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Guillermo Del Toro To Direct Back-To-Back Features from THE HOBBIT!?!?!

FIRST! OMG! by messi	Jan 28th, 2008 02:17:57 AM
SINESTRO CORPS WAR!
Second. by the9points	Jan 28th, 2008 02:19:22 AM
Mutha fucker.. Nice. Erases some of the initial skepticism.
NO!!! BRING PJ BACK! by messi	Jan 28th, 2008 02:19:24 AM
Even subconsciously you know the difference, and I love Del Toro, but Jackson's pacing is second to none. I love the flow of his films, they are like Cult of Luna songs. Just free flowing and perfect.
OMG! Second?! by skywalkerfamily	Jan 28th, 2008 02:19:38 AM
This guy has some weird stuff, but it could be great!
What will happen is.... by messi	Jan 28th, 2008 02:20:10 AM
It will get close to it and New Line will realize that it is wrong to not have Peter Jackson on it.
Second by HordePrime	Jan 28th, 2008 02:20:19 AM
Best choice if not Peter Jackson!
It won't feel the same by messi	Jan 28th, 2008 02:21:51 AM
it isn't supposed to have that tone. but Jackson's framing and pace is different to Del Toro's and it needs to feel part of that world, with Howard Shore's music and everything else.
I was let down that Peter Jackson wouldn't be directing... by MaxG	Jan 28th, 2008 02:22:14 AM
but this is actually better. I'd really rather see Peter Jackson doing non-LOTR stuff, and get to see what Guillmero Del Toro would do with The Hobbit. Awesome.
Ron Perlman as Smaug. Good idea. by DarthCorleone	Jan 28th, 2008 02:22:56 AM
Hmmmm...I'm torn about this. Del Toro is great, but I'd also like to see the Jackson-directed continuity.
How about Robert Zemeckis? by skywalkerfamily	Jan 28th, 2008 02:23:50 AM
Beowulf was cool.
Ummm... awesome!!! by JackIsLost	Jan 28th, 2008 02:25:11 AM
You know, I am not the biggest fan of "Pan's Labyrinth" but I am glad this isn't going to be a Peter Jackson joint, b/c he is pretty well Tolkien-ed out at this point. This should be interesting... even though I still see absolutely NO need for TWO films...
Guillermo Will do great by TheEnemy8	Jan 28th, 2008 02:28:11 AM
I have full confidence that del toro can pull it off and make the hobbit just as good if not better that LOTR.
Bollocks. by SebastianHaff	Jan 28th, 2008 02:28:13 AM
I love Del Toro. Huge Devil's Backbone fan. But I'd prefer we keep the PJ continuity. I really would.
This is all due to the failure of THE GOLDEN COMPASS by JackIsLost	Jan 28th, 2008 02:29:47 AM
Seriously, is Bob Shaye still over there? I don't keep up with these things. But I at least know the studio is hurting bad financially and needs a hit (or TWO)...
Golden Compass did quite well overseas. by skywalkerfamily	Jan 28th, 2008 02:30:34 AM
It bombed here because people that read the bible were scared of it.
I KNEW IT by THE KNIGHT	Jan 28th, 2008 02:30:58 AM
Perfect match with Director, the executive producer mr. jackson, and the material. Do what you have to do to take care of yourself harry. You wanna live to play around with your future younglings don't ya?
Go, I hope so. by Multiplex	Jan 28th, 2008 02:31:13 AM
Peter Jackson's great, but he's so god damn cheesy sometimes. Guillermo del Toro will (I hope) approach the material a bit less melodramatically.
skywalkerfamily: by Multiplex	Jan 28th, 2008 02:32:32 AM
Please. Everybody knows religious people never actually read the Bible.
Lol! by skywalkerfamily	Jan 28th, 2008 02:32:53 AM
That was pretty good!
Del Toro is the best non-Jackson choice by Rindain	Jan 28th, 2008 02:38:05 AM
I think The Hobbit films should certainly have a different tone than the Rings movies (just as the Hobbit book did), and I think the fresh viewpoint Guillermo will bring (balanced of course by Jackson as exec. prod.) will do a great service to the material. Can't WAIT for Smaug.
Holy shit! by Mezzanine	Jan 28th, 2008 02:40:29 AM
This is great news, Del Toro was my second choice if Jackson wouldn't be back. And of course, after this makes money hand over fist, Guillermo will finally have enough clout to get AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS made. Its a win-win situation.
very happy with this by GavinVanDraven	Jan 28th, 2008 02:40:47 AM
del toro should fill in nicely as director, and pj will make sure it still has his feel to things as well.... dont see how this could fail.
Bilbo casting by blackhole4140	Jan 28th, 2008 02:41:18 AM
Good luck with the lap band surgery, Harry. Oh yeah, and the dude that played Ollie in the Mist should be Bilbo.
I'm officially excited... by Ravetin	Jan 28th, 2008 02:45:32 AM
...is what I'll say when this is official. For the first Hobbit movie anyway. I know there's more than enough material in Tolkiendom to make a movie but...why? Either way, seeing how well GDT can ape someone's style (in a good way) with Blade 2, it's hard to imagine this going wrong.
Isn't Hobbit a children's story? by skywalkerfamily	Jan 28th, 2008 02:46:51 AM
Why is a guy who does hard fantasy doing this?
"back-to-back Hobbit" is code name for Blade 4&5 by Vern	Jan 28th, 2008 02:47:26 AM
I hope. I mean hobbits are fine and everything but let's quit fucking around here New Line. You want to not go out of business, you know what to do. Give us some Blade, give us some Freddy, we give you some money, everybody's happy. The fantasy adventure train has left the building, but Blade IS the building. And Freddy is the janitor of the building. But not a very good one, in my opinion. But you know, union rules and everything. Anyway, whatever Del Toro directs I will watch it. Even without Blade in it. But that doesn't mean I gotta be happy about it.
