After a rough start things are finally coming together for the release of The Hobbit. Bilbo, the main character in this prelude to The Lord of the Rings has been cast. Ian Holm did a tremendous job and would have been in Del Toro’s picture, apparently, but the role went to Martin Freeman, who reckons he can do a good Ian Holm. Although Freeman can maybe pass as a younger version of his predecessor, isn’t it possible to do some Hollywood magic on old Homesy boy. A Google search with the terms freeman, holm, bilbo and bullshit reveals a number of individuals with the same view. After all they did it for Wayne and Garth, Magneto and Xavier (sorry no link – just wath the opening of X-Men: The Last Stand). I’m sure Freeman will do a good job though, I guess you can’t have your main character with an odd sheen on his face for the entire film. Regardless, it looks like Bloom, Blanchett, McKellan, Serkis and Weaving will likely all make a return. To be quite honest I’m quite excited about this film (err films). Unfortunately once I finish reading a book I almost immediately forget what was in it – a good reason to cram the night before – but since I read this books ages ago I don’t remember much, other than the basic story arch and the fact that it was spectactular. Despite the modest size of The Hobbit in comparison to its sequels, there is certainly enough material to fill out two films. But let’s be honest, they could have made a trilogy for each LOTR book. It’s an exciting new story, combined with the benefit of nostalgia, familiar names and faces. One face will sadly be missing, however.

In an uncharacteristic move Peter Jackson has announced his intention to incorporate the story of Macbeth into the classic Middle Earth tale, in what will certainly be a major diversion from the original story, much to the disdain of die hard fans. Okay, so that’s not true at all, but this project might as well be titled “Macbeth,” given how what has to be the safest bet in Hollywood simply can’t get off the ground. The film failed to launch due to MGM’s financial trouble (along with James Bond and a few other films), resulting in director Guillermo del Toro dropping out. Peter Jackson who would have been producing has now been brought on to direct, in what must seem like taking the helm of a sinking ship. Unions have turned Jackson into the bad guy over a disagreement regarding minimum conditions for actors, but Jackson is convinced they’re trying to wheedle out dollars out of a big budget production, setting a standard that would make life harder for smaller film companies. Regadless, it is looking like a real possibility that the film will not be shot on the now hallowed ground of New Zealand as a result. The New Zealand union is also telling actors to boycott the production so long as the row is not resolved. A notion supported by the three of the main actors in the film. On top of that, add the fact that Jackson was initially booted from the project. Recently fires destoryed miniatures to be used in production. This film seems plagued, damned and unlikely to meet the December 2011 release date. I hope I’m wrong.

Barely had I written about how The Hobbit needs a director, about the hype surrounding about the possibility of Neill Blomkamp directing, only to be blown out of the water the very next day. It turns out that Peter Jackson will answer the call, again, maybe. I share the same sentiment as Peter Hall, getting Jackson to direct again is too safe a bet, and I don’t think Jackson is thrilled about it either. His success with the Lord of the Rings films earned him a license to do what he wants, and I for one, wanted to see what he could do with other projects, when given the financial backing to turn his vision into reality. Should this deal happen, those things will be pushed back another few years. I also want to see another director’s take, this was never going to be a huge departure from the previous films, since Del Toro was under Jackson’s tutelage, but there certainly would have been (and still may be) an opportunity to offer something different, to build a little extra excitement at the prospect of director perhaps new to the wizard and goblin game. Fans have already read the book, and they’ve already seen Jackson’s interpretation; I fear it would be nothing more than a sound adaptation, rather than a new adventure. Z3EVENFPQFWV

I really hope MGM is able to get their ducks in a row, their financial troubles have led to another franchise being put on hold. First, I’m referring of course to Bond 23, and now the hunt is on to replace Guillermo del Toro for The Hobbit. Del Toro has already worked with Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson for two years, but due to the lack of a firm start date, del Toro has had to leave to fulfill other commitments. The most perplexing thing about this story is the fact that both aforementioned films can’t not make money. Given that fact this movie will get made, sooner or later. Right now Neill Blomkamp, director of District 9 is being floated as a possibility. Either way I like the idea of Jackson providing sage advice but another director still being able to put his own distinct mark on the films. It was initially del Toro’s idea to split The Hobbit into two films, a massive amount of pre-production, including set design, wardrobe, etc. was also completed, so this film will be a large co-production of sorts, hopefully too many cooks don’t spoil the broth. Other directors who may get to wear the chef’s hat: David Yates, David Dobkin, and Brett Ratner.