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The One Ring Forums: Tolkien Topics: Movie Discussion: The Hobbit:
Elijah Wood will be in 'The Hobbit'
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News from Bree
spymaster@theonering.net

Jan 6 2011, 11:20pm

Post #1 of 379 (72374 views)
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Elijah Wood will be in 'The Hobbit' Can't Post

Deadline hinted first but TheOneRing.net can confirm that Elijah Wood will step in front of Peter Jackson's cameras and return to Middle-earth for a part in 'The Hobbit' and we even know how. Despite how some fans will respond at first, the reasons are organic and natural and shouldn't upset even the most ardent purists.
***MAJOR HOBBIT MOVIE SPOILERS AFTER THE BREAK***

As readers of "The Hobbit" know, the tale of "The Downfall of The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit or There and Back Again," are contained in the fictional "Red Book of Westmarch." In Peter Jackson's LOTR films, the books are shown on screen and written in by Bilbo and Frodo and handed off to Sam Gamgee. (Not explained on film are Sam's progeny later having the book and being Wardens of the Westmarch - hence the book's title.)

The fictional book, and either the telling from or the reading of, will establish Frodo in the films, leaving viewers to experience the tale of 'The Hobbit' through Bilbo's point of view.

Since the speculation is now everywhere around the interwebs, TORn can confirm that as of now, the plans are to feature Frodo in the opening sequence of the films. It is unlikely that studio Warner Bros. or Team Jackson would change the script at this point in response to the web buzz so we may have just "spoiled" December 2012 for some, but we warned you. (And, sat on the spoiler until leaks started to appear!)

Rumors have suggested Wood is "in talks" to appear in the film but that isn't an issue as it very likely the role was discussed with the actor at the scripting phase of the films and he was agreeable to reprise his part then. It is likely but less certain that the same can be said of Orlando Bloom who is rumored (and TORn cannot currently lock-down confirm) to be playing his LOTR Elf character Legolas.

The status of other actors' whose characters would have been living during the plot line of the Hobbit, are varied. Cate Blanchett is confirmed as Galadriel while Hugo Weaving's Elrond is a prominently featured character in the source material but not confirmed. Liv Tyler's Arwen could logically be present as could other ancient Elves like Marton Csokas' Celeborn.

Frodo's return, makes it possible that Sean Astin could appear as Sam and other Hobbits such as Merry or Pippin can not be ruled out. TORn's information indicates however, that Frodo and the young Bilbo are the primary Hobbit connections between the film series.

Dwarves will play a prominent role of course in the new films, and LOTR character Gimli (John Rhys-Davies) is the son Gloin, one of one of Bilbo's companions for the journey of the titular Hobbit. Readers can view our Hobbit cast page to see the status and information on all known characters from the film.

Two very obvious absences from any press releases so far are signings of Ian McKellan as Gandalf and Andy Serkis as Gollum. Both actors are believed to be in negotiations and the studio and actors have elected not to conduct talks through the press. Fans including those on TheOneRing.net message boards, are worried about the actors' signings.

(This post was edited by Silverlode on Jan 7 2011, 6:25am)


Mooseboy018
Grey Havens


Jan 7 2011, 5:52am

Post #2 of 379 (61709 views)
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I knew it! [In reply to] Can't Post

As soon as I read "Frodo will be in the Hobbit", him reading the book was what popped into my head.

On one hand...I'm not a big fan of the idea of basically forcing this story to be seen as a prequel. But on the other hand...I'm excited to see how they'll do this.

I think this could be a fun way to connect the two films and show how it all comes full circle.


(This post was edited by Mooseboy018 on Jan 7 2011, 5:52am)


Ainu Laire
Tol Eressea


Jan 7 2011, 6:14am

Post #3 of 379 (60218 views)
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Wow! [In reply to] Can't Post

What a spoiler!

The internet was, of course, getting big when LOTR was filmed... but with everyone carrying phones with cameras, and a much larger audience this time around, the Hobbit leaks will be interesting to see in the coming years!

My LiveJournal ~ My artwork and photography

NARF since age 8, when I refused to read the Hobbit because the cover looked boring and icky.


duats
Grey Havens

Jan 7 2011, 6:15am

Post #4 of 379 (60875 views)
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Not a fan of this [In reply to] Can't Post

At all.

I want The Hobbit to be its own stand-alone, present-tense narrative, not a glorified Lord of the Rings flashback.

This is completely unnecessary. Color me disappointed.


