Cinematicalhttp://www.cinematical.comCinematicalhttp://www.cinematical.com/media/feedlogo.gifCinematicalhttp://www.cinematical.comen-usCopyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Interview: 'Hellboy II: The Golden Army' Director Guillermo Del Torohttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/07/09/interview-hellboy-ii-the-golden-army-director-guillermo-del/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/07/09/interview-hellboy-ii-the-golden-army-director-guillermo-del/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/07/09/interview-hellboy-ii-the-golden-army-director-guillermo-del/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Speaking with Cinematical in Los Angeles, director and writer Guillermo del Toro was enthused and excited to talk about the challenges and triumphs of his latest film. "The biggest challenge (for Hellboy II: The Golden Army) was to say "Let's remain loose and interested and happy and crazier and more free in the second movie. ... And the second-biggest challenge was to make a 200-million dollar movie with 85 (million). ..." Del Toro also spoke about the film's mix of slapstick and the supernatural, the pleasures and pitfalls of practical effects and what he'd say to someone concerned that his upcoming task of directing The Hobbit would mean too much time spent away from him crafting his own unique visions for the big screen. (Warning: Brief snippets of foul language included within.)

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]]>cinematicalguillermo del toroguillermo del toro interviewGuillermoDelToroGuillermoDelToroInterviewhellboyhellboy II the golden armyHellboyIiTheGoldenArmythe hobbitTheHobbitJames RocchiWed, 09 Jul 2008 22:02:00 EST'Hobbit' Hints at 'Hellboy' Huddle: Del Toro Speaks!http://www.cinematical.com/2008/07/01/hobbit-hints-at-hellboy-huddle-del-toro-speaks/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/07/01/hobbit-hints-at-hellboy-huddle-del-toro-speaks/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/07/01/hobbit-hints-at-hellboy-huddle-del-toro-speaks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

At yesterday's press day for Hellboy II: The Golden Army, the eloquent, elegant Guillermo del Toro had plenty to say about crafting the sequel to 2004's Hellboy, which we'll have at Cinematical closer to the film's opening; he also dropped a few facts and thoughts about his upcoming job helmingThe Hobbit. On the 'facts' front, del Toro mentioned that The Hobbit (which may be two films, one adapting the original novel and the other bridging The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings with new material) will have a very different look than some of his other films: "The Hobbit will be (presented) in 2.35-to-1. ..." Translating cinematographer to English, that means that The Hobbit will be presented in widescreen, all the better to capture the hills and dales of the Shire.

Del Toro also spoke about the potentially tricky task of making his two Hobbit films in the wake of Peter Jackson's wildly successful trilogy, as well as what kind of material he might bring to a second movie -- and the tricky question of what Tolkien-created material Peter Jackson has the rights to (and can be used to create the two Hobbit films) and what material Jackson does not own the rights to (and can't use in a film). Del Toro's answers may have been short on detail, but they were long on vision. "What we're talking (about) is, obviously, utilizing the materials that are available to us, and the discipline has been to try and know, for my part, everything else -- not to know it and use it, but to know it and not step on those things.

Continue reading 'Hobbit' Hints at 'Hellboy' Huddle: Del Toro Speaks!

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]]>featuredguillermo del toroGuillermoDelToroHellboy II The Golden ArmyHellboyIiTheGoldenArmyJ. R. R. TolkeinJ.R.R.TolkeinThe HobbitThe Lord of the RingsTheHobbitTheLordOfTheRingsJames RocchiTue, 01 Jul 2008 09:02:00 ESTOne 'Hobbit' Movie to (Maybe) Rule Them Allhttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/06/30/one-hobbit-movie-to-maybe-rule-them-all/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/06/30/one-hobbit-movie-to-maybe-rule-them-all/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/06/30/one-hobbit-movie-to-maybe-rule-them-all/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

There has been a lot of heated debate about that second Hobbit film. Many Lord of the Rings fans will take anything Middle-Earth, even if it's two hours cobbled out of appendices. Others see it as a betrayal of the Tolkien canon, and a blatant money grab by all involved. I readily admit I fall into the first category -- but I certainly don't want to see a bad film just to get a visual Middle Earth fix.