"Guillermo will finally have enough clout to get AT THE MOUNTAIN by Ravetin	Jan 28th, 2008 02:47:27 AM
Oh shit, double erection. Maybe he can help out Darabont's Frakenstein movie, too.
JackIsLost: Need for two films by Cavaliere	Jan 28th, 2008 02:48:32 AM
In terms of "key sequences" alone The Hobbit has almost as much to offer as LotR - so I am very happy that two films will most likely show us: The Trolls, the Misty Mountains ambush, the riddles in the dark, the burning trees/wolves, the agonizing journey (for the company;) through Mirkwood, the spiders, the Elves, the barrel escape, the dragon's revenge, burning laketown, Thorin almost murdering Bilbo, the battle of the five armies - and there will be so many more set pieces ... With some buildup to these sequences this alone would hardly fit in a three hour timeframe, so I don't see anything wrong with going for two (even three) movies.
Wait, does the second one have the word "dragon" in the title? by Vern	Jan 28th, 2008 02:49:09 AM
if so they should get Rob Cohen (DRAGON: THE BRUCE LEE STORY, DRAGONHEART, THE MUMMY 3: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR, THE HOBBIT DRAGON ADVENTURE CHRONICLES).
We saw the Trolls in the Fellowship movie by skywalkerfamily	Jan 28th, 2008 02:50:18 AM
and Bilbo finding the ring in flashback.
...so after HOBBIT maybe TINTIN...? by Crabtree	Jan 28th, 2008 02:52:10 AM
I was already wondering if the mystery 3rd director of the upcoming TINTIN trilogy would be either Del Toro or Alfonso Cuaron (only Peter Jackson and Spielberg have been announced). The Mexicans are "hot right now". And now this... Del Toro being handpicked by PJ for THE HOBBIT. It's looking more and more likely he's also going to be brought in on TINTIN.
Two films... by Ravetin	Jan 28th, 2008 02:53:11 AM
I thought I heard one was supposed to be an adapt. of The Hobbit and the other one a gap filler between The Hobbit and LotR. Stretching the Hobbit out to 360+ minutes is a little distressing. If they have two movies to fill, they're gonna use EVERYTHING from the book. Including "billy bolly, how the valley is jolly" or whatever the fuck the elves were singing about.
Children's story? by Cavaliere	Jan 28th, 2008 02:54:39 AM
The violence, the betrayal (Bilbo stealing the jewel), the anger (of Thorin), the deaths of so many people (even some main characters) make this more than a children's story, IMHO.
He couldn't even finish reading LOTR! by Flame of the West	Jan 28th, 2008 02:56:50 AM
Please please, not this a**hole. He freely admits being unable to finish LOTR when he started it. How can we possibly entrust these movies to this guy? He simply wont understand the nuances and complexities of Tolkien's world. A disaster.
I heart Doug Jones by buffywrestling	Jan 28th, 2008 02:58:25 AM
When I was younger, I used to be a big fan of Kane Hodder - not necessarily for his films but just the way he inhabited his character - the stomping walk, the lurched shoulders. Doug Jones affects me that way now - his mime hands and lilting head movements. So cool.˙
...Wait a sec... by Zephyr1988	Jan 28th, 2008 02:58:44 AM
This should be enormous news. Why hasn't any other website other than this one and Hollywood Reporter have this article? Unless this just hit...either way, awesome news!
I'd be excited about this if I didn't just get run over by Rambo by Kirbymanly	Jan 28th, 2008 03:01:15 AM
Rambo is the fucking best movie I've seen in a long while
Barring Jackson... by DocPazuzu	Jan 28th, 2008 03:06:45 AM
...this is the best choice for director by far. Great news. However, the real question is whether ringwearer9 is currently in the throes of orgasm or violently gnashing his teeth in agony?
Doc, maybe he's violently gnashing an orgasm... by BadMrWonka	Jan 28th, 2008 03:11:19 AM
you know...sort of gnashing his...you know...
NOOOO!!! IT SHOULD BE PENNY MARSHAL!!!! by Bass Bastardson	Jan 28th, 2008 03:16:02 AM
erm... yeah. I actually think this is a pretty good choice, although Guillermo might be too dark for The Hobbit. The Hobbit was always a bit brighter and more "fun" than LOTR, even in it's darkest moments, and I don't know if Guillermo is the right guy to bring in if you want to lighten the tone. That being said, I like his work and I think he is probably one of the better choices New Line could have made.
Smaug needs to look like... by opteryx	Jan 28th, 2008 03:17:19 AM
...something out of Arthur Rackham's imagination. His dragons would fit in perfectly with the world of The Hobbit, too bad he never got to illustrate it.
Holy CRAP . . . by Toulon	Jan 28th, 2008 03:18:36 AM
I'm very, very happy. LOTR was vast, epic, and sweeping, and needed three films . . . if they let Guillermo play around unsupervised in the definded little sandbox that is The Hobbit, we are ALL going to benefit!!
Now THAT'S good news! by BrooseTheScharuk	Jan 28th, 2008 03:19:22 AM

I honestly don't know what to think. by Ringwearer9	Jan 28th, 2008 03:20:44 AM
I really like the idea of Jackson being off this completely, and I told you all he didn't give a shit about doing the Hobbit movies anyway. I have mixed feelings about Del Toro though. I loved Pan's Labyrinth, but I was seriously underwhelmed by Hellboy. I wonder if he takes fantasy seriously on it's own, if it isn't a parallel to some real world story he wants to tell. I didn't see his heart and soul in Hellboy, the way I did in Pan's Labyrinth. But, even if his heart and soul isn't in it, Del Toro isn't a creep like Jackson. Hopefully he'll be allowed to play with the script himself, instead of hackishly and dutifully copying all the elements from Jackson's films. (Uh oh, I kinda realize that that is kinda what he did regarding the Hellboy comic ... too faithful to the look of the comic, to the point of making an almost unwatchable movie). All in all, I gotta say, a much better choice than Jackson, and I hope to God he gets personally attached to the story and project, enough to put his own personal stamp on it.
