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MrCere
Sr. Staff
May 25 2008, 3:21am
Post #1 of 44
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Hobbit chat peppered with big news (and little details)
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Future “Hobbit” director Guillermo del Toro and former “Lord of the Rings” director Peter Jackson sat down with a world-wide internet audience and answered a lot more than the announced “20 questions” this weekend.
Hosted by Weta, there were a lot of minor details and significant confirmations and revelations about the gigantic production that will yield two “Hobbit” related movies, one in 2011 and the second in 2012.
Peter Jackson said, "2009 will be dedicated to pre-production on both movies and 2010 will be the year we shoot both films back to back. Post productin follows one film at a time with The Hobbit being released Dec(ember) 2011, and F2 (film two) release(d) Dec(ember) 2012."
One of the biggest themes of the chat defined the role of Jackson as producer and writer rather than director. He said, “If we disagree, the director has to win, because you should never force a director to shoot something they don’t believe in. But we’re both reasonably practical and ego-free, and I believe that if we disagree, we both have the ability to express our differing theorys - state our case, like lawyers - and between us, work out what’s best for the movie.”
It was also revealed that Jackson and his team of writers (which includes Fran Walsh and Phillipa Boyens) will be joined in the process by del Toro. The four of them will work out a script according to Jackson. If the director is part of the writing, it means he was there when the discussions took place, story decisions were made … he knows why things are the way they are, and what they need to achieve.
"I see my role as being part of that writing team, which will create the blueprint, and then helping Guillermo construct the movie. I want Guillermo to make his movies, and I want to make sure we end up with a 5 movie series that’s as good as it can possibly be."
Apparently the most popular of the 6,000 questions sent in to chat moderators in the two weeks prior to the big event was about the LOTR trilogy’s actors and if they would return to the films. Those paying any attention to TORn or even Hobbit news in general already knew the answer was “yes” but the two directors went beyond the obvious. del Toro explained it quite definitively, later confirmed by Jackson. Obviously, at this stage, the second film is still being figured out- so the actors that have been approached may or not have appeared in the HOBBIT as a literary work but still may appear in the second film as it “blends” into the Trilogy and expands. Therefore what can be said is: Unequivocally, every single actor that originated a role in the Trilogy will be asked to participate and reprise it. If Health, availability or willingness become obstacles – and only in that case recasting would be considered.
The inclusion of many other production figures such as Alan Lee, John Howe, Howard Shore and the Weta workshops were also confirmed, none of that wasn’t a surprise. Each director loves practical effects and favors them over CGI with del Toro explaining that he would use animatronics for creatures.
Del Toro pasted a rather long conglomeration of his comments at TheOneRing.net’s message boards he made as part of a healthy discussion about the dragon Smaug and that he has an actor in mind for the voice. Jackson said he and del Toro are still at the very early stages of how to present the film’s information to the internet and DVD audience and the use of production diaries hasn’t been discussed.
Much to this writer’s delight, del Toro delivered the first statement of any kind about how the large group of Dwarves from the source material will be handled.
"Tolkien wrote 13 dwarves and I intend to use 13 dwarves. I am, in fact, thrilled to keep them all and have them be distinguishable and affecting as characters. Much of the drama and emotion in the last third of the book and film will come from them."
Editorial comment:HOOOOORAY!
Other tidbits dropped in the course of the conversation:
* The LOTR movies are being worked on for the Blue Ray format but will definitely not be seen this year (Jackson has mentioned the 10-year mark previously)
* The film (distinctly not digital) will be shot in the same aspect ratio as the LOTR trilogy (2:35:1) and not in del Toro’s favorite ratio (1:85) to preserve the continuity with the LOTR films
* Beorn is extremely likely to be in the film, del Toro hinted that, “I also like TB quite a bit…” Could it be?