No matter what camp you fall into, however, Guillermo del Toro just made a statement that should please everyone. According to Defamer, he promises they are looking at adapting The Hobbit first and foremost -- and that a second film may not even happen. "We believe there is a second movie," del Toro said. "If there isn't, there will not be. If we find it, we will shoot it, but by God, if we do not find it, we will not shoot it. I am anxious to shoot the book, and I'm willing and able to dedicate myself to shooting the [second film]. In the four books that are in the domain of the copyright, there are appendices and ideas and things that can be traced without risk. But I have to be careful not to overstep. We believe there is a way to create this film and make it interesting, but it's too early."

Continue reading One 'Hobbit' Movie to (Maybe) Rule Them All

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]]>guillermo del toroGuillermoDelToroj.r.r. tolkienJ.r.r.TolkienPeter JacksonPeterJacksonThe HobbitThe Hobbit spin offTheHobbitTheHobbitSpinOffElisabeth RappeMon, 30 Jun 2008 09:02:00 ESTYour Favorite Death Scenes of All Time?http://www.cinematical.com/2008/06/29/your-favorite-death-scenes-of-all-time/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/06/29/your-favorite-death-scenes-of-all-time/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/06/29/your-favorite-death-scenes-of-all-time/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's official: more actors need to die. Debra Winger figuratively kicking the bucket in Terms of Endearment, or Jimmy Durante literally kicking the bucket in It's A Mad Mad Mad Mad World ... Harold Sakata reaching for his unfortunately uninsulated derby in Goldfinger, Bugs Bunny grabbing for Oscar gold after being mortally wounded by Elmer Fudd in Tex Avery's short "The Wild Hare" ("It's gettin' dark, Doc ... gasp, choke"). One of my favorites: James Mason making it until daybreak during an entire movie-long death scene in Odd Man Out, or the death by, eh, inspiration in Hot Fuzz.

The list goes on at Gawker.com, where a poll got a lot of people talking. Male posters aired out plenty of excuses for crying in movie theaters like whipped little girls. One correspondent has a likely explanation for shedding his unmanly tears at the end of Armageddon: "a piece of meteorite got in my eye." I know how he felt. Ambient radiation made my eyes run when Spock got broiled at the end of The Wrath of Khan. And all that Middle Earth pollen played hell with my sinuses right when Boromir keeled over, begging apology with his last breath. What's your own favorite demise? Cinematical's Monika Bartyzel lists her 7 best here, from an '07 column, mentioning one time Steven Seagal didn't pull through. Incidentally an outfit called movie deaths.com insists on that the one 100 percent rating is the demise of the pugnacious black knight (above) in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Get out the kleenex and weigh in ...

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]]>A Wild HareArmageddonAWildHareBoromirBugs BunnyBugsBunnyGawker.comHarold SakataHaroldSakataIts A Mad Mad Mad Mad WorldItsAMadMadMadMadWorldMonty Python and the Holy GrailMontyPythonAndTheHolyGrailStar Trek II The Wrath of KhanStarTrekIiTheWrathOfKhanTerms of EndearmentTermsOfEndearmentThe Fellowship of the RingTheFellowshipOfTheRingRichard von BusackSun, 29 Jun 2008 15:32:00 ESTHave Guillermo Del Toro and Peter Jackson Found Bilbo Baggins?http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/28/have-guillermo-del-toro-and-peter-jackson-found-bilbo-baggins/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/28/have-guillermo-del-toro-and-peter-jackson-found-bilbo-baggins/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/28/have-guillermo-del-toro-and-peter-jackson-found-bilbo-baggins/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

But they aren't going to tell us who it is! Guillermo Del Toro spoke to Empire and revealed a few more Hobbit details. We can all breathe a bit easier because according to the director, it will be "at least a year before we announce any casting." So, this may be the last story you read on The Hobbit for quite awhile.

That doesn't mean they aren't hard at work trying to find the main hobbit himself. Says Del Toro: "We are writing based on [Ian Holm's performance], but other than that, we have ideas [of who could play him]. I can tell you that it's down to a few names that we all agree upon. And that our first choice ...completely, magically, we said the same name. All of us!"

Somewhere, there is an actor who has no idea he's in the running. And it is obviously not an unknown if the entire team came up with the same individual. Who are you, future Bilbo? My old pick was Martin Freeman, who I always thought resembled Ian Holm a bit, and could do befuddled really really well. Jamie Bell always ruled the day with my geek friends, but I think he's become a bit too chiseled for a hobbit. Let's hear your own picks. And toss out some impossible, mind-reading guesses as to who the LOTR team could have landed on. Remember, it will be the last Hobbit story you have for awhile -- especially if Christopher Tolkien wins his court case.