Oops by Toulon	Jan 28th, 2008 03:20:49 AM
*defined, not definded . . . don't want my California public school english edu-ma-cation to show that much!!
hmmm, so-so news by Lost Jarv	Jan 28th, 2008 03:20:53 AM
Del Toro is great, I'm not sure about the 2 films thing. Where is ringy? he's bound to explode with sheer jubilation that the hobbit is not being directed by a zombie movie director
noooooooo by DanboJohnJ	Jan 28th, 2008 03:23:47 AM
ferfuksake! PJ has to direct this movie/s...just to keep the styles the same
"I really like the idea of Jackson being off this completely" by Lost Jarv	Jan 28th, 2008 03:24:58 AM
Wow. I'm genuinly shocked. Who'd have ever seen that coming?
Hmm. Del Toro usually write his own movies ... by Ringwearer9	Jan 28th, 2008 03:26:39 AM
PLEASE let him write the Hobbit script(s) PLEASE don't let him be saddled filming another Jacksonized script.
I personally think this is a horrible choice... by Sledge Hammer	Jan 28th, 2008 03:30:35 AM
Del Toro has never delivered one character on film that I gave a fuck about, even characters like Hellboy don't have the pop that they should have, and are blander than they should be. And plot is rarely of importance to him from the films that I have seen the man produce so far. Sure, visually the man has talent, but more than visuals a film like this requires true investment in the story and characters and that's never been a strength of Del Toro in my book. His films are at best fun, visually interesting, but paper thin, and I think the Hobbit deserves better personally. All that said, few would have guessed Jackson was capable of what he delivered with Lord Of The Rings before those film hit, so who knows? But just on pure gut feeling, not a fan of this choice.
Vern, you are staggeringly unfunny... by JackIsLost	Jan 28th, 2008 03:32:25 AM
That is all.
Sledge Hammer by kwisatzhaderach	Jan 28th, 2008 03:33:40 AM
Have you seen Pan's Labyrinth? Didn't care about Ofelia? And Heavenly Creatures was a clear sign of what Jackson was capable of. In fact, it's miles better than Lord of the Rings (the films, not the book).
PAN'S LABYRINTH just didn't make emotional sense... by JackIsLost	Jan 28th, 2008 03:37:57 AM
It should be about a girl escaping from the horrors of war by way of fantasy... But she is almost entirely shielded from that horror and the images of war we see are not through her eyes, so it doesn't work... The movie is just one big ass cop-out that's also immensely unsatisfying despite its huge amount of creativity in bringing the fantasy world to life.
Alfonso Cuaron would have been my first choice. by Ringwearer9	Jan 28th, 2008 03:41:58 AM
But really, this isn't bad.
Yeah, sorry, Vern... by Kirbymanly	Jan 28th, 2008 03:42:05 AM
That just wasn't very funny. Try again... we'll give you another shot though
Ringy- by Lost Jarv	Jan 28th, 2008 03:48:48 AM
what the fuck is a Jacksonized script? You strange, twisted little troll of a man.
Oh Great by Fortunesfool	Jan 28th, 2008 03:49:12 AM
The whole thing is gonna take place in dank caves now. Del Toro + English language = Studio bound cave shoot.
If Jackson has sorted out his probs, why not direct?? by henrydalton	Jan 28th, 2008 03:53:14 AM
If Peter Jackson has made the effort with New Line to sort out all their legal battles, why then only take a producing role in a fantasy world that he put so much personal investment in creating? Would it really be that big a step to just direct the thing? It all just seems odd to me.
Jarv, something without Dwarf Tossing, Elf surfing. by Ringwearer9	Jan 28th, 2008 03:53:44 AM
Oh fuck. If Del Toro is being faithful to Jackson's look, the zombified Orcs will be in force again. And the Nazi elves. (sigh)
kwisatzhaderach... by Sledge Hammer	Jan 28th, 2008 03:57:40 AM
No, I didn't care about the paint-by-numbers Ofelia, in fact I didn't even remotely give a shit. Despite the great visuals I just find Del Toro's films emotionally detached and if you scratch away the, at times amazing, visual components, what's left has always struck me as being paper thin. As for Jackson and Heavenly Creatures, yes it was a great film, and yes it showed that he could make a serious film, it didn't show any idication however that he was capable of making an epic filmic saga that delivered in terms of pure popcorn entertainment, visuals and scope, while all the time maintaining depth of story and character at the forefront as well, and balancing all of those ingredients so damn perfectly. Or at least for me it didn't anyway.
Of course it's not funny by Vern	Jan 28th, 2008 04:07:39 AM
There's nothing funny about them not making Blade movies anymore. Seriously guys, I'm being honest - I would be more excited if they had him doing a Blade or Freddy movie. That's just me. I think he'll do a good job, though, as he always does. As a side note, I think this black box has created too much pressure for my posts to be gems or "funny." Without the black box you could've just ignored it, like a Tom Bodet post. Thanks for the feedback though fellas. Next time please include a number or letter rating and perhaps a personal insult.
Vern, you tried out some humor that didn't work... by JackIsLost	Jan 28th, 2008 04:12:31 AM
It happens. God knows I've laid a few eggs in my time. Just let it go my friend (and spend some more time honing some real comedy)....
