From IMDB: Time Warner executives are considering folding New Line into its Warner Bros. division or keeping the brand as a separate production unit with Warner Bros. handling its distribution, the Wall Street Journal reported today (Monday), citing people familiar with the situation. The newspaper said that in either scenario, New Line would be reduced to producing low-budget films as it once did instead of blockbusters like its recent Lord of the Rings trilogy. The Journal did not indicate what would become of The Hobbit, the Lord of the Rings prequel, which New Line is scheduled to produce this year.
Category: Hobbit Movie
New Line Cinema is being sued once again over royalties relating to The Lord of the Rings trilogy. This suit also has the possibility of derailing any Hobbit movies currently in the works.
The plaintiffs seek more than $150 million in compensatory damages, unspecified punitive damages and a court order giving the Tolkien estate the right to terminate any rights New Line may have to make films based on other works by the author, including “The Hobbit”
Uh oh! Not good for Tolkien fandom. Read the full story through the following link and talk about it with other fans in our forum! [ Tolkien Estate Sues New Line Cinema]
The JRR Tolkien adaptation – one of the most expensive West End shows in history – received four nominations at the Laurence Olivier Awards. The stage version of The Lord Of The Rings is also a best new musical contender, despite mixed reviews. Other nominations include best lighting, set design, costume and sound. Sir Ian McKellen also received a ‘best actor’ nomination for his portrayal as King Lear.
The 32nd annual Laurence Olivier Awards ceremony will be held on 9 March at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, hosted by actor Richard E Grant. [More]
Reporter Jussi Ahlroth from Finland’s Helsingin Sanomat sends us an email today detailing a conversation with Guillermo Del Toro’s casting director, Jeremy Zimmerman.
“I met today Jeremy Zimmerman, who has done the casting for Guillermo Del Toro’s four films. He’s known Del Toro four six years and says they are “mates”. I asked him if Del Toro will direct The Hobbit. He was a bit taken back, almost surprised that I would even ask. “Yes, yes, he’s doing it.” After a while he said: “He’s got the Ring”, and smiled.”
Chalk this up as further proof that Del Toro is going to be directing ‘The Hobbit’ films. Thanks to Jussi for sending along the tip and great news! [Jussi’s Blog]
stormcrow20 writes: Popmatters has an article on the career of Christopher Lee. Relevant excerpt: Lee not only has impressive knowledge of golf and film, he also in something of an expert on the work of J.R.R. Tolkien.
“I remember first reading `The Lord of the Rings’ back in the 1950s,” Lee said. “I thought they would make great movies, but technically it couldn’t be done back then. I envisioned myself playing Gandolf (eventually played by Ian McKellen) but I did end up getting the part of Saruman.” Continue reading “Christopher Lee willing to return as Saruman?”
In an IF Magazine interview with LOTR composer Howard Shore, the interviewer asks Howard Shore about his potential involvement with the upcoming ‘Hobbit’ films:
“iF: Do you hope to be scoring THE HOBBIT for Peter?
SHORE: Yes, of course. The book is wonderful and I’ve dreamed of writing music for it.”
Consider this reporter happy to hear Howard Shore is willing to participate – lets just hope things fall in place so it can become a reality. Thanks to Ringer David for the heads up on this story. [Read Complete Interview]