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]]>Elisabeth RappeWed, 28 May 2008 09:02:00 ESTChristopher Tolkien Trying To Stop 'The Hobbit'http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/26/christopher-tolkien-trying-to-stop-the-hobbit/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/26/christopher-tolkien-trying-to-stop-the-hobbit/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/26/christopher-tolkien-trying-to-stop-the-hobbit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Just when you thought it was safe to get excited, a possible wrench has been thrown into The Hobbit works. According to London's Sunday Times, Christopher Tolkien, the son of J.R.R., is attempting to stop the movie from being made altogether, calling for "one last crusade" in the long running court battle.

Regrettably, the issue at large is still money. Tolkien asserts that the family is still owed £80 million from New Line Cinema, under the 1978 sale of the rights that promised them 7.5% of the profits. Of course, that studio is now defunct, and Warner Bros has no comment on the financial problems.

On June 6th, Tolkien plans to petition a California judge to back his claim to terminate the film rights.

Continue reading Christopher Tolkien Trying To Stop 'The Hobbit'

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]]>Christopher TolkienChristopherTolkienNew Line financialNewLineFinancialThe HobbitThe Hobbit rightsTheHobbitTheHobbitRightsElisabeth RappeMon, 26 May 2008 11:02:00 ESTFrom Page to Screen: 'The Lovely Bones'http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/21/from-page-to-screen-the-lovely-bones/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/21/from-page-to-screen-the-lovely-bones/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/21/from-page-to-screen-the-lovely-bones/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



First things first: "From Page to Screen" is a new column I'm trying here at Cinematical. Each week I'll discuss in detail a book that serves as the source material for either an upcoming or a past film adaptation. In the case of forthcoming films, I'll talk about the prospects for the adaptation: the challenges of bringing the particular book to the screen, the casting, the plot, the literary intangibles that so often wind up missing from the resulting movies. In the case of past films, I'll discuss the adaptation's approach to its source: what changed, what stayed the same, what worked and what didn't. Oh, and I'll actually have read the books.

I never tire of repeating my simple philosophy when it comes to adaptations: books are not movies. What works on the page won't always work on the screen. To demand total faithfulness to the book is folly, and will usually lead to a crappy movie. (This is also the case, by the way, for "true stories" and biopics -- people's lives, no matter how interesting, don't always, or even often, make for good films.) But that, I think, makes my task here more interesting rather than less. What does it take for an adaptation to work -- as a film in its own right, or as a translation of the source material?

The idea for this came from a number of discussions I've had here on the site. People are passionate about the books they love, and protective of them. The adaptation process is fun to talk about -- and even more fun when you've read the book and can have an informed conversation. I hope you'll join me, and I plan to be active in the comment threads.

Continue reading From Page to Screen: 'The Lovely Bones'

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]]>Anna GeorgeAnnaGeorgefeaturedFran WalshFranWalshFrom Page to ScreenFromPageToScreenHeavenly CreaturesHeavenlyCreaturesMark WahlbergMarkWahlbergPeter JacksonPeterJacksonPhilippa BoyensPhilippaBoyensRachel WeiszRachelWeiszRyan GoslingRyanGoslingSaiorse RonanSaiorseRonanStanley TucciStanleyTucciSusan SarandonSusanSarandonThe Lovely BonesTheLovelyBonesEugene NovikovWed, 21 May 2008 13:02:00 ESTViggo Mortensen, Andy Serkis, and Ian McKellen All In 'Hobbit' Talkshttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/21/viggo-mortensen-andy-serkis-and-ian-mckellan-all-in-hobbit-t/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/21/viggo-mortensen-andy-serkis-and-ian-mckellan-all-in-hobbit-t/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/21/viggo-mortensen-andy-serkis-and-ian-mckellan-all-in-hobbit-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

No matter how many times Guillermo del Toro and Peter Jackson mention bringing back every Lord of the Rings cast member they possibly can, it causes a flurry of excitement. Even if it remains unconfirmed, everyone is just so excited that it might as well be signed into contract.