More Blade movies? by Ravetin	Jan 28th, 2008 04:16:04 AM
The third one seemed like a made for TV movie, and all the time lapse shots were fucking irritating. After Trinity, the crappy TV series, and Wesley Snipes aging (and legal troubles) there's seriously no potential left in the series. No matter who's at the helm. Also 7/10.
Why would Del Toro copy Jackson's look? by Lost Jarv	Jan 28th, 2008 04:20:43 AM
which, to be honest, was OK. You're just bitter because you didn't get the version of Tolkien that you always dreamed of. The version that comes complete with some appaling doggerel and Tom Bombadil.
I'm all for a new blade movie, first 2 were fucking class by bongo123	Jan 28th, 2008 04:22:50 AM
i still put on the opening sequence to no.1 and crank the theater system.. love that fucking tune, and boy it always went down a storm when it's played in techno clubs over here just wished they put in the blood sprinklers as well...
Yup, I'd like another Blade film by Lost Jarv	Jan 28th, 2008 04:24:47 AM
And I'm quite enjoying the series at the moment.
I'm sorry Vern but Blade is by comedian_x	Jan 28th, 2008 04:27:35 AM
nothing without Wesley Snipes and since he has gone off the deep end into tax fraud and (even worse) DTV movies, he won't be up for it anymore. The Blade series is dead.
I agree with Vern, LOTR movies are boring and homo-erotic. by Mike_D	Jan 28th, 2008 04:35:47 AM
We need another Freddy movie or Blade movie (especially with Blade, ex-nay Sticky fingerz).
Good Pick by MGTHEDJ	Jan 28th, 2008 04:36:08 AM
Jackson won't/can't do it for some strange legal and/or politcal reasons related to the machinations of the Time-Warner Empire. There were reports that Warners was shutting down the New Line label. But guys, these team-ups can work. Look at Spielberg and Lucas. And it needs to be 2 movies. The Dragon battle alone will take 20 minutes of screen time.-----later-----m
there shall only ever be 2 blade movies in my eyes... by Obscura	Jan 28th, 2008 04:40:41 AM
..and aside from the pain that would incure,id be happy as larry to pretend that trinity never happened.... just like xmen 3 never happened and spiderman 3 also never happened. lets just hope the 3rd nolan batman is a film i can actually acknowledge the existence of....
I think Jackson and NL are on good terms, but... by Ravetin	Jan 28th, 2008 04:43:05 AM
...I'm sure deep down he's a little sick of running around and fighting in forests and caves. He spent 7 or 8 years making LotR, I can see why he wouldn't want to get down into the day-to-day of another Tolkien movie. Whoever directs the Hobbit(s) is gonna be the next Irvin Kershner anyway. Be it GDT, Cuaron, or just about any of the other rumored directors. Plus (speaking of team ups) them thar Tintin movies sound really boner-inudcing so far.
See what I mean? by Vern	Jan 28th, 2008 04:43:36 AM
No black box and you just scroll right past it. No harm, no foul.
Are you talking about Bodet's post vern? by Lost Jarv	Jan 28th, 2008 04:49:03 AM
Because I ignored it as I couldn't translate it
Vern, you sir get a 6.9 by hamslime	Jan 28th, 2008 04:50:04 AM
The period in the middle actually came from your mom's cesarean scar. Maybe if she quits gnawing at it, that thing will heal. Sorry, keep scrolling.
laturo put up a list? by Lost Jarv	Jan 28th, 2008 05:00:05 AM
I'd better go and find it. Although I'm still sore at the waste of a question in the Stallone Q&A that he was responsible for.
Please God Let this be True! by KillaKane	Jan 28th, 2008 05:10:59 AM
Aside from Cuaron I could'nt hink of anyone bettter to direct, Jacko knows his talent.
I should've asked Sly about the Death Race remake... by EvilGeek1	Jan 28th, 2008 05:15:46 AM
Missed opportunity.
Death Race 2000 kicked so much ass... by EvilGeek1	Jan 28th, 2008 05:20:11 AM
Even for an idiot car movie, there was still a good bit of social commentary in there. Love that bit with the reporter going "Violence! Violence! Violence!" at the end. Classic.
WOW! by FILMFUNK	Jan 28th, 2008 05:26:13 AM
I was actually hoping someone else would give the Hobbit a bash! ooer! But with all the same characters and sets laid down by the Jackson, Lord knows he did a sterling job bringing Middle Earth to life but Jackson plus Guillermo is a match made in heaven! Only things i'm worried about are the studio or ratings folk might not be able to handle a Guillermo Del Torro Hobbit! and this might all be a load of bunkum which will unmake my day!
Saw the Statham screenshot... by EvilGeek1	Jan 28th, 2008 05:26:23 AM
When the article was posted here. It's going to be awful. I wouldn't mind so much if it was something else, but Death Race was like my own little private movie. People would ask me my top ten and when I say DR2000, they'd go "death what? 2000". And knowing me I'd probably go and see it just to confirm my suspicions that the movie world is truly on it's ass! Sorry I'm rambling.
Guess this takes him out of "Deathly Hallows"... by TheSeeker7	Jan 28th, 2008 05:27:09 AM
Wasn't Del Toro the one who publicly said he'd love to direct the 7th Harry Potter film? And I'm sure lots of fans would've loved to've seen that. But especially with the chance that it'll end up as 2 seperate films as well, I suppose this means he's definitely not at an option for that, they'd both be around the same time.
Just been thinkin... by FILMFUNK	Jan 28th, 2008 05:29:00 AM
Imagine a Weta/Del Toro Dragon, Spider forrest, etc! this would be brilliant! Doug Jones for Tom Bombadil or whatever his name was!