* del Toro has something in mind for Ron Perlman (suggested by TORn for Thorin)
* Gollum’s role might be larger than just his riddles in the dark, especially in film two
* there are no plans at the moment for filming in 3D
* wargs and goblins will be approached anew from the LOTR films
* Film two will not attempt to document the 60 years between Bilbo’s and Frodo’s adventures
* Film two will focus more on one central “event” from that time frame, perhaps filling in Gandalf’s gaps when he leaves the stage of the Hobbit film
* If it still wasn’t clear to anybody, the adaptation of “The Hobbit” will be one film
* They will look to write with traditional film structure but perhaps finding structure where others might not expect it del Toro, “I am all for trying to preserve every idiosyncrasy the novel has- the very things that seem “unfilmable” and that – in my mind- will make it thrilling as a film.”
* As anybody could have guessed, they will film in New Zealand (not Italy)
TheOneRing.net staff did a live blog commentary of the chat, found right here. It yields some interesting insights and raises pertinent questions and like a true blog, new stuff went on top, so the chat is upside down.
You can read the full official transcript of the chat right here.
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
(This post was edited by MrCere on May 25 2008, 3:27am)
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Patty
Elvenhome
May 25 2008, 3:40am
Post #3 of 44
(5821 views)
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Why oh why waste precious time with the only question to which everyone already knows the answer?
Hanging out with the Lonely Isle elves.
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Ataahua
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
May 25 2008, 4:24am
Post #4 of 44
(5887 views)
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I have the perfect answer for producer/director disagreements:
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"One, two, three, four, I declare a thumb war."
All arguments will be solved within 20 seconds.
(I did like how PJ said he'd claim the brilliance of releasing the Hobbit film on the 10-year anniversary of FOTR!) 
Celebrimbor: "Pretty rings..."
Dwarves: "Pretty rings..."
Men: "Pretty rings..."
Sauron: "Mine's better."
"Ah, how ironic, the addictive qualities of Sauron’s master weapon led to its own destruction. Which just goes to show, kids - if you want two small and noble souls to succeed on a mission of dire importance... send an evil-minded b*****d with them too." - Gandalf's Diaries, final par, by Ufthak.
Ataahua's stories
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Compa_Mighty
Dor-Lomin
May 25 2008, 4:28am
Post #5 of 44
(5816 views)
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I loved the part when Guillermo said they both agreed that New Line should hire more "round directors with funny accents."
Which, together with the thumb wars... makes a funny picture!
Here's to Del Toro becoming the Irvin Kershner of Middle Earth!
Essay winner of the Show us your Hobbit Pride Giveway!
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Ataahua
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
May 25 2008, 4:47am
Post #6 of 44
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that Guillermo is a really, really fun and geeky guy who gets so much pure enjoyment out of being a fan of fantasy - and the thought of him and PJ being in the same room indulging their inner child just makes me smile hugely. Whoever is lucky enough to be involved in this project with GDT and PJ is going to have an experience to remember!
Celebrimbor: "Pretty rings..."
Dwarves: "Pretty rings..."
Men: "Pretty rings..."
Sauron: "Mine's better."
"Ah, how ironic, the addictive qualities of Sauron’s master weapon led to its own destruction. Which just goes to show, kids - if you want two small and noble souls to succeed on a mission of dire importance... send an evil-minded b*****d with them too." - Gandalf's Diaries, final par, by Ufthak.
Ataahua's stories
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Starling
Gondolin
May 25 2008, 5:26am
Post #7 of 44
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I got that sense too. Even though there must have been some pressure during that chat, it was still so much fun.
I loved the shrimp-eating story (and you can still eat something yummy with one hand while thumb-wrestling with the other.)
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ROD BAGGINS
Registered User
May 25 2008, 8:44am
Post #8 of 44
(5842 views)
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filmmakers who have grown up with films from a fan and geek's point of view and they understand what sensibilities are shared with other fans and geeks.
I don't think Sam Raimi would have been a good choice of director had GDT turned it down or if the rumours were true.