(This post was edited by duats on Jan 7 2011, 6:21am)


Milknut
Rohan

Jan 7 2011, 6:24am

Post #5 of 379 (63918 views)
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My reaction is the same, but... [In reply to] Can't Post

I think they'll find a way to make it work well.
I do agree, though, this makes it firmly a tie-in sequel, not a stand-alone movie.

On the whole, I wish this weren't so, but I'll live with it.

Edit: let it also be noted that I posted that I hoped this wouldn't happen RIGHT BEFORE IT HAPPENED. Talk about putting your foot in your mouth...


(This post was edited by Milknut on Jan 7 2011, 6:26am)


Junesong
Rohan


Jan 7 2011, 6:28am

Post #6 of 379 (79373 views)
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I love it [In reply to] Can't Post

The movies are the movies and the books are the books. A statement so true it's not worth saying.

I can't wait for these movies! With such a rich mythology and all the great juicy info we know about the events surrounding Bilbo's journey with the dwarves it would be a mistake not to use those things to make two great films.

Plus I loved the LOTR movies and I can't wait to see some familiar faces! Watching the EE behind the scenes and commentaries I know that I don't always agree with Jackson and co.'s choices but I respect that they are always trying to tell a good story and make sure everything serves the story. So I trust them to use the old characters in clever ways that aren't superfluous.

Purists will shed some tears but they'll still be in line with the rest of us in December '12

"Tim... Canterbury... Canterbury Tales... Chaucer... Shakespeare."


duats
Grey Havens

Jan 7 2011, 6:29am

Post #7 of 379 (63501 views)
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It just strikes me [In reply to] Can't Post

As the filmmakers not having faith in this project being able to stand up on its own. That it needs all these superfluous LoTR tie-ins. That instead of being its own story, it needs to be a LoTR sequel (assuming Frodo is reading the book after the events of LoTR).

Does The Hobbit need to be told through Frodo's reading of Bilbo's book? Not in the least bit.

Now The Hobbit has to be viewed in the context of The Lord of the Rings, instead of it being the other way around.

Remember, from a storyline perspective, The Hobbit doesn't need The Lord of the Rings. The Lord of the Rings needs The Hobbit.


(This post was edited by duats on Jan 7 2011, 6:34am)


Ainu Laire
Tol Eressea


Jan 7 2011, 6:33am

Post #8 of 379 (67933 views)
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Remark about "upsetting the most ardent purists" [In reply to] Can't Post

Didn't think about this when I originally post, and couldn't edit the original post, hehe.

As for "not upsetting the most ardent of purists", you forget you're dealing with Fans, MrCere! ;)

After all, a lot of the 'Hobbit purists' are not advocating simply for the story to be told as true to the text as possible (with all the animal talking and even the talking purse debate there was a couple months ago), but also in the separation of the story from LOTR. Quite a few fans- who can say if they are in the minority, majority, or if it's evenly split- don't want constant references to LOTR; they want 'The Hobbit', not 'LOTR prequel'. And that is a valid opinion to have.

I'm afraid that these fans were kidding themselves ever since Jackson was tied to the project. LOTR made little under 3 billion in theatres worldwide, and surely that amount, if not closer to double, on VHS/DVD/Blu-ray sales, and all the merchandise sales. And, of course, ROTK won all 11 oscars. Because of this, there is no way in heck that LOTR is not going to be referenced in several ways. While I am sure that Jackson and co. have quite a bit of freedom in this project, I don't think the suits at WB would let them get away with it (if they wanted to- and who is to say they do?)

Anyways, if all we see is less than a few minutes of each character that can be tied in logically, we'll be lucky. I will be jumping with joy if Legolas is only a captain in The Battle of the Five Armies and doesn't end up killing Smaug. I'll be ecstatic if all we see is Frodo and friends chilling at Bag End while Bilbo is writing the book, a one-time scene only being a few minutes long. If we hear of, goodness, Viggo Mortensen suddenly being cast, we'll be really lucky if all he is a shadowy figure turning in Gollum to Mirkwood, nothing more.

Because of the success of LOTR, its references in The Hobbit were inevitable, IMO. If we're lucky, they'll be well done, not too jarring, fit well with the lore, and, most importantly, short.

Now I'd like to hear about the casting of Bard, because hearing about Orlando Bloom's rumored return and nothing about Bard makes me worried about my "Hollywood prediction" above. Because OMG! who wouldn't want Leggy to shoot down the big mean dragon? Crazy

My LiveJournal ~ My artwork and photography

NARF since age 8, when I refused to read the Hobbit because the cover looked boring and icky.


