Ringer Kookie sends us this link to The Bolton News where Ian McKellen was promoting a new project, but also spoke briefly on The Hobbit films. Everyone’s favorite Gandalf confirms recent reports that the planned start of filming is January 2011.

FILMING on The Hobbit, the long-awaited prequel to The Lord of the Rings, should start in the new year, according to former Bolton School boy Sir Ian McKellen.

“The aim is to start filming in January,” he said.

Learn more about his new project through the following link. [Read More]

Neill Blomkamp mugA New Zealand film website has declared, from its own independent sources, that Neill Blomkamp (District 9) will be directing a pair of movies based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit.” It was also kind enough to point out that we broke the story as a possibility in June.

The Kiwi site isn’t known for rumor mongering so this is a definitely an interesting possibility that might be pointing to increased Hobbit activity and a semblance of leadership at MGM and a future for these potential gigantic hits (and fan favorites) to get made. Thanks to message board user Magpie for posting this in our forum and to Ataahua for alerting us to the post. You can read the original June forum response here. And, of course, stay tuned for the latest on all things Hobbit, Tolkien and Middle-earth.

We recently got our hands on what we think is some authentic Bilbo casting and production information which seemed to contradict something we knew with absolute certainty: The Hobbit production wanted Martin Freeman for Bilbo and has since as long ago as last year. Seemingly at odds with that fact was apparently concrete casting details about Bilbo and actors still giving audition tapes. Was the role sewn up or not?

A spy has provided an exclusive clue or two about what the role of Bilbo will be like and even a plot detail and a production outline but we were reluctant to report it because of apparent contradictions, but with all the recent Freeman news, it now fits in context. And yes, you have to read on. This is news you must work for, at least a little bit. Continue reading “Exclusive: Bilbo the Brave? Hobbit casting details”

Although the film version of The Lord of the Rings was a massive worldwide success, getting J.R.R. Tolkien’s prequel, The Hobbit, to the screen has proven much more difficult. With the rights finally sorted out after being tied up for years and a studio feud with Rings director Peter Jackson resolved, the project finally began moving forward in 2008—only to be stalled this year by the looming collapse of MGM, one of the two companies financing the production, should it fail to find a way out of its $4 billion debt. More..

This comes to us from Fragland.com via a Gamasutra job posting. Warner Brothers is hiring a director for future gaming development and they specific mention ‘Hobbit’ games. Here’s the posting from Gamasutra:

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc. seeks a Director, Marketing for the Marketing department. Position will be responsible for brand development and product marketing activities for the entire portfolio of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit games at Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Position manages high-level cross-company & external partnerships relative to the assigned franchises.

This is obviously good news for the gaming community, but could it also mean that WB is a bit more confident in The Hobbit films happening soon? If you are interested in the position, check out the full job listing at Gamasutra. [WB Job Listing]

We have been spreading unofficial rumors that TheOneRing.net would be presenting a panel at Comic-Con but the official website confirmed it today: At 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 22, in room 7AB founder Calisuri, the incomparable Quickbeam and fan advocate MrCere will present the latest unofficial new about ‘The Hobbit’ movies and everything else there is time for. Guests possible but not promised. If you haven’t heard, returned tickets are now available to the general public from the previously sold out Comic-Con. TORn will also be sharing space with Weta at the Dark Horse booth (#2615) and selling really cool shirts! We hope to see you there.