I look forward to more of these live chats :D
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FrodoEyes
Ossiriand
May 25 2008, 10:03am
Post #9 of 44
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Anyone else excited that GDT likes Tom Bombadil?!
At the very least I hope they film his scenes for a future LOTR dvd release. Then when they're done with the Shire they can destroy it and film the Scouring!
It's nice to dream...
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mae govannen
Dor-Lomin
May 25 2008, 10:29am
Post #10 of 44
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are quite something!!! 
'Is everything sad going to come untrue?'
(Sam, 'The Field of Cormallen', in 'The Return of the King'.)
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Smeagirl/Girllum
Mithlond
May 25 2008, 12:42pm
Post #11 of 44
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I'm happy that GdT likes Bombadil! Even if this is something that never gets filmed, it tells me that his heart is in the right place. Or at least the same place as mine. 
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Ruby-Rose
Registered User
May 25 2008, 1:42pm
Post #12 of 44
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surprisingly happy after the "chat" last night. I have been extremely concerned about who would direct The Hobbit etc. But having heard Del Torro's fondness for Bombadil last night etc., I am relieved and am so looking forward to the next 4 years ...just watching it all unfold. I am particularly pleased that Howard Shore will be back (though I can't imagine how they could not have him...or Alan Lee/John Howe back either). Just looking at all the tidbits that were mentioned...Beorn, Gollum possilby having more than just the riddles bit, and the Dragon to top all other dragons ..WOW. I have to say my expectations are extremely high but I am fairly content that the GDT/Jackson team are not just going to roll out a mediocre film just because they can.
Ruby-Rose
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Mirabella_Bunce
Ossiriand
May 25 2008, 1:58pm
Post #13 of 44
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Oh my, I just love this guy now!
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I always knew he was brilliant, but I didn't realize he had such a great sense of humor. I hadn't expected to find myself laughing out loud during the chat, let alone doing it so often! I'm really glad the "may Cthulhu give me more shelves to put them on" was the last remark in the chat because I literally had to put my head down on the desk until I stopped laughing.
What a delightful fellow. I want to hug him more than I wanted to hug Peter Jackson 'way back then. And he has a point there, he IS a Dwarf, isn't he? A Dwarf and a Hobbit working together on the Hobbit movie - we are in for a real treat, we are!
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Mirabella_Bunce
Ossiriand
May 25 2008, 2:00pm
Post #14 of 44
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I think perhaps GDT is Bombadil... hmm.... anyone catch what color his boots were?
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deej
Dor-Lomin
May 25 2008, 2:17pm
Post #15 of 44
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Thanks for summing everything up so well, MrC.
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I hope this helps to assuage some folks' concerns about GDT directing the film - it was pretty clear to me that he and PJ will be working very closely together and that both have the passion and commitment to make these 2 films as good as they can be.
"...and back again."
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mae govannen
Dor-Lomin
May 25 2008, 2:59pm
Post #16 of 44
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Some time back (on March 13), I tried to see a way of having Tom Bombadil somewhere in the films to come.
Remember the interest Gandalf had in him?
Gandalf said that he had visited him before.
Perhaps it could be that visit of Gandalf to Tom, before the time of the War of the Ring, that we could be shown?
Here is what I imagined then:
It would be a slightly different Tom Bombadil than expected: still the same, but with a somewhat sober appearance and a less amusing behaviour, as it would be Gandalf he would meet, not just Hobbits straight from the Shire... Another side of him could be shown, that would explain Gandalf's enduring interest in him and wish to meet him from time to time.
And I would love to see Goldberry, his charming and beautiful 'lady of the River', who so fascinated Frodo...!
For a deeper appreciation of Ecology and Nature in their mysterious and 'magic' aspect, this so special pair could be a real hit if it was well done, with the same quiet flow of sensitivity and esthetic refinement as in the book balance out and complement with their gracious dance the apparent pure buffonery of the ridiculous Tom Bombadil as usually perceived - although a touch of that too would have to be shown for the full picture to be there ...
