|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
News from Bree
spymaster@theonering.net
Jun 1 2010, 3:29pm
Post #1 of 142
(4889 views)
Shortcut
|
|
Who will helm 'The Hobbit'?
|
Can't Post
|
|
In case you were unplugged and off the information grid all weekend, TheOneRing.net broke the story that Guillermo del Toro has stepped away from directing duties on two planned (hoped for) films based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit.” We are assured (by one of the super-good inside sources) that GDT’s DNA in the form of script and design and pre-viz work will remain in place, new director willing. And why would they find a director who isn’t willing or wants to revisit the same work?
After getting over the shock and feeling the loss of our message board member’s departure, and wishing him all the best, the question now becomes: Who will direct “The Hobbit”? We have some ideas and maybe even some insights.
Peter Jackson: Current Hobbit co-writer and producer, he says he will not let the project fall apart but he told the Dominion Post: “If that’s what I have to do to protect Warner Bros’ investment, then obviously that’s one angle which I’ll explore.” It sounds like Jackson is reassuring Warners and fans not to despair. Conversations with the studios and Jackson on a replacement have already started and it isn’t as though there aren’t talented directors who would want to tackle these films. For example . . .
Neil Blomkamp: His “District 9″ came from the ashes of the failed “Halo” film, with Peter Jackson producing and earned an Academy Award nomination for “Best Picture.” Jackson thought the young director could handle the giant, special-effects-heavy video game film and then he made the independently-financed Wikus Van De Merwe film with down-on-their-luck aliens who crave cat food in Johannesburg. It earned over $200 million worldwide. Imagine what he could do with Weta and a budget. (And, we note, little or no studio interference!)
Sam Raimi: This man is a true geek (in a good way) and before del Toro was signed, we kept hearing his name as a strong possibility for “The Hobbit”. He has made action-oriented films with lighthearted moments and has nailed genre characters while producing big-time profits for studios. Fans who haven’t forgiven him for “Emo” Peter Parker need to have a guffaw with him for “From Hell. He gets it. Would he direct after not being the first choice? Bruce Campbell as Bard the Bowman?
Alfonso Cuaron: A lot of fans (and one would assume studio types) would love to see GDT’s friend step in to fill the gap. The director of a book-adapted Harry Potter film that runs circles around the rest in the series and especially the transcendent “Children of Men,” would be welcome. But unless this MGM situation gets settled soon (and we maintain from whispers that it might), what advice do you think he would hear from his pal Guillermo?
Andrew Adamson: It seems almost impossible that Adamson could direct and produce Narnia movies and Shrek movies and then fly under the radar as well as he has. Like Jackson, he calls New Zealand home and is based just a short flight up the island in Auckland. He already has extensive experience with Weta (LOTR’s, Narnia’s and the Hobbit’s special effects house) and might make the smoothest transition to helm the films. He may lack the “edge” that del Toro and Jackson and even Raimi and Blomkamp have shown in their bodies of work or it may be that he just hasn’t had the opportunities. Still, it seems impossible not to have him in the conversation.
Steven Spielberg and James Cameron are unlikely candidates despite what some fans wish for. Jackson’s circle of friends is pretty interesting though and Cameron raves about working in New Zealand and with Weta but there is nothing to suggest either of these busy guys are an actual possibility. Other names are being thrown around the internet wildly. Some are guesses, some are speculation and some are completely absurd. Hey! Why not Woody Allen? He directs movies after all!
Remember, Jackson wasn’t a proven big-budget commodity when New Line took a chance on “The Lord of the Rings,” more than 10 years ago. He had directed some splatter films, “Heavenly Creatures,” and “The Frighteners,” before New Line handed over the reigns. He appreciates and develops unheralded talent and may pull a director out of his hat. Imagine the size and scope of what “Halo,” would have been and he was perfectly willing to let the unknown Blomkamp have a go. Remember too that the project fell apart because the studios couldn’t come to terms on how to divide the (probably) billions with each other and it had nothing at all to do with the rookie director.
To be clear, the project lives on, Guillermo’s and Jackson’s
influence remain and “The Hobbit” will go forward with a new director.
Who? When? Stay tuned and you will know when we do.