And this time is no exception. Del Toro casually mentioned to Variety that talks have begun with Viggo Mortensen, Andy Serkis and Ian McKellen -- or, at least, preliminary contact has been made. There's not much talk of recasting, either, should someone be unavailable. "I am all for keeping the actors who originated the parts, as much as availability and their willingness will allow."

Pre-production is about to begin on The Hobbit, with Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens tackling the screenplay under the direction of Jackson and del Toro. "We will all be involved in the script in some fashion but the exact definition is about a week away." So, there might be some very cool announcements made during that Hobbit chat. (Have you sent your questions, yet?)

I feel like I'm calling a golf tournament with Hobbit news sometimes, like I should be whispering "preliminary contact has been made." But please don't mistake that for careless sarcasm. The thought of Viggo Mortensen returning as Aragorn, son of Arathorn, is enough to keep me awake at night. I love that character. Tolkien could have devoted ten books to him, and I would have never gotten sick of him.


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]]>andy serkisAndySerkisguillermo del toroGuillermoDelToroian mckellenIanMckellenpeter jacksonPeterJacksonThe HobbitTheHobbitviggo mortensenViggoMortensenElisabeth RappeWed, 21 May 2008 09:32:00 ESTSteven Spielberg and Peter Jackson Might Co-Direct Third 'Tintin' Filmhttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/20/steven-spielberg-and-peter-jackson-might-co-direct-third-tintin/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/20/steven-spielberg-and-peter-jackson-might-co-direct-third-tintin/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/20/steven-spielberg-and-peter-jackson-might-co-direct-third-tintin/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've known for a while that Peter Jackson and Steven Spielberg were collaborating on the forthcoming Tintin trilogy, with Spielberg to direct the first film (which is in preproduction and starts shooting in September) and Jackson the second. There had previously been no word on who would helm the third film, and there's still no official word, but Spielberg recently suggested that he and Jackson might co-direct it.

"We are going to make three Tintin movies back-to-back," Spielberg said "I'll direct the first one, Peter will direct the second one. We'll probably co-direct the third one."

It's hard to come up with something to say about this kind of news, other than "that's awesome." Obviously this would be a monumental collaboration, teaming together two of the most prodigiously skilled filmmakers working in the mainstream. The Tintin franchise is Spielberg's first foray into large-scale motion capture (I think he made some use of the technique in A.I. Artificial Intelligence) and Jackson, of course, is an expert after Lord of the Rings and King Kong. And if there's one thing Spielberg knows it's how to finesse a successful family film. The whole thing is perfect, I tell you.

What this news does to the long-awaited Lincoln biopic (see here for a recent update) is anybody's guess. If the thing can get off the ground, I guess Spielberg might have some time between the Tintins.

[hat tip: SlashFilm]

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]]>A.I. Artificial IntelligenceA.i.ArtificialIntelligenceLincolnPeter JacksonPeterJacksonSteven SpielbergStevenSpielbergTinTinEugene NovikovTue, 20 May 2008 09:02:00 ESTPeter Jackson's 'The Lovely Bones' Delayed; Production Hurting?http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/02/peter-jacksons-the-lovely-bones-delayed-production-hurting/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/02/peter-jacksons-the-lovely-bones-delayed-production-hurting/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/02/peter-jacksons-the-lovely-bones-delayed-production-hurting/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Say it ain't so! I want this to be nothing more than hyperbole and ugly rumor mongering. But let's look at it anyway: According to Flicks.Co.NZ, there are troubling stories surrounding the set of Peter Jackson's The Lovely Bones.

The first is a bit of a yawner. Reportedly, Jackson is having creative differences with his art director over the best way to portray Heaven -- a pretty key location in the book, if you remember. Things even reached a point where the production had to take a break as the disagreement was sorted out, according to reports.

But then came word (today) from The Bad and Ugly that the film has now been delayed, and instead of a March 13, 2009 release date, it's been pushed to Fall, 2009. No word on whether this was due to production issues or if they'd rather hold the film for a potential Oscar push.

Additionally, Susan Sarandon seemed like she was pretty iffy on the film and especially her performance while speaking to press at the London premiere of Speed Racer: "I play the comic relief, an alcoholic grandmother - my first grandma - but she doesn't really seem like a real grandmother because she has a lot of hair and jewelery and nails and liquor. I don't think I ever talk without a cigarette and a drink in my hand. Peter Jackson is really a nice guy and very interesting. It was really a very different way of working. We had a good time, I'm really curious to see what it's like because he kept pushing me to be more and more extreme and sometimes that's when you make your big mistakes so I'm not sure how it will come off -- it will be interesting to see it from the point of view of the audience."