Alfonso Cuaron wanted to do another Potter film. by Ringwearer9	Jan 28th, 2008 05:33:00 AM
Not Del Toro
Sounds cool enough by moviemaniac-7	Jan 28th, 2008 05:34:57 AM
Too bad PJ won´t be directing again, but Del Toro is an awesome choice. Better than Sam Raimi, a name that was mentioned when PJ and NL were still at war with each other. I´d trust the Hobbit to 1980s Raimi, but not to post Spidey Raimi. Del Toro, on the other hand, has a solid track record and I am looking forward to this. Especially to bridge movie between Hobbit and Fellowship.
Who I'd like to see in The Hobbit by Bald Evil	Jan 28th, 2008 05:55:56 AM
King Thranduil: David Bowie Thorin Oakenshield: Ian McShane Ray Winstone: Balin Josh Brolin: Bard the Bowman John Rhys-Davies: Gloin (like son, like father)
Vern by kwisatzhaderach	Jan 28th, 2008 05:57:31 AM
Thanks for the laughs. And I actually thought Blade: Trinity was better than Blade 2. But that's just me. It did have the following exchange, which endeared it to my heart: Random dude: "They'll kill me!!!" Blade: "Motherfucker I'll kill you!!!!"
AWESOME! PJ Needs to Recover from Lucas-Itis by Behemoth	Jan 28th, 2008 05:57:35 AM
Maybe now we won't get another 10 scenes where an Orc is just about to skewer a hobbit, raises his weapon, utters something like, "I'm going to put a silverfish hole in your thorax" and then gets stuck through from behind just before making good on his promise. Maybe now we won't get pointless scenes like the "Warg" attack in TT, and maybe now we won't get ONE shot of a character saying "Saruman" into the camera. This should guarantee that the grittiness the series deserves, even in The Hobbit, will return. I love it!!
Dwarf tossing and elf surfing by kwisatzhaderach	Jan 28th, 2008 05:58:58 AM
Boy did Jackson fuck that book. The more I see those films the less I like them.
wow by whatyoufear	Jan 28th, 2008 06:04:28 AM
I am okay with this decision, if it turns out to be true. Cuaron would be a great choice, though. New Line should wait for those Cronenberg Fly transporter doo-dads to become a reality.. think about it: a melded Del Toro/Cuaron entity (with some of PJ's extracted fat thrown in the chamber for good measure).
what was I thinking? by whatyoufear	Jan 28th, 2008 06:09:25 AM
Let's make it A Spike Lee Joint. Denzel for Bard!!
Lapband operation? by feckdrinkarse	Jan 28th, 2008 06:09:46 AM
Is that the one where you staple your stomach? Not a good idea i've heard. It's a dangerous procedure and someone I know had horrible pains and nearly died after. He wouldn't recommend it to anyone - not even his sister who also is morbidly obese. How about eating less?
Del Toro > Jackson by LaserPants	Jan 28th, 2008 06:11:21 AM
Nuff said. Bring it on. Only, please, one movie is fine. One movie at 2 hours 30 minutes max.
Instead Of A Lapband Operation... by LaserPants	Jan 28th, 2008 06:12:24 AM
How about eating less and exercising more? Just a thought.
I like the choice... by just pillow talk	Jan 28th, 2008 06:20:51 AM
and kwisatzhaderach...trinity better than 2? Seriously?
Harry, when you consider lapband surgery, consider this by Trazadone	Jan 28th, 2008 06:24:56 AM
As someone who works in the field with this population, I can guarantee you that this procedure will not help you unless you plan to overhaul your entire lifestyle. That means routine exercise and proper nutrition among other things. To believe that this procedure will "cure" morbid obesity is ridiculous. It will help you to jump-start weight loss, but the procedure is easily defeated if you continue to eat poorly. I can't tell you how many patients I see that fail on lapband surgery because they're still eating/drinking high caloric food/beverages. The lapband is just a giant rubberband and like all rubber bands it stretches. Sorry to be a killjoy, but I see far too many people who believe that this surgery is a magic cure. Obesity generally comes from lack of exercise and terrible eating habits.
Laserpant....doesnt work that way. by redfist	Jan 28th, 2008 06:25:52 AM
The doesn't work for the morbly obesse and excerise could do more harm than good. Del Toro pwns Jackson this is true.
Bad news and good news. by ROBE	Jan 28th, 2008 06:27:47 AM
If this is true,it is bad news for The Hobbit but good news for The Deathly Hallows.
read what Trazadone wrote... by redfist	Jan 28th, 2008 06:27:53 AM
It is what I meant to say if I wasn't handicapped.
They better hurry it up! by Yeti	Jan 28th, 2008 06:34:32 AM
Sir Ian McKellan isn't getting any younger. Then again none of us are....gruumble grumble...damn mortality.
"Elf Nazis"....? by DocPazuzu	Jan 28th, 2008 06:40:22 AM
Really, Ringy?
where is SAG awards talkback? by krycek08	Jan 28th, 2008 06:44:11 AM
its been 12 hours since they are over. and you call this a "news" site?
SEAGAL should play Gandalf..... by travis-dane	Jan 28th, 2008 06:51:09 AM
and Hulk Hogan for Bilbo! "MY PYTHONS ARE PUMPED BROTHA!!!!"points finger at Gollum and Legdrops that little bastard. And Gandalf says:"Lets saveh sohmah treehs ah for the Buddha Bihlbo!"
Doc- I know what he's getting at there by Lost Jarv	Jan 28th, 2008 06:51:29 AM
the elves look like an Aryan wet dream. It's one fuck of a jump from that to Nazis though.
