Zealand work permit. Calls for extras will occur much the same as they did for LOTR: ads will be published in local papers and broadcast on local radio stations and you will have to be available to work within 24-48 hours. So, unless you’re ready, willing and able to move to New Zealand for two years, happen to be in the right place at the right time and are fully documented to work there, you’re out of luck.

Note: tourist visas to New Zealand are currently valid for 90 days. A number of countries have working holiday visa schemes with New Zealand; they are generally valid for 12 months and allow you to work for up to three months at a time; you also have to be aged between 18 and 30 to be eligible. See Immigration NZ for details.

If you’re already a professional or semi-professional actor, you should work through your agent and/or contact talent agencies in Wellington. If you’re lucky enough to be a New Zealand citizen or be legally working there, you’re the envy of us all!!

Important note: If and when TORn hears of casting calls, we’ll post the news immediately on the Home Page of the site. However, no one at TORn can get you cast as an extra in the movie, so emailing us with such requests is, unfortunately, futile. If you’ve read through this entry, you now know as much as we do!

Useful Links:
merklynn’s post on what it takes to be an extra - from experience!

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1.10. I have a screenplay/script and/or great ideas for one. How can I get them to PJ or Del Toro?
Part and parcel of going forward with these projects included having professional screenwriters on board, namely, the same ones who crafted The Lord of the Rings movies. Legalities prevent them from even acknowledging a screenplay from someone who isn’t already under contract, much less reading it. So, getting a screenplay or script that you’ve written seen by anyone involved in the movies is, unfortunately, not going to happen. A good alternative would be to keep submitting your ideas via future chats and/or present your ideas discreetly by participating in the the discussions here, which Del Toro does occasionally read. (Please see 2.1 below for important additional information on communicating with GDT).

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1.11. Will there be talking animals in The Hobbit?
Guillermo has indicated that he will remain true to the text and that animals will talk in the movies: “I think it should be done exactly as in the book- the “talking beast” motif has to exist already to allow for that great character that is Smaug. It is far more jarring to have a linear movie and then – out of the blue – a talking Dragon.”

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1.12. How will they handle Smaug?
Guillermo del Toro has spoken extensively on how he plans on handling Smaug. Some of his most in-depth comments come from right here on TORn: “Smaug should not be “the Dragon in the Hobbit movie” as if it was just “another” creature in a Bestiary. Smaug should be “The DRAGON” for all movies past and present. The shadow he cast and the greed he comes to embody- the “need to own” casts its long shadow and creates a thematic / dramatic continuity of sorts that articulates the story throughout.”

Useful Links:
The Dragon Solution - GDT Shares his thoughts

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1.13. Is there a possibility that the Tolkien vs. New Line lawsuit could stop the films?
Despite rumors to the contrary, it is unlikely that the lawsuit will stop filming. From an article by message board member Voronwe_The_Faithful: “The Agreements specifically provide that [the plaintiffs] are not entitled to any kind of revocation until there has been a “final determination” by a court that there was a material monetary breach of the agreement. So they can’t obtain any right to stop The Hobbit films until a final determination has been made that New Line owes them money for The Lord of the Rings.” The current trial date is set for October 19, 2009. However, the case could be settled out of court prior to that.

Useful Links:
Clearing up Misconceptions Regarding the Tolkien v. New Line Lawsuit (by Voronwe_the_Faithful)

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1.14. Will there be a Hobbit Fan Club and/or magazine?
It’s likely that there will, indeed, be an official fan club set up for the Hobbit films. However, it’s also likely that it won’t be established for quite some time. To lend some perspective, the fan club for the Lord of the Rings films was established in 2001, only months before the opening of The Fellowship of the Rings, and the first issue of the magazine (the Jan/Feb 2002 issue) wasn’t published until after The Fellowship of the Ring opened. So, be patient and until then remember there are plenty of kindred spirits right here at TORn! Share your thoughts and views with them any time in our Barlimans Chat or on our Hobbit Message Board.

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2. GUILLERMO DE TORO AND PETER JACKSON

2.1. Does Guillermo Del Toro really visit TORn?
Yes, he does! Del Toro, or GDT as he’s affectionately know here, quietly registered on the boards shortly before it was officially announced on April 24, 2008 that he would direct the two Hobbit films. His username is “Guillermo.” He posted an amazingly crafted riddle (both here and on the Hellboy site) reminiscent of the “riddle game’ between Bilbo and Gollum in The Hobbit. His intention was to have us guess the time of the official announcement that he was to direct the two films, but legalities delayed it by a few days.

Since then, he stops by to read posts made on the boards and occasionally even replies! Please refer to the “How can I communicate my questions to GDT” questions for important info about, well, communicating with GDT.

Useful Links:
GDT’s original riddle post
GDT’s riddle reply post
GDT’s introductory post

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2.2. How can I communicate my questions and ideas about The Hobbit to Mr. Del Toro?
The one important request GDT has made to us is that we not use the message boards to ask him any direct questions about casting or plot details. Out of respect for his request, questions addressed directly to him will either be edited or deleted. There are many things he can’t reveal due to legal obligations plus, as we all know, things change constantly while producing and filming a movie. Other outlets, such as interviews and chats will be forthcoming so your questions can be answered.

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2.3. Does GDT even know/like/understand Tolkien and Fantasy?
Guillermo read The Hobbit when he was 11 years old and loved it. However, he couldn’t make it through the Lord of the Rings at that time (not the first 11 year-old to have that happen): “I purchased it [The Hobbit] at age 11 and it struck a chord with me but, back then, I failed to connect with the Trilogy, and the Silmarillion (which now I find delectable) eluded me. I found them –unlike the HOBBIT- to be “too dense” for my young mind”. Recently though, he has been enthusiastically ‘devouring’ the trilogy and other Tolkien books and loves them too.

As for fantasy: “I dedicated the last 6 years of my career (between PL and HBII) to create Fantastical worlds inhabited by Fairies, Fauns, Ogres, Trolls, Elves, etc…In that respect- I guess I am a Fantasy guy when the particular world appeals to me… I do the tales I love (regardless of what shelf Barnes & Noble classifies the book under) and I love the HOBBIT. I love it enough to give it half a decade of my life and move half a world away to do it.”

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2.4. What role will Peter Jackson play as Executive Producer?
PJ will be intimately involved in bringing the two films to life, initially by helping to write the screenplay. However, he is also determined to let Del Toro craft his own films: “Truth is “Executive Producers” do a range of things on movies from a lot to virtually nothing! I see myself being one of a production team. My interest is helping Guillermo make the very best films he can. I love writing and I’m looking forward to that. Guillermo will be writing, along with Fran, Philippa and myself… I see my role as being part of that writing team, which will create the blueprint, and then helping Guillermo construct the movie. I want Guillermo to make his movies, and I want to make sure we end up with a 5 movie series that’s as good as it can possibly be.”

Useful Links - PJ & GDT General:
Announcement that PJ will be Executive Producer of The Hobbit – December 18, 2007
Del Toro to Direct Hobbit Films – April 24, 2008
TORn’s Exclusive Interview with GDT - April 25, 2008
TORn Blog of PJ/GDT “Unexpected Party” Chat - May 24, 2008 with TORn commentary!
Official Weta Chat Transcript - May 24, 2008

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