Earlier today, Entertainment Weekly chatted with Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens, Richard Armitage, Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen and Andy Serkis in their VIP suite. It’s a really cool interview and there’s some great stuff in there, particularly from Boyens and Freeman. Maybe a few spoilers! Go check it out while you’re waiting for our Hobbitcon panel wrap-up! (We’re working on it right now!)
Category: Production
TheOneRing.net scored a few exclusive moments with Peter Jackson in the Comic-Con press line to chat. He was asked about his additional filming plans for The Hobbit.
Jackson says that he greatly desires to go back and film more in Middle-earth. This extra footage may or may not be destined for extended editions — extended editions are something that we definitely expect to see. However, the exciting possibility is that a third Hobbit film is also on Jackson’s mind — and he admitted it!
He wouldn’t outright commit to anything. He didn’t say: “Yes, I’m doing a third film”. On the other hand, he didn’t close the door completely.
His words: “There’s much more material from the Appendices of Lord of the Rings that we didn’t fit in.”
Remember though, we reported the other day that Warner Bros has no plans for a third film. Studio sources told Variety that “the plan was always for two.” What will happen? Well, it may all hinge on what sort of success An Unexpected Journey has this December.
Update: Now with video from the press chat!
The Los Angeles Times caught up with Peter Jackson for a quick Q & A interview. He told Geoff Boucher about his choice for making two movies and Jackson was “surprised at how rich the world is, and how many interesting themes and characters there are to explore” and by “also using extensive parts of the appendixes, which were published at the end of “Return of the King.” This is not just “The Hobbit” – it’s “The Hobbit” set in a much greater context of events taking place throughout Middle-earth during this period”
Peter Jackson also added: “. The material is so rich. In fact, only this last week or two, we’ve been talking to the studio about allowing us to shoot some additional material next year, to fully complete the story.” Extended Edition anyone? here’s hoping:) [More]
Elijah Wood and Andy Serkis visit the WETA booth to say hello to Richard Taylor, Daniel Falconer and the crew.
The WETA team took the opportunity to show-off the full-size trolls they have on display. It’s the first time Frodo has seen the actual trolls. Andy Serkis was spotted with a Pocketses button from TheOneRing.net.
A couple more photos below the cut! Continue reading “Wood and Serkis troll the WETA booth”
Peter Jackson has just posted a lengthy message on his Facebook even as he jets out to make for the land where Hobbit Con, erm, Comic Con is in full swing.
Highlights include:
- A new production vlog that should soon be ready, including behind-the-scenes footage of their experiences at Comic Con, and perhaps bits of the Hobbit Reel that will be showcased there too.
- Confirmation that September is the month we’ll finally get that new trailer we’ve all been clamouring for.
PJ also explains at length his decision to film the Hobbit Reel at 24 fps and in 2D at Comic Con, stating that the only way one can make a fair judgement about the higher frame rate is not by glimpsing quick clips in a trailer-like sequence, but rather by experiencing the story in its entirety – tremendous reassurance that, come December, it would be worth our whiles to embolden ourselves and experience The Hobbit at least once in 48 fps, in a good cinema.
For now, all eyes are on Comic Con and tomorrow’s highly-anticipated Warner Bros. Hobbit panel. You can be sure TORn’s staffers will be bringing you the most comprehensive coverage of the event via our special Hobbit @ Comic Con webspace.
Hours into Comic-Con, one rumour kept circulating around San Diego: that Peter Jackson would announce a third Hobbit film during Warner Brothers’ Saturday panel. However, studio spokespeople have told Variety that But Jackson isn’t getting ready to give audiences more “Hobbit.
There are “no planned or surprise announcements” involving a third film these spokespeople say. “The plan was always for two.”
According to Variety, Jackson wound up with more footage than expected during their 266-day shoot in New Zealand. Rather than making a third film feasible, would the best of this footage not be more likely to end up on an Extended Edition? Thanks to Quackingtroll for the heads-up!
[More]