"pan's labyrinth doesn't make emotional sense?" by RipVanMarlowe	Jan 28th, 2008 07:01:04 AM
wtf does that even mean
Great choice. by rbatty024	Jan 28th, 2008 07:07:05 AM
Del Toro is rising from the ranks of geek secret to top Hollywood director. While I hope he makes the film look similar to Jackson's previous work, I also hope he brings a more childlike tone to the proceedings. Despite the quality of the first three films, I think two directors make sense if you read both The Hobbit and the Rings Trilogy.
Jarv by DocPazuzu	Jan 28th, 2008 07:08:04 AM
I figured as much, but I'm dying to hear how to get around making Tolkienite elves an Aryan wet dream.
Christian Bale as Bard by freerangecelt	Jan 28th, 2008 07:08:44 AM
Just throwing it out, love the Del Toro as director and Jackson as overseer...now how they will cut between the Battle of the Five Armies and the casting out of the Necromancer from Dol Guldur...good stuff coming!
Just Keep Him Away From the Script by Mr. Winston	Jan 28th, 2008 07:14:26 AM
Del Toro is one hell of a visual director, but he can't write for dick. Bring in some talented people to do the script, make sure everyone knows that Peter Jackson is producing and overseeing, and keep a little bit of a leash on Guillermo. He'll be fine if they don't let him off the deep end. Incidentally, to anyone who was thinking that the overseas box saved GOLDEN COMPASS...New Line sold off most distribution rights for pennies on the dollar before the film even came out, so they didn't see much of that.
Doc by Lost Jarv	Jan 28th, 2008 07:15:26 AM
You're not taking into account his breathtaking mental gymnastics and quite staggering doublethink. He'll have an unbelievably pointy headed solution.
Perfect!!! by FlickaPoo	Jan 28th, 2008 07:21:06 AM

At his best... by FlickaPoo	Jan 28th, 2008 07:26:58 AM
...I think that DelToro is a bit closer to a sense of true childhood magic and wonder and terror than Jackson is...and it seems right for Hobbit. Rings is more about giant battles and stuff...Hobbit is more a dark fairy tale about a child who wanders too far from home in questionable company...love it.
DocPazuzu: by travis-dane	Jan 28th, 2008 07:30:45 AM
over here in Germany we had several movie critics and magazines pointing in the "LOTR=Nazi".They said that all the "Heroes" are white(esp. the Elfes,blond,blue eyes,HERRENRASSE)and the "evil" dudes are all black(orcs and so on).There are many people who see it that way.strange....
Best Choice of Director For This by Gungan Slayer	Jan 28th, 2008 07:41:45 AM
IMO. (other than Jackson that is)
aint it cool news! by purplepurple	Jan 28th, 2008 07:45:05 AM
If confirmed, this wil be AWESOME
This is EXACTLY what many of us have been hoping for by Razorback	Jan 28th, 2008 07:48:15 AM
I don't think there is a better director out there, for this movie, than Del Toro. Just look at his body of work and then read the book. No one knows how to make a children's story into a dark piece of work that can be enjoyed by adults like Guillermo.
Tom Waits for Smaug!!! by Nice Marmot	Jan 28th, 2008 07:50:39 AM
. . . I have confidence in Del Toro, I think it'd be in good hands. But I'm also on the Should-Have-Been-Cuaron bandwagon. I'd give Smaug's voice to Tom Waits before Ron Perlman.
P.S. - Vern's postings = * out of ****** by Razorback	Jan 28th, 2008 07:51:56 AM
Vern has started to suck lately. Please fire him. Thanks.
Mew by jae683	Jan 28th, 2008 07:57:10 AM
He might be ok. The LOTR movies don't exactly hold up very well, so maybe he'll do a better job. Oh, and Vern? I give you a solid B-. Oh, and 'You Suck.' Not very heartfelt, I know, but it is an insult. You asked.
travis-dane!!!! by redfist	Jan 28th, 2008 07:59:04 AM
I am an American living in Germany and I have to say...that while I like Germans as a whole...Germans as a whole are fucking retarded. 60 years of lving like happy hippies has fucking ruined you. LoTR is not Nazish in anyway... and a German should know this better than anyone.
Tom Waits!!! by FlickaPoo	Jan 28th, 2008 08:00:34 AM
...because Bilbo "...hopes his pony...hopes his poony knows the waaaay baaack hooooome...."
The LOTR is also Aristocratic Propoganda! by seppukudkurosawa	Jan 28th, 2008 08:08:47 AM
Elves are pure-blooded, stuck-up cunts with an adversion to common, down-in-the-muck dwarves. Take when Strider greets Haldir by hugging him, the elf dude totally looks down his nose at Viggo. And he's a damn king/part elf! I've started a boycott The Hobbit movies poll here: tinyurl.com/489teu32 and I suggest that anyone with even an ounce of decency left intact sign my poll to stop any more future examples of this elitist, blue-blooded propoganda. Join me, my fellow movie fans, and we can truly make a change...by signing my poll!
redfist:Yes,but the critics allways try to dig... by travis-dane	Jan 28th, 2008 08:09:32 AM
some shit up.And German movie critics are fucking insane!
Who's gonna be Bilbo? by SkiBum	Jan 28th, 2008 08:11:26 AM
The only thing that sucks about this news is that they will probably have to find another actor to play Bilbo. Bilbo is supposed to be 50 years old in HOBBIT, and I think Ian Holm is pushing 80. I agree with the earlier post that Toby Jones would make a good Bilbo. He's got the right look and is a great actor. I would love if they could get Holm to do it though, to keep the continuity.
