Total FilmSo we’ve been saying for a week or so now that Del Toro is about 99% confirmed to be the director of ‘The Hobbit’ films. Total Film has a report out today with words right from Guillermo himself:

I think what happens very often is that these rumours have a way of becoming real or not. I don’t expect The Hobbit to be troublesome. But you know, then again, it may never happen… or it may!

Our bets are still on his helming the role, but until the final t’s or crossed, nothing is a sure thing. (Sorta like the Patriots were supposed to win the Superbowl!) When the writer’s strike officially ends, look for negotiations on ‘The Hobbit’ to finalize and an official announcement. Read the full article over at Total Film! [Total Film]

Andy Serkis says 'Tintin' work has begun Filming has begun on the dual features adapting Herge’s beloved comic strip ‘Tintin’. Empire caught up with Andy Serkis who talked a bit about the filming, which is taking place in New Zealand. “It was on the Avatar’ stage,” Serkis told Empire, referring to James Cameron’s long-anticipated all-CGI epic. “We had this incredible week. Cameron was there, Peter Jackson was there (who’s directing one of the three Tintin films), and Steven Spielberg was there (who’s directing another). All in the same room!” Andy Serkis says ‘Tintin’ work has begun

The following news headline from WNBC today is that the studios and the WGA have agreed to terms – ending a 3 month long Writers Guild strike. Besides the obvious benefits (new scripts, new TV shows, etc) there is a benefit for ‘The Hobbit’ development. Our insider source had mentioned that we’ll get an official announcement of Guillermo Del Toro as director of the ‘Hobbit’ films AFTER the WGA strike ends. We could be days away from that official announcement! Can you feel the excitement? Thanks to Sunflower and Grammaboodawg for the heads up. [WBNC.com]

Indy 4 Pic‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’ is one of the most anticipated movies of the year, and LOTR alum Cate Blanchett seems to have a rather significant role. Check out this photo of Cate as Agent Spalko. She doesn’t look too happy with Dr. Jones! [View the Pic]

Tehanu’s NotesI hope I wasn’t the only person jumping with joy at the news that Guillermo del Toro is 99% confirmed to direct ‘The Hobbit‘.

I’m hoping this will be the start of the a similar ‘dream run’ to what we saw with LOTR, when so many decisions, one after another, just felt so right. After seeing his work on Pan’s Labyrinth last year, I’m incredibly excited to think of him directing one or both Hobbit movies.

Pan’s Labyrinth is one of those movies that realises the unique potential of film. Any director that could make something so powerful and exhileratingly magical as Pans’ Labyrinth would do amazing things with The Hobbit. I walked out of that film haunted and moved by images that stayed with me for days. No one thing by itself made the movie great: it was a combination where the sum of the whole was greater than the parts. The result was something that I don’t think I could experience in any other way. No music, no book, no theatre, nothing could quite have given me the same experience. I had to go back and see it again to try and absorb all it was trying to say. Continue reading “Tehanu’s Notes: My Vote’s with Guillermo Del Toro”

Del ToroBarring any earth-shattering or unforeseen changes Guillermo del Toro will direct “The Hobbit.” However, the contracts are not signed and the deal is not final according to a source close to the film.

In a conversation with TheOneRing.net, the source called it a 99% probability that del Toro would be helming the double picture but in Hollywood nothing is final until it is final. The official announcement, which – New Line Cinema will be eager to make when all the t’s are crossed and the i’s are dotted – will come after the writer’s strike is settled. [Digg This ] Continue reading “TORN exclusive: Del Toro “99 percent certain” says NL insider.”