Continue reading Peter Jackson's 'The Lovely Bones' Delayed; Production Hurting?

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]]>Peter JacksonPeterJacksonsusan sarandonSusanSarandonThe Lovely BonesTheLovelyBonesElisabeth RappeFri, 02 May 2008 18:25:00 ESTYay! Sir Ian McKellen Confirms Gandalf's Return In 'The Hobbit'!http://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/30/yay-sir-ian-mckellen-confirms-gandalfs-return-in-the-hobbit/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/30/yay-sir-ian-mckellen-confirms-gandalfs-return-in-the-hobbit/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/30/yay-sir-ian-mckellen-confirms-gandalfs-return-in-the-hobbit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Like we doubted it for a second! But I always love hearing from Sir Ian McKellen, he's just so gracious and charming. Empire caught him at the Speed Racer premiere, and made him speak the words to quicken the hearts of all Middle Earth fans. "Yes, it's true," he said. "I spoke to Guillermo in the very room that Peter Jackson offered me the part and he confirmed that I would be reprising the role. Obviously, it's not a part that you turn down, I loved playing Gandalf."

And Gandalf loves being onscreen. "We talk occasionally and he's looking forward to coming out of retirement, yes. Guillermo will be getting around to starting the script in about six weeks when he's finished filming Hellboy 2."

As to how they will finagle two movies out of one book, even Gandalf isn't privy to the inside information, but he's not at all worried. "Well I've read The Hobbit so I've got a good idea of what the story would be. But as to how it's going to work over two films and what's going to happen on screen, well Guillermo has not got down to working out the major details yet - I can tell you it's going to be amazing though."

Continue reading Yay! Sir Ian McKellen Confirms Gandalf's Return In 'The Hobbit'!

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]]>gandalfguillermo del toroGuillermoDelToroian mckellenIanMckellenmagnetopeter jacksonPeterJacksonThe HobbitTheHobbitElisabeth RappeWed, 30 Apr 2008 09:15:00 ESTNYCC: Guillermo Del Toro Talks Major 'Hobbit' Newshttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/19/guillermo-del-toro-talks-major-hobbit-news/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/19/guillermo-del-toro-talks-major-hobbit-news/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/19/guillermo-del-toro-talks-major-hobbit-news/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Erik Davis just called in from the floor of NYCC, where Guillermo del Toro held a panel on Hellboy 2: The Golden Army. According to Del Toro, he will know in about 4 to 5 days whether or not he's doing The Hobbit. He hopes that he gets to, but every day brings new battles, but he (and the world will) will know within a week whether he's on board. (I'm paraphrasing Del Toro by way of Davis!)

If he doesn't do The Hobbit, he'll be doing another smaller film which he can control completely. It's called Planet Saturn: End of Days, and he just started writing it. It will be a smaller film that follows a boy named Saturn, who goes out to the grocery store and watches the apocalypse happen. Fire raining from the sky, doom and destruction, you name it. Del Toro considers it his third "childhood" film -- sounds as good and dark as his earlier work.

So, more "wait and see" but we have a time frame now. Things are definitely moving forward with The Hobbit!

Additionally, Davis says the stage set up for Hellboy 2 is "really cool" and there are real monsters flanking Del Toro and the stage panel. Too cool! I wish I was there to see it, with all my Cinematical friends.

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]]>guillermo del toroGuillermoDelToroPlanet SaturnPlanetSaturnThe HobbitTheHobbitElisabeth RappeSat, 19 Apr 2008 15:40:00 ESTAnother Wait and See Update From 'The Hobbit'http://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/14/another-wait-and-see-update-from-the-hobbit/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/14/another-wait-and-see-update-from-the-hobbit/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/14/another-wait-and-see-update-from-the-hobbit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Everyone else is talking about the latest remarks from Guillermo del Toro -- and even though it's not all that different from what he told Entertainment Weekly, we'll write about it too.

Over on the official message boards for Hellboy II: The Golden Army, del Toro posted the following message about The Hobbit:

Whew -- Not yet. BUT there has been a lot of movement. And for the last few weeks there has been a lot of creative / cast / crew / visual talks and agreements and we have witnessed great progress in areas that I cannot disclose or that have already leaked from other sources.