(This post was edited by Kyriel on Jun 2 2010, 12:04am)
|
|
|
Anduril1993
Ossiriand
Jun 1 2010, 9:47pm
Post #2 of 142
(3118 views)
Shortcut
|
their are many directors that could create the motion picture we all want such as Steven spielberg or any of the others but the only special one and the one we all want to direct the two hobbit movies is Peter Jackson because of his mind blowing work of bringing the Lord of the rings trilogy to life.
i was known as hary786118
All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
From the ashes a fire shal be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.
|
|
|
Doriath
Ossiriand
Jun 1 2010, 9:53pm
Post #3 of 142
(3076 views)
Shortcut
|
|
The only choices from that list
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
PJ, GDT or Cuaron
The Trees will have their revenge!
|
|
|
Kangi Ska
Gondolin
Jun 1 2010, 10:45pm
Post #6 of 142
(3033 views)
Shortcut
|
|
Additions in no particular order:
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
Tony Gilroy-Michael Clayton
Joel & Ethan Coen "No Country for Old Men", "Fargo" "Hudsucker Proxie" & Many many others others.
Kangi Ska
At night one cannot tell if crows are black or white.
|
|
|
Lord of Magic
Nevrast
Jun 1 2010, 11:23pm
Post #7 of 142
(3027 views)
Shortcut
|
that Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban was the worst Harry Potter movie that has come out. So, for me, Cuaron is a definite 'no!' However, I absolutely loved 'Drag Me to Hell' and would definitely put my support behind Raimi. I was impressed by Adamson's first Narnia movie, but I don't think the feeling behind that and the Shrek movies would work well with the Hobbit.
Former Duke of Stardock, Overseer of the Paraphysical Army of Tokidoki, High Mage in Service to King Lyam conDoin I of Rillanon, The Absolute Lord, Ruler, and Sovereign of all Tokidoki.
The White Dragon and Arnölé, The Lord of All Magic
|
|
|
Doriath
Ossiriand
Jun 1 2010, 11:31pm
Post #8 of 142
(3054 views)
Shortcut
|
is when the HP movies finally started getting good.
The Trees will have their revenge!
|
|
|
Kangi Ska
Gondolin
Jun 1 2010, 11:32pm
Post #9 of 142
(2991 views)
Shortcut
|
|
Yes but then they went back...//
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
Kangi Ska
At night one cannot tell if crows are black or white.
|
|
|
Oiotári
Dor-Lomin
Jun 1 2010, 11:46pm
Post #10 of 142
(3010 views)
Shortcut
|
|
I'd have to disagree with you there
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
The Prisoner of Azkaban is the only HP movie that I really enjoy watching again and again
none of the others have the same feel to them
also, IMO starting with #4 on, they started deviating too much from the book
That does not necessarily mean that I want Cuaron directing TH, I'll have to think more on that one
Faithless is he who says farewell when the road darkens
|
|
|
Gandalf'sMother
Nargothrond
Jun 2 2010, 12:00am
Post #11 of 142
(3012 views)
Shortcut
|
On Raimi. I understand that he is a "geek" or "true geek" (whatever that means) but am I the only one who doesn't want an uber-geek directing these films, but rather, a master filmmaker with a compelling artistic vision who does not fall prey to the "kewl" whenever the opportunity arises?
Tolkien himself was not a "geek." He was a serious academic linguist who thought and created on an intellecutally profound level. That is the kind of person I want directing these films, and I think Alfonso Cuaron is as close as we can get.
|
|
|
Huan71
Menegroth
Jun 2 2010, 12:17am
Post #12 of 142
(2988 views)
Shortcut
|
My initial thinking, based on films i've seen, is Alfonso Cuaron. I also feel that the tone of his films is somewhat similar to Guillermo's...well, closer than anybody else! But, as i've commented elsewhere, it depends on whose got a free slot on their diary for the next 2 (or 6?) years!