Sunflower
Valinor

Jan 7 2011, 6:43am

Post #9 of 379 (63548 views)
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HUH? [In reply to] Can't Post

So is this tying into the idea of linking " The Pentology" narratively? Color me confused....

So let me get this straight:

1)The Hobbit Part 1 begins with an extreme "Flash-Forward" scene 65 yrs from the beginning of the Story (the beginning of the Red Book, ie "The Hobbit"), featuring Frodo reading from the completed "Red Book" in Bag End?

2) Since this is going to a single scene, Film 2 will begin in Medias Res, just as TTT did, with no Frodo voice-over.

3) LOTR films, festuring Frodo's part in the Story, so no Frodo narration. (Unless Peter decides to change this in the Ultimate Edition, adding voiceovers sporadically through LOTR..not bloody likely, thnak God, but I'm nervous now!)

4) So Bilbo beginning the Red Book in the FOTR EE will now be a flashback of sorts? (oh my brain hurts)

5)Elijah at the end of ROTK finishing the Red Book, visually linking perhaps with the Opening Scene of TH 1.

So will we see Elijah in the same costume as he wore in that scene? What time-frame will this be in--set before he completes writing the Red Book (before that scene), so he doesn't yet look ill, etc. (Oh my brain really hurts:).

If it's just a single scene linking the Pentology, I don't see the harm in it. But here's another problem: will Frodo be using the "first-person" ? Will he be standing in for the "I"/"voce of Tolkien" establishing a different tone for TH?

Why is this needed in the first place, since the Red Book isn't begun until Bilbo returns?



On another subject--I suppose casting announcement of Elrond and Gandalf ans Gollum are taking so long b/cx these actors are playing hardball with WB and hashing it out, saying they don't want to be screwed out of their rightful share, like New Line did to them. And if any of them are in the MEAA...maybe they wanted out. after Mr Whipp...but that is a different kettle of fish...so I'll not bring that up ny more. *goes off whistling and looking innocent* (just speculation, all innocent!)


At any rate--should be interesting seeing Elijah again in the hobbit gear. There's a big difference between 18 and almost 30!

And--DROGO has ben cast?!? What have I missed? HUH!>! Have they cast Primula then too? Are they going to show THIS? Linkie to sotry and discussion please?!


(This post was edited by Sunflower on Jan 7 2011, 6:52am)


Owain
Tol Eressea


Jan 7 2011, 6:44am

Post #10 of 379 (60899 views)
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Hmmm... [In reply to] Can't Post


Quote
TORn can confirm that as of now, the plans are to feature Frodo in the opening sequence of the films.


Does that mean only the opening sequence? If he is the narrator, or we get cutaways, like The Princess Bride (which worked) from story back to narrator, then I'm not a fan of the idea. If there is to be a narrator, it should be Ian Holm and how hard would it have been to bring him back for the opening sequence? It's his story. It would also somewhat satisfy those fans that wanted him to play Bilbo for The Hobbit films (I don't agree with this).

Middle Earth is New Zealand!

"Question everything, embrace the bad, and hold on to the good."

(This post was edited by Owain on Jan 7 2011, 6:45am)


Ainu Laire
Tol Eressea


Jan 7 2011, 6:46am

Post #11 of 379 (63764 views)
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The filmmakers, or the film's budget providers? [In reply to] Can't Post

We've all heard of studio interference in films. Sometimes it helps films, sometimes it breaks them. LOTR was certainly not devoid of it- the prologue in FOTR exists because of it.

I honestly would not be surprised if one of the first questions the guys reading the script asked was, "How many of the original actors can we bring back?" After all, it is Hollywood.

While I imagine the filmmakers will have an incredible amount of freedom with this project- the choosing of so many unknowns in their cast, for instance, as we've seen- I can see some appeasement of the suits by bringing back some LOTR characters. The White Council only brings in minor LOTR characters, and certainly none of the Fellowship (other than Gandalf of course). As I mentioned in my other post, we will be lucky if the filmmakers only puts them in smaller parts and does it in a way that fits the lore, fits the overall flow of the story, and remains minor.

Some of you may remember in one of the EE extras how a suit at New Line suggested killing off one of the Hobbits for more drama. I can imagine a suit with a similar thought pattern suggesting to scrap Bard and put Legolas in his role instead. After all, they're both archers who happen to come from royalty; no big difference, right?