I am dying to share news but I have to be patient and wait until the papers are done and my attachment is real. Nevertheless- a LOT of progress in defining the films, their cast and crew. And, may I add, we are all happily in synch about all creative aspects so far and all willing and eager to move forth.

I cannot say more but if all's well the time will come To talk of many things: Of shoes -- and ships -- and sealing wax -- Of cabbages -- and kings --

May Luck be with us

GDT

Continue reading Another Wait and See Update From 'The Hobbit'

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]]>guillermo del toroGuillermoDelTorohellboy 2hellboy 2 the golden...Hellboy2Hellboy2TheGolden...peter jacksonPeterJacksonThe HobbitTheHobbitElisabeth RappeMon, 14 Apr 2008 12:02:00 ESTGuillermo Del Toro Talks 'The Hobbit'http://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/04/guillermo-del-toro-talks-the-hobbit/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/04/guillermo-del-toro-talks-the-hobbit/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/04/guillermo-del-toro-talks-the-hobbit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

I said we would get news before long. I just thought it would be more exciting than this.

Entertainment Weekly sat down with Del Toro and managed to get a few quotes from him on his involvement with The Hobbit. It sounds like nothing is definite, not even his involvement as director. (Which explains all those "So, Del Toro is directing then?" comments I keep hearing.) On where production stands now, the hopeful director is only slightly more informed than we are. "There have been a lot of discussions of cast and crew, agreements on the direction the movies would go, and if and when I come on board. But other than that, frankly it's all immaterial until everything is signed and put on paper."

As expected, the death of New Line Cinema put a kink in the works, but not as much as anyone would think. "I think it played a role for a few days; being dramatic, I would say a couple of weeks. But the fact is [the movie is] a huge endeavor. It's about a half-a-decade of commitment. It's two movies back-to-back that are massive. So a lot has to be sorted out. All I can say is, creatively we are all in sync and eager to commit and move forward."

Continue reading Guillermo Del Toro Talks 'The Hobbit'

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]]>Fran WalshGuillermo Del ToroGuillermoDelToroPeter JacksonThe HobbitElisabeth RappeFri, 04 Apr 2008 09:32:00 ESTHoward Shore Says He's Returning For 'The Hobbit'http://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/01/howard-shore-says-hes-returning-for-the-hobbit/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/01/howard-shore-says-hes-returning-for-the-hobbit/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/04/01/howard-shore-says-hes-returning-for-the-hobbit/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A scant week after Sir Ian McKellan confirmed he would (if asked) return as Gandalf, comes another good sign for The Hobbit. Composer Howard Shore recently attended a live performance of the Lord of the Rings score in Switzerland. When asked whether he would be returning for The Hobbit, Shore confirmed that he is involved. Not only that, but he's been working on ideas since finishing the score for The Two Towers.

This isn't a complete shock, as he had discussed such a possibility before with Ain't It Cool News' ScoreKeeper, but given the ugly drama that has surrounded this poor movie, it is hard to remember who has jumped ship.

This comes by way of an e-mail to Ain't It Cool News, and I share their general feeling that these snippets mean The Hobbit is finally coming together. Hopefully, we'll have big official statements soon; at least some talk of casting. Something definite. I don't think we can all go through more delays over rights and lawsuits.

But at least this is a cheery bit of news. Honestly, I cannot wait to hear Shore tackle Tolkien's world again. The scores for LOTR are simply a masterpiece. If you ever get the chance to attend The Lord of the Rings Symphony, do! I caught it a few years ago (sadly, our symphony lacked the set up to project the maps and illustrations that generally accompany it) and it was fantastic. It is incomparable live, and will literally break your heart.

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]]>Guillermo del ToroHoward ShorePeter JacksonThe HobbitTheHobbitElisabeth RappeTue, 01 Apr 2008 11:02:00 ESTSir Ian McKellen on 'The Hobbit' -- He's Waiting For the Call!http://www.cinematical.com/2008/03/26/sir-ian-mckellen-on-the-hobbit-hes-waiting-for-the-call/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/03/26/sir-ian-mckellen-on-the-hobbit-hes-waiting-for-the-call/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/03/26/sir-ian-mckellen-on-the-hobbit-hes-waiting-for-the-call/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Sir Ian McKellen has been pretty vocal about wanting to reprise his role as Gandalf the Grey in a future adaptation of The Hobbit. And that enthusiasm hasn't diminished. Over on his official website, where he graciously answers fan questions on everything from Gandalf to Shakespeare, he reaffirmed that he would happily return to Middle Earth. I can't resist posting the entire exchange because of the brilliant Tolkien quote and the mental picture of McKellen reading it:

Q: So has it come to pass, good Sir McKellen? Shall the dreaming masses with their musty books and their blackened pipes at long last hear those immortal words issue from under that famous nose? "Yes, yes, my dear sir --and I know your name, Mr. Bilbo Baggins. And you do know my name, though you don't remember that I belong to it. I am Gandalf, and Gandalf means me! To think I should have lived to be good-morninged by Belladonna Took's son, as if I was selling buttons at the door!" Looking about, I find I share the same hopes as millions of others, so I ask, a single query in a chorus ... Will you again be our Gandalf in The Hobbit now that the deal is settled?

A: Yes I will, if Peter Jackson and I have anything to do with it, he being the producer and me being, on the whole, a very lucky actor. I've just read your quote out loud -- fabulous speech.

Continue reading Sir Ian McKellen on 'The Hobbit' -- He's Waiting For the Call!

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]]>Guillermo del ToroPeter Jacksonsir ian mckellenSirIanMckellenThe HobbitElisabeth RappeWed, 26 Mar 2008 09:02:00 ESTSteven Spielberg to Direct the First 'Tintin' Filmhttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/03/14/steven-spielberg-to-direct-the-first-tintin-film/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/03/14/steven-spielberg-to-direct-the-first-tintin-film/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/03/14/steven-spielberg-to-direct-the-first-tintin-film/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's those little stories that speak volumes.

As you may remember, Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson are collaborating to bring the popular Tintin series to life. Now comes the news, from a recent Andy Serkis interview, that Spielberg intends to tackle the first film and Jackson the second. No one yet knows who might be directing the third film.

The bulk of shooting starts in September, but Serkis was flying out immediately to start work. While that conjures images that he'll be donning a leotard and bouncing around for the computers, he's playing a human (Captain Haddock) this time. When asked if he was afraid that Jackson would have him playing Snowy the Dog, Serkis had a good laugh: "Absolutely, in fact people assume that I am, which is even more disturbing."

If Serkis is reporting for duty, hopefully Tintin will start kicking into high gear, and fans can expecting some really exciting news very soon -- maybe there will be some announcements buried in all those upcoming Indiana Jones 4 press conferences.

[via CHUD]




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]]>andy serkisAndySerkiscinematicalpeter jacksonsteven spielbergtintinElisabeth RappeFri, 14 Mar 2008 11:02:00 ESTNew Lawsuit May Kill 'The Hobbit' http://www.cinematical.com/2008/02/11/new-lawsuit-may-kill-the-hobbit/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/02/11/new-lawsuit-may-kill-the-hobbit/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/02/11/new-lawsuit-may-kill-the-hobbit/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

By now it has become so customary to see the words "New Line" and "Lord of the Rings" and "lawsuit" together that I almost didn't even bother looking into this story. But then I noticed that it could affect the making of those two Hobbit movies we're all so excited about. Yes, that's right, there's a chance those movies are in jeopardy again, thanks to the folks running the estate of author J.R.R. Tolkien. According to the Associated Press, this latest suit was filed Monday by The Tolkien Trust, a British charity that manages Tolkien's estate, and HarperCollins, the publishing company that originally put out the Lord of the Rings books.

The main claim is that New Line has failed to pay The Tolkien Trust and other plaintiffs a promised 7.5% of the Lord of the Rings trilogy's gross receipts. The amount asked for in the case, however, is only $150 million, which (correct me if I'm wrong) seems to me to be a mere 2.5% of the reported $6 billion the films have earned worldwide. The plaintiffs also seek unspecified punitive charges and the right to terminate New Line's rights to make those Hobbit movies being executive produced by LOTR director Peter Jackson. An attorney for the Tolkien estate mentioned that The Tolkien Trust does not "file lawsuits lightly" and has tried its hardest to settle the matter out of court. So, it looks like this will be a serious, long-going battle. And just when we thought everyone involved in these films was happy and ready to move on. We'll have to wait and see if we get those "prequels", at the helm of Guillermo Del Toro or anyone else, in 2010 and 2011 after all.