DEL TORO IS A SOLID CHOICE by BringingSexyBack	Jan 28th, 2008 08:12:20 AM
At least he hasn't fucked up royally like Raimi did with Spidey 3. But you can't judge him on Hellboy, there's only so much you can do with that cast of characters. Not a bad movie and the new one looks pretty awesome. If Pan's is any indicator, this is definitely a superb choice of director.
LOTR= racism by Lost Jarv	Jan 28th, 2008 08:12:25 AM
this hoary old chestnut rears its unwelcome head every now and again. It's complete bollocks.
WHY IS EVERYONE HATING ON VERN ALL OF A SUDDEN by BringingSexyBack	Jan 28th, 2008 08:15:00 AM
Did you eat babies or something, V?
I think they're just Chudites by seppukudkurosawa	Jan 28th, 2008 08:21:35 AM
Trying to drive away the best thing about AICN with their relentless whining. The fuck did JackIsLost ever post to stand out from the thousands of other by-rote talkbackers out there?
VERN is the MAN!!! by travis-dane	Jan 28th, 2008 08:21:39 AM
Thats all!
BSB,I did not knew that DocP..... by travis-dane	Jan 28th, 2008 08:26:46 AM
thinks you suck.
Inspired choice, but DON'T limit your creative freedom by Pipple	Jan 28th, 2008 08:26:52 AM
because of Jackson's movies, which are fine, well made, and everything but had too much slow mo and crying.
YEAH, I AGREE VERN IS THE MAN by BringingSexyBack	Jan 28th, 2008 08:29:14 AM
How many laughtastic reviews has he thrown at us free of charge? He even set the standard by which Neill Cumpston is judged. I think you're right, Vern, there's too much stigma attached to that black box. God forbid you just speak your mind, and all of a sudden people are giving you star ratings on a common post. Christ.
TRAVIS-DANE by BringingSexyBack	Jan 28th, 2008 08:30:14 AM
Yeah, he does think I suck. But I know he does.
MILF!!!!! by erichaislar	Jan 28th, 2008 08:31:26 AM
This is awesome!!!!!
SLO-MO IS A NECESSARY EVIL by BringingSexyBack	Jan 28th, 2008 08:32:52 AM
I just watched Beowulf and Grendel and was astounded that this was the same Gerard Butler in 300. Fantasy definitely needs slo-mo and camera effects to enhance that fantastical aspect.
Since you and DocP. are the same person.... by travis-dane	Jan 28th, 2008 08:33:34 AM
it is sure you knew that BSB!:)
PUT SEXY SELMA IN THIS SOMEHOW by BringingSexyBack	Jan 28th, 2008 08:34:42 AM
Any elf princesses in the book? If not, make one up.
to Ringwearer9 by TheSeeker7	Jan 28th, 2008 08:35:34 AM
I know that Alfonso Cuaron had at one point expressed interest in doing another Potter film (just not the one directly after his), but Del Toro ALSO did. He mentioned it publicly a few months back, that he'd like to do the 7th film.
I like Guillermo, but not having Jackson direct is WRONG! by Sith Witch	Jan 28th, 2008 08:37:36 AM
I want complete and total consistency. I want to know that every image related to the events in these forthcoming films were conceived and shot by the exact same individual responsible for the images that make up Lord of the Rings. Why the kink in the plan? I it ONLY because Jackson is committed to doing The Lovely Bones and Tintin? And if so, can't New Line wait six more months until his schedule opens up after his involvement on those films?
Seeker by Lost Jarv	Jan 28th, 2008 08:37:38 AM
Ringwearer9 hates potter. The subject is of no interest to him whatsoever.
Del Toro, eh? by Mr. Nice Gaius	Jan 28th, 2008 08:44:31 AM
Well, if this is indeed going down, it's a good choice. I can see Del Toro's sensibilities fitting rather well alongside the vision that Jackson has already established. I would imagine/hope that they'll make great collaborators, too. One thing I'm still not sold on is the second film; the one that's supposed to bridge THE HOBBIT with LOTR. Sure, I suppose there is a ton of material there with which to craft a storyline. But there is no central character and there is very little dialog. I'll be interested to see how that one plays out after THE HOBBIT makes its run.
Del Toro needs to forget The Hobbit by Kloipy	Jan 28th, 2008 08:48:34 AM
and needs to get crackin' on The Mountains of Madness
Mountains of Madness by Abin Sur	Jan 28th, 2008 09:00:01 AM
I'm kinda bummed that it looks like we'll be waiting a few years for that one, but on the plus side, once Guillermo makes New Line another 2 BILLION dollars with two Hobbit movies, he shouldn't have trouble getting the budget he wants for ATMOM. If you've read interviews with him about ATMOM, he really wants to do it justice and make it epic in scope. Hobbit(s) should definitely loosen the purse-strings for him. Hell, look how much PJ got to spend on King Kong.
Let the Hispanic make his Hobbit movie... by Chishu_Ryu	Jan 28th, 2008 09:03:49 AM
Maybe he'll implement an analog Golem (that is, puppet) with Doug Jones which would be a nice departure from the digital Golem by Serkis that I always thought looked fake and digity, which it was I know... Close-ups of Smaug could be analog puppetry, as well. I like it. Was anyone not convinced by the prettiness of Pan's Labyrinth? A fresh approach is needed. You Del Toro-Hobbit haters need to quit living in glorious days gone by. Although I could really care less about a Hobbit movie anyway...the Rankin Bass cartoon rules...
Rankin Bass Hobbit by Abin Sur	Jan 28th, 2008 09:05:53 AM
Yes, that one was very cool, but I want one that I can enjoy just as much NOT stoned.
abin by Kloipy	Jan 28th, 2008 09:08:54 AM
that's true, i do want to see a faithfull and beautiful Lovecraft on the big screen for once. And also agree, there is nothing like being stoned watching the barrels float downstream
I know I'm in the minority, but Hellboy was shit. by henrydalton	Jan 28th, 2008 09:09:06 AM
I was looking forward to it, I wanted to like it, but man, that film was really, really, really bad. Especially its finale.