With LOTR's success, there was no way in years that there were not going to be some tie ins, some simply perhaps the guys at the studio want to make more money with the already-proven LOTR brand. Let us hope that these tie-ins are done well and do not detract from the overall story.

My LiveJournal ~ My artwork and photography

NARF since age 8, when I refused to read the Hobbit because the cover looked boring and icky.


Owain
Tol Eressea


Jan 7 2011, 6:50am

Post #12 of 379 (59789 views)
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Agreed. [In reply to] Can't Post


Quote
Let us hope that these tie-ins are done well and do not detract from the overall story.


Middle Earth is New Zealand!

"Question everything, embrace the bad, and hold on to the good."


Owain
Tol Eressea


Jan 7 2011, 6:54am

Post #13 of 379 (59862 views)
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Methinks Peter has been watching too much LOST.// [In reply to] Can't Post

 

Middle Earth is New Zealand!

"Question everything, embrace the bad, and hold on to the good."


Owain
Tol Eressea


Jan 7 2011, 6:55am

Post #14 of 379 (73760 views)
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Great points by the way.// [In reply to] Can't Post

 

Middle Earth is New Zealand!

"Question everything, embrace the bad, and hold on to the good."


Sunflower
Valinor

Jan 7 2011, 7:00am

Post #15 of 379 (65544 views)
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Good point [In reply to] Can't Post

As usual someone says what I am trying to get at, which I never evenmanage to before writing an encyclopedia. Tongue

And let me add---if gthey were worried about Ian's age, they could have had him read from his half-completed "red Book" in old age makeup in the courtyard in Rivendell! ( "Flash-forward" halfway thrugh the films, so to speak).

How can we bde sure this isn;'t just Elijah doing a really good job of selling himself back into this thing via nostalgic Peter?

(and this "for now" bit...if Frodo is going to be doing voiceovers, establishing the gentle "voice of Tolkien"/faaiy-tale vibe, then it destaablizes the narrative linking of the Pentology (I still love Guillermo'
s term for the Saga). .

Is their goal to have 2 distinct films/tales, or seek to link them? I suppose 2 distinct narrative flows, would satisfy purists who want a more childlike TH; while those arguing for a narrative linking...ugh...not sure if I am linking this idea, and I'm usually open-minded....


Ainu Laire
Tol Eressea


Jan 7 2011, 7:00am

Post #16 of 379 (74845 views)
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It would fit with the Hobbit's narrative style! [In reply to] Can't Post

The Hobbit's narrative style, unlike LOTR's, is constantly addressing the reader. The reader is addressed as 'you' several times, and the narrator especially likes to foreshadow, claiming after Bilbo wishes he were home that it would not be the last time he wished it.

If they kept this lighthearted narrative style in the films, using Bilbo as the reader and Frodo (plus others?) as the recipients, it would certainly keep the 'Hobbit' feel many here have wished for, only in a way they did not imagine, nor necessarily want. I, for one, have always been part of the 'make the Hobbit fit the LOTR tone a bit more' crowd, so I cannot say how I would feel if this happened to be the case.

And, of course, if Bilbo was reading from his book, it would break from the continuity of FOTR EE, where he was just beginning to write it.

Though he could be telling this story aloud, and then Frodo could say something like, "You should write this down!" and... there you go. Seamless flow to the beginning of FOTR. Laugh

At this point of time, so long as Bilbo remains the star and Frodo a bit character, I'm not bothered if this happens to be the case. And the Hobbit itself can be rather dark with the goblins and the spiders and the dragon... even while Bilbo is telling the story. To Frodo.

Of course, that does not explain why Drogo would be in the films, since he died while Frodo was still young, and Elijah's a bit old to act as an 11 year old...

My LiveJournal ~ My artwork and photography

NARF since age 8, when I refused to read the Hobbit because the cover looked boring and icky.


titanium_hobbit
Rohan

Jan 7 2011, 7:01am

Post #17 of 379 (59492 views)
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making freeman the earlier version of holmes [In reply to] Can't Post

So, this doesn't have to be all bad- I don't think we'll have Frodo as a 15th member of the company or anything like that.

As much as Martin Freeman looks like a young version of Ian Holmes, I reckon it would be a fun way if Ian is reading the red book to Frodo and says: "I was sitting on the grass outside smoking a pipe full of old toby, when... "

fade to MF meeting Ian McKellan as young Bilbo.

Problem: doesn't Bilbo write the Hobbit when he is at Rivendell?