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]]>cinematicalhobbitlord of the ringsLordOfTheRingsthe hobbitTheHobbitChristopher CampbellMon, 11 Feb 2008 18:02:00 EST'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' To Be Two Films?http://www.cinematical.com/2008/01/14/harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-to-be-two-films/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/01/14/harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-to-be-two-films/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/01/14/harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-to-be-two-films/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

What do you do when your best-grossing movie franchise is near its end? You try to prolong it, of course. This may be what Warner Bros. has decided to do with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the adaptation of the seventh and final book in J.K. Rowling's series. According to The Mail on Sunday, "crew working on the sixth Potter film, Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince, have been told J.K. Rowling's seventh book, Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, will be released in two halves." But the decision -- if true -- is claimed not to be about squeezing more money out of the boy wizard. Instead the studio would split the final book over two films because the book of Deathly Hallows is way too long to appropriately condense it into one feature-length release. Of course, the book of Order of the Phoenix was even longer and they made that one into a single movie.

The move to extend Harry Potter 7 so that it's Harry Potter 7 and Harry Potter 8 seems to make sense for both financial and artistic reasons, and it also seems appropriate after the confirmation that The Hobbit would too be spread out over two films. Considering none of the other attempted fantasy franchises have been received very well, the idea that both the Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings franchises would be extended appears to be a good one for both Hollywood and the fans. Who cares if Warner Bros. does want to do this for the money? You hardcore Potter lovers know you'd rather have another movie to watch, especially one that allows more of your favorite scenes from Deathly Hallows to make it in. Apparently Rowling agrees that the adaptation of her book needs to be at least longer than 4 hours -- and anybody thinking they can keep the kids seated for a single, 5-hour movie would have to be crazy. And speaking of crazy, that's exactly what The Mail on Sunday is for thinking Steven Spielberg could be the "big-name director" expected to helm the two-part Deathly Hallows and for thinking that Warner Bros. could seriously be hoping for an Oscar-worthy finale.

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]]>daniel radcliffeDanielRadcliffeharry potter and the deathly hallowsharry potter and the half-blood princeharry potter and the order of the phoenixHarryPotterAndTheDeathlyHallowsHarryPotterAndTheHalf-bloodPrinceHarryPotterAndTheOrderOfThePhoenixj.k. rowlingJ.k.Rowlingthe hobbitthe lord of the ringsTheHobbitTheLordOfTheRingsChristopher CampbellMon, 14 Jan 2008 09:32:00 EST'The Hobbit' and 'The Hobbit 2' Might Add a Little Frodohttp://www.cinematical.com/2008/01/11/the-hobbit-and-the-hobbit-2-might-add-a-little-frodo/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/01/11/the-hobbit-and-the-hobbit-2-might-add-a-little-frodo/http://www.cinematical.com/2008/01/11/the-hobbit-and-the-hobbit-2-might-add-a-little-frodo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

So we know Peter Jackson will indeed be returning to The Lord of the Rings universe as a producer on two more films, one of which is based on The Hobbit. Until now, we all assumed The Hobbit would be broken into two parts over two films and that would be it. But wait! Maybe not. MTV spoke with Frodo himself, Elijah Wood, who shared a few tidbits with regards to what exactly Peter Jackson has planned for this second Hobbit film. He says, "I haven't spoken to him directly about it [but] I've e-mailed him, and as far as I know, the two films that they're doing, one will be 'The Hobbit' and another will take place between the 60 years that happened between 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings.'" No sh*t. Now that's pretty damn cool.

So if that's the case, then there should be plenty of room in that second film for Frodo, Aragorn and others, right? Says Wood, "If I'm asked to go back and revisit that character and it makes sense, I would love to. I would absolutely love to." Personally, I'm not as attached to the source material as others are, and so this bit of news could potentially upset some of the more hardcore LOTR fans out there. Then again, considering Jackson (and whoever directs) would probably turn the first Hobbit film into a three-hour epic, I'm not so sure there's enough worthwhile content in the book to stretch it into two three-hour films. So a bridge film does make sense, from a Hollywood standpoint, but not so much in the eyes of all those loyal readers out there. We'd love to get your opinions on this, so chime in below.

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]]>cinematicalelijah woodpeter jacksonthe hobbitthe hobbit 2TheHobbitErik DavisFri, 11 Jan 2008 17:32:00 EST