After all, it is in that place that Frodo had his dream-vision of the 'white shores' and the 'green country'... There must be an inner reason for that, I am sure.
I am sure also that PJ, Fran and Phllippa could find that reason, and express it well enough in the films to come.
Well, perhaps someone could even suggest that whole idea to them!...
'Is everything sad going to come untrue?'
(Sam, 'The Field of Cormallen', in 'The Return of the King'.)
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Patty
Elvenhome
May 25 2008, 4:49pm
Post #17 of 44
(5713 views)
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TB fits in better with The Hobbit than he ever did in LotR. *dodges all the book purists and Bombadil fans.* Actually, I don't dislike him as much as I used to.
Hanging out with the Lonely Isle elves.
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leo
Nargothrond
May 25 2008, 7:56pm
Post #18 of 44
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it is actually quite a list ;-)
But to be honest, I thought there was very little real Hobbit-related news. I guess that's because they weren;t done with the scripts (and didn't really tell us anything about them) and they denied approaching castmembers. I think it might have just been too early for a chat like this, so I hope they'll do more in the future!
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Sunflower
Doriath
May 26 2008, 5:06am
Post #19 of 44
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Now that you mention it, I remember the scene where he was telling the hobbits stories from past Ages, and finally when he asks to see the Ring....doesn't he have a glint in his eye for a second(or was that Gandalf in Bag End.) He is only dancing around and singing nonsense MOST of the time...but not all.
It would be fascinating to see a subdued Bombadil. In light of who he is (IMO to me he is a living incarnation of Ulmo, Lord of Waters...(his marriage to Goldberry the River-Spirit) . I'm sure I'm not the first one who has gotten an idea like this....but Maia visiting Vala....kind of puts a twist on things doesn't it?
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Elven
Doriath
May 26 2008, 8:23am
Post #20 of 44
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Fantastic MrCere - thankyou so much! //
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Were off to Hobbiton finally!
Tolkien was a Capricorn!!
Russell Crowe for Beorn!!
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Mecandes
Registered User
May 26 2008, 6:03pm
Post #21 of 44
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One noteworthy item which your summary missed is when Peter Jackson says that "the rating will be the same as the Trilogy, PG13 on both movies," and Guillermo del Toro jumps in to clarify that it will be "An intense PG-13."
Are they serious? The Hobbit is a story written for children!
But I guess, from this point in history onwards, this is Jackson's franchise, not Tolkien's. I'm sure the whole point of "film 2" will be to add original characters and situations which can spin off into works (toys, books, etc.) without Tolkien's name on them at all. Then all the money goes to Jackson/New Line, and none to the Tolkien Estate. Clever.
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Elizabeth
Gondolin
May 26 2008, 7:03pm
Post #23 of 44
(5625 views)
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Revenues from spin-off merchandise
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are covered under the filmmaker's contract with its designers and participants, not the Estate, I'm pretty sure. The Estate is entitled to a portion of box office receipts. This is no different from the situation in LotR, and whether the characters were invented by Tolkien or not is irrelevant.
Elizabeth is the TORnsib formerly known as 'erather'
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debo
Nargothrond
May 26 2008, 10:08pm
Post #24 of 44
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I agree- The Hobbit IS a story for children.
It will be a real shame if we can't take our under-10s to see it!!!
Why does it have to be "intense PG13"? Can't you tell a fantastic and gripping story without it being violent and scary??
Frodo; "What I chiefly need now is courage . . ."
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debo
Nargothrond
May 26 2008, 10:11pm
Post #25 of 44
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Which was a great premise for under-10 boys but just way too scary to take them to see.
So you see, the film-makers will miss out on revenue from this lucrative group. ( Trying to talk *movie-speak*)
Please listen!!!
Frodo; "What I chiefly need now is courage . . ."
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... I still don't know why the moderators let that one through... 
An intense PG-13...
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