Speaking of Rivendell, I'm waiting for Elrond... come on Hugo Weaving! (and Ian McKellan, of course. When those two are signed I'll be very happy)


Sunflower
Valinor

Jan 7 2011, 7:03am

Post #18 of 379 (61543 views)
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LOL [In reply to] Can't Post

As a Lostie...:)

ON the other hand, I seem to recall an article that said that JJ Abrams was inspired by Peter and Co's vaqrious flashbacks during LOTR in creating the narrative style of Lost. So it would come full circle..OH GOD...Crazy


Owain
Tol Eressea


Jan 7 2011, 7:05am

Post #19 of 379 (79405 views)
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My brain hurst as well. [In reply to] Can't Post

I also want to keep an open mind... but this one is definitely puzzling.

Middle Earth is New Zealand!

"Question everything, embrace the bad, and hold on to the good."


MrCere
Sr. Staff


Jan 7 2011, 7:06am

Post #20 of 379 (60299 views)
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You are right [In reply to] Can't Post

It was written quickly but I should know that something will upset anybody. I suppose it was my personal bias shinning through.

I should edit it actually, but it wouldn't change the message board version anyway.

I have no choice but to believe in free will.

The cake is a lie
The cake is a lie
The cake is a lie

My blog




Owain
Tol Eressea


Jan 7 2011, 7:10am

Post #21 of 379 (58762 views)
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It would fit the narrative style for sure... [In reply to] Can't Post

but I always find when the author addresses his/her readers it takes you out of the story. In some context I guess it's warranted. The thing is I've never looked at The Hobbit as being just a children's book (not saying you are). It's a story that matures as it progresses. The Princess Bride came to mind because it the extraction from the story to readers works. I guess that could work for The Hobbit but Sunflower brought up some interesting and valid plot holes that would be a huge stumbling block for people that value continuity.

Middle Earth is New Zealand!

"Question everything, embrace the bad, and hold on to the good."


Mooseboy018
Grey Havens


Jan 7 2011, 7:18am

Post #22 of 379 (58143 views)
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Of course he won't be the 15th member... [In reply to] Can't Post

You do realize that would be completely impossible, right?Tongue

And technically Gandalf could already be considered the 15th member anyway.


(This post was edited by Mooseboy018 on Jan 7 2011, 7:19am)


Kangi Ska
Half-elven


Jan 7 2011, 7:22am

Post #23 of 379 (60193 views)
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Now I have to go home and dig out a letter I wrote and sent [In reply to] Can't Post

back when Return of the King had just finished its run in the theaters. It was an idea of how to bring back a lot of the cast from the Lord of the Rings for a Hobbit movie. It involved a scenario where the story of the Hobbit was being told by Samwise to his children thus bringing back any or all of the Fellowship Hobbits in a giant cameo and then telling the actual story of the Hobbit as a flashback. I have long since decided that this was a weak idea as it would rob the Hobbit of its independence. Well it looks like I need to go back and study the details. It did seem brilliant at the time. Now I am really not so sure.

The biggest reason I can think of for doing it this way is to give the guys we love a chance to put on the feet again without messing up the story of the Hobbit.

Kangi Ska Resident Trickster & Wicked White Crebain
New Zealand is Middle-earth & today life is good.

At night you can not tell if crows are black or white.

Photobucket


titanium_hobbit
Rohan

Jan 7 2011, 7:23am

Post #24 of 379 (80344 views)
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about the Princess Bride.. [In reply to] Can't Post

In the Princess Bride there is less and less narration as it goes on, so maybe that would work in the Hobbit??

TH, who's feeling a bit eeeeee about all this. Unsure


RaoulJ
Rivendell


Jan 7 2011, 7:27am

Post #25 of 379 (76994 views)
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And what about Sir Ian Holm? [In reply to] Can't Post

After the casting of Freeman as Bilbo I've noticed that not many are talking about Ian Holm. But this changes everything. What is the point of Frodo? The only way that makes any sense (to me) is when Bilbo (old version) is reading to Frodo from the Book.

Ofcourse that would raise some questions.. As said; the first scene of LotR would be some kind of flashback..
Ofcourse it is possible that Bilbo isn't reading the book, but is just narrating the story to Frodo (and maybe some other hobbits Wink ), The scene in FotR would me a nice little nod to this; Bilbo is always telling his grand adventure, he is proud of it.

I don't know what the rumour is. That Elijah Wood will return/has been cast/is in negotiations? Or that he/Frodo is in the script? Has some part of the script been leaked?

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