Of the directors named above, does anyone know whose got a free schedule and whose a bit tied up?
|
|
|
thesithempire
Ossiriand
Jun 2 2010, 12:33am
Post #13 of 142
(2976 views)
Shortcut
|
Only two names make any sense to me:
Alfonso Cuaron: He's Del Toro's friend and filmmaking ally, and will go along with all the work Guillermo's done for the last two years rather than chuck it in order to narcisstically put "his own stamp" on the process. I've no issue with a director wanting to legitimately improve the script and/or designs. God knows Jackson could've used some of that with the trilogy (hello, mountain trolls, chicken-nugget orc, and piss-poor Army of the Dead conception.) But many directors are more concerned with their vision and name than with preserving the aesthetic of Tolkien's world. Cuaron has proven he can handle fantasy and more importantly, character, drama and world-building. And he can make you *feel* which is imperative for such a project.
Blomkamp: While I'd prefer he complete his trilogy of District films (as I think District 9 was the most fascinating, harrowing, intelligent and emotionally moving science-fiction film to arise in years), this director is clearly gifted and can pull off a special effects film and give it pathos and intelligible action. His indebtedness to Jackson admittedly concerns me as it may make him a little too dutiful to Jackson, something that wouldn't have been the case with Del Toro or Cuaron. No offense to Jackson, but he's had shot and to my eyes, FOTR started off brilliant and went downhill with each film to the point where I have little more than acrimony for ROTK and little faith that he could handle the balance of poignancy and intensity, fantasy and reality, and whimsy and gravitas that the two Hobbit films will require. And let's face it, he's all but admitted that his heart's not in it.
|
|
|
Malveth The Eternal
Menegroth
Jun 2 2010, 12:52am
Post #14 of 142
(3006 views)
Shortcut
|
|
NO on Neil Blomkamp - NO NO NO!!!
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
Neil Blomkamp?
Gimme a break. He directed one patchy, uneven, pretty dull action/splatter movie. That's it.
I'll be seriously angry if that twerp gets his mitts on The Hobbit. He doesn't deserve it.
My list (some):
Peter Weir
Jane Campion (This woman really understands mythology (The Piano) atmosphere, character & landscape (Bright Star - best film I saw in 2009). Why not a woman?
Neil Jordan (As you can see I prefer a mature take on this material - we missed out on that for LotRs with PJ at the helm, but there's no reason why The Hobbit shouldn't have a mature feeling to it - it tackles war, death, and other huge serious themes)
Neil Burger (The Illusionist)
Duncan Jones (Moon) - (Now here's a debut that has intelligence, warmth, style & stays focused and on target the whole film. Give him a shot!)
Stephen Poliakoff (The Lost Prince) Really gifted playwright & film director. I've had him in mind for years.
Andy Wilson - He did a great job with "Gormenghast" ten years ago. I'd give him a go!
Just some Fresh ideas - I'm sick to death of seeing the same list of 5 boring names.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/CarrotField/257960949766?created
(This post was edited by Malveth The Eternal on Jun 2 2010, 12:55am)
|
|
|
bowencm
Ossiriand
Jun 2 2010, 1:11am
Post #15 of 142
(2932 views)
Shortcut
|
whoever is chosen for the director's chair, i think the announcement should kept locked up tight like the scripts until an official green light is given...if the studios are as close as they say they are to wrapping up the financial circus called MGM then why not wait...?...we'll all live...i think?
that being said, good GOD i can't wait for this mess to get settled!!!
Carrot cake, carrot cake, have ye any nuts?
Carrot cake says...NO NUTS!
(This post was edited by bowencm on Jun 2 2010, 1:12am)
|
|
|
Darkstone
Elvenhome
Jun 2 2010, 1:30am
Post #16 of 142
(2958 views)
Shortcut
|
By reports they are good friends. Jackson credits Lucas with "mentoring" him in special effects. And Lucas mentioned that Jackson regularly visited him during the filming of the three Star Wars prequels in Australia.
******************************************
Yes, Chuck Norris does simply walk into Mordor.
|
|
|
Kangi Ska
Gondolin
Jun 2 2010, 1:37am
Post #17 of 142
(2944 views)
Shortcut
|
Remember Star Wars II ?
So do I.
I saw it once.
Kangi Ska
At night one cannot tell if crows are black or white.