Del Toro is a great visualist but.... by Samuel Fulmer	Jan 28th, 2008 09:09:57 AM
His movies usually lack in the story department. I hope Jackson is there everyday to make sure Del Toro spends just as much time with the actors line delivery as he does on the SFX/Make-up. Unlike the majority, I felt Pan's Labrynth was a fairly empty film. The visuals were amazing, but the plot was very poor. Everything outside of the fantasy portion was like third rate Bertolucci circa 1900. I will say that Del Toro has a better chance of making something out of The Hobbit than Sam Rami.
Hobbit I & II then MOUNTAIN OF MADNESS by Unlabled	Jan 28th, 2008 09:17:21 AM
But this is a solid choice, better than Sam "I ruined Spiderman 3" Raimi. AND FUCK BLADE 4 & 5! Shit is done with. No Snipes no Blade
Sounds GREAT! by ccchhhrrriiisssm	Jan 28th, 2008 09:38:09 AM
Now if they can get Smaug to resemble Tolkien's image as depicted in "Conversation with Smaug!" That will be the "make it/break it" point for this film. Regardless, this will be a great film and Del Toro is a fabulous choice to direct! Pan's Labyrinth was sinisterly powerful!
The problem I've always had with The Hobbit... by expert_40	Jan 28th, 2008 09:38:28 AM
... is that it DOESN'T fit the tone or the characterizations in The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarilian. I mean, in those two greater works, elves are badasses. Between Legolas, Feanor and his sons, and Elrond, elves are badasses. In the Hobbit, they're idiots who sing the stupidist of songs and get drunk and allow the dwarves and Bilbo to escape. This is why I'm glad that Jackson/Walsh/Boyens will be writing the script and overseeing the movie(s). They'll be able to retcon those mistakes, as it were, as I'm sure Tolkien himself would have wanted. I mean, the elves in The Hobbit were fucking retarded. Personally, though, I wish they were making three movies: The Hobbit and The Silmarilian split into two parts, The First and Second Ages, with the Second Age film basically the filming of the Akallabeth, the Downfall of Numenor, and the First Age Film about Feanor and his sons against Melkor until Earendil made his way to Valinor. It'd be like the prequal trilogy, LOTR style, with Sauron playing the part of Palpatine.
Man... by caruso_stalker217	Jan 28th, 2008 09:41:37 AM
You LOTR nerds are seriously serious about this shit.
I am glad you are doing the lapband thing by Cotton McKnight	Jan 28th, 2008 09:42:36 AM
Normally I don't advocate things like that but I am actually really worried about you, Harry. I see you around town from time to time and although you may feel great, you look really sick. I don't mean that as an insult- I am just expressing concern. We need you in tip top shape and I really think thats a great idea, if your doctor recommends it. Good luck. Oh yeah and I think Weta is overrated. The whole LOTR trilogy looked "washed out" to me.
FUCK YEAH by Lloyd Bonafide the Korean War Veteran	Jan 28th, 2008 09:43:31 AM
This is why i fought in Korea, 1950-1952!!!!
Smaug by RevengeOfJobu	Jan 28th, 2008 09:43:38 AM
Smaug will have eyes on his wings.
Will Del Toro shoot 2:35:1 ?? by THE KNIGHT	Jan 28th, 2008 09:49:10 AM
Consistency people!
Actually Guillermo is the perfect choice by mukhtabi	Jan 28th, 2008 09:50:41 AM
If we're talking film style, I would much rather see the art design concepts of Hellboy applied to the Hobbit than more Jackson. Jackson was terrific at LOTR, but that's a much more grown up and complicated story than the journey of 13 dwarves and a burglar. The hobbit delves more into classical ghost story and dragon territory, better to let a mad spaniard with a total love of MONSTERS do this prequel. Besides this will likely give him the bump he needs to finally make THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS. and in the end isn't THAT GOAL something we all want?
Bilbo by RicCage	Jan 28th, 2008 09:56:30 AM
If they can't figure out a way to get Ian Holm to play a young bilbo, they should get this guy. I've seen him in a bunch of things, tell me he doesn't look like a cooler Elijah Wood http://orlandomanic.livejourna l.com/16728.html
Del Toro for Hobbit, Cuaron for Deathly Hallows by performingmonkey	Jan 28th, 2008 09:57:11 AM
Both 2-part movies. If both of these things happen I think we can all die happy (after we've seen them, of course...). Cuaron is DEFINITELY the best choice for Harry Potter because he's already done Prisoner of Azkaban. Del Toro might have been too heavy handed with it. Cuaron is the only one that got the tone right. Since then the HP flicks have taken a step back. Order of the Phoenix should have been a LOT better than it was.
LLYOD BONAFIDE - DID YOU BRING BACK A KOREAN CHICK? by BringingSexyBack	Jan 28th, 2008 09:58:29 AM
and indulge in some bulgogi?
Barfo Baggins by Nate Champion	Jan 28th, 2008 09:59:32 AM
Ready for the big step there on surgery Harry... well, good luck my friend, you'll need it.
Bilbo again by RicCage	Jan 28th, 2008 09:59:39 AM
sorry here http://orlandomanic.livejourna l.com/16728.html (make sure there are no spaces)
Great choice, Del Toro is amazing by wilsonfisk89	Jan 28th, 2008 10:08:45 AM
The Devil's Backbone! If you have not seen it, please Netflix it. I enjoyed Jackson's work, and thought it