THE HOBBIT

[MIKA27]

Report: The Hobbit starts shooting in July

New Zealand will reportedly transform back into Middle-earth from July, when the two-part Lord of the Rings prequel The Hobbit begins shooting.

Ian McKellen — aka mighty wizard Gandalf — broke the news on his official website, as well as dropping some other tidbits about the highlight anticipated prequels.

"Filming will take over a year," he revealed. "Casting in Los Angeles, New York City and London has started. The script too proceeds. The first draft [of the screenplay] is crammed with old and new friends, again on a quest in Middle-earth."

McKellen added that director Guillermo del Toro has relocated to Wellington to prepare for the shoot.

The Hobbit: Part 1 is slated for release in 2012.

[lemmycaution]

No more Del Toro.

[Ken Gargett]

No more Del Toro.

what happened?

[buster]

what happened?

I read that the original commitment was for 3 years but has now turned into 6 years because of delays and he could not commit to the additional time due to "conflicts." He will still co-write the screenplay.

Rick

[rckymtn22]

I read that there is troubles with the film company( bankrupcy) so they have put off the start filming a couple time and the film is now on hold.

[SandmanTR]

Here's a good Times article on the subject. I too was very disappointed to see his departure.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomple...-del-toro-.html

[OZCUBAN]

Truly sad i was really looking forward to Guillermo del Toro's visionary take on which is a CLASSIC book

[MIKA27]

Truly sad i was really looking forward to Guillermo del Toro's visionary take on which is a CLASSIC book

There's just something truly unique about GDT's vision each time he makes a movie.

I recently watched his take on Pans Labyrinth and I was amazed at the attention to detail he contributed to making the movie even better than the original.

Most time books are better than movies but this version was truly better than any book.

I can only imagine what he could have done for The Hobbit.

[OZCUBAN]

As promised...

So, here I am again. As promised, I am posting a longer message before the week's end.

I have to thank those of you that have supported me from the start as well as those that converted along the way. And even say farewell to those that never did convert or believed.

I will miss Mr. Crere, the faith of Compa and Sir DennisC, the wisdom of Voronwe, the joy of Grammaboodawg, the support of Kangi Ska and so many, many others

Now, Pasi, et al- that is what is quite uncommon even on big films. Pete and co stuck to LOTR for years, I've developed films for years and I have shot many a movie on location... but rarely do you relocate for such massive amount of time specially when you have to do major ironclad agreements to put in deep freeze other contractual obligations with multiple studios.

My commitment to the project demanded enormous sacrifices both in personal and professional terms. The consequences of which will ripple for years. I relocated my entire life and family to New Zealand and first came on board in 2008.

So- while the cited delays, contractual complexities or obstacles, cannot be attributed to a single event or entity - you will simply have to believe that they were of sufficient complexity and severity to lead to the current situation. Trust me on this, Pasi- leaving NZ and the Hobbit crew is extremely painful.

As stated before- a wealth of designs, animatics, boards and sculptures is left behind representing accurately my ideas for Mirkwood, Spiders, Wargs, Stone Trolls, etc, etc and everyone (PJ, FW, PB and myself) has the same goal in mind: to try and ensure the best possible transition of the movie to a new director.

I believe these films will happen. Preproduction continues as we speak. The writing team of PJ,FW,PB and myself will keep moving the screenplays forward.

Perhaps even sooner than we may anticipate we will all look at the finished film and then- I will tear up whenever I recognize a set or a creature or a quirk created under my supervision. Everyone on these boards will get two movies. Me? I will be watching filmic family albums. Photos of my children from far away.

I hope you will understand how delicate the subject is for me.

I will drop by now and then, I will read the boards with interest and do hope to see some of you around at SDCC and many other places.

I am not here, however, to provide a blow-by-blow of what happened, but to assure you, as I have, that it has been the toughest situation of my life.

Beyond that- I am simply no longer an official voice for these projects. Be good, be well- and I invite you all to follow me into the next phase of my filmmaking journey.

Sincerely

GDT

[#2 man]

I loved the last three so bring em on