(This post was edited by Kangi Ska on Jun 2 2010, 1:38am)
|
|
|
Laerasyn
Nevrast
Jun 2 2010, 1:45am
Post #18 of 142
(2921 views)
Shortcut
|
Please, no Lucas. Just no.
Either something bad happened to the part of his brain that knew how to tell a decent story in between the Star Wars trilogies, or (as I've heard) they just let him go too wild and he had no checks or balances with the last three films. Either way, I would not trust a guy who screws up his own story so badly with The Hobbit.
'Good and ill have not change since yesteryear; nor are they one thing among Elves and Dwarves and another among Men. It is a man's part to discern them, as much in the Golden Wood as in his own house.'
|
|
|
Doriath
Ossiriand
Jun 2 2010, 1:49am
Post #19 of 142
(2904 views)
Shortcut
|
not that I want to start a Star Wars back and forth but, yeah, those SW prequels made me turn my back on that universe and made me embarrassed to have ever been a fan.
The Trees will have their revenge!
|
|
|
Kangi Ska
Gondolin
Jun 2 2010, 1:50am
Post #20 of 142
(2931 views)
Shortcut
|
|
Neil is probably not right for The Hobbit.
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
I think he showed remarkable skill the first time out with D-9. But he needs a bit more experience before he takes on a project the size of this one.
Kangi Ska
At night one cannot tell if crows are black or white.
|
|
|
Darkstone
Elvenhome
Jun 2 2010, 1:50am
Post #21 of 142
(2934 views)
Shortcut
|
|
Think of the money you would save on tickets.
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
Especially if it's in 3-D.
******************************************
Yes, Chuck Norris does simply walk into Mordor.
|
|
|
Laerasyn
Nevrast
Jun 2 2010, 1:54am
Post #22 of 142
(2933 views)
Shortcut
|
I'm curious as to why Blomkamp's name is being thrown around. We've only seen one major thing that he's done, and its style was WAY different than anything I'd want to see applied to the Hobbit. I loved District 9, despite some major flaws, and I suppose I'm not saying that he absolutely couldn't do a different style, but it sounds like a pretty huge gamble to put something like The Hobbit in the hands of someone so inexperienced.
Also, I really did not like Cuaron's Prisoner of Azkaban. In my opinion, the meat of the story was lost to too much flourish and "look at me, I'm a director and have a signature style!" -ness, if that makes any sense. As if he was not focused on the heart of the Harry Potter story, but on adding his own creative spin. Not that I know anything about his attitude, it was just a impression I got as a viewer. I don't mind some of his other stuff, but I'm going to have to say no on him for the Hobbit.
I don't know enough about the others to make anything resembling an intelligent comment. On principle, I would prefer to have another relatively unknown director with a heart for the material. And I would kind of prefer not to have PJ do it... while I was overall happy with his films, they were not perfect, and I am really curious to see someone else's vision for Middle-earth.
'Good and ill have not change since yesteryear; nor are they one thing among Elves and Dwarves and another among Men. It is a man's part to discern them, as much in the Golden Wood as in his own house.'
|
|
|
Oiotári
Dor-Lomin
Jun 2 2010, 2:02am
Post #23 of 142
(2914 views)
Shortcut
|
|
what's to be gained by keeping it locked up?
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
(this is genuine curiosity as to your reasoning, not bashing of your idea)
Faithless is he who says farewell when the road darkens
|
|
|
Oiotári
Dor-Lomin
Jun 2 2010, 2:10am
Post #24 of 142
(2944 views)
Shortcut
|
|
what do you mean by "chicken nugget orc" ?
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
I'm not sure I've heard that one before
and now I'm curious
*patiently awaits reply*
Faithless is he who says farewell when the road darkens
|
|
|
Doriath
Ossiriand
Jun 2 2010, 2:14am
Post #25 of 142
(2980 views)
Shortcut
|
|
I'm guessing it's a refference to Gothmog
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
Gothmog was the Witch-king's lieutenant at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. After the Witch-king was destroyed, he assumed full command of Sauron's army. Nothing else is known about Gothmog "Fear, the city is rank with it! Let us ease their pain, release the prisoners!" —Gothmog
The Trees will have their revenge!
|
|
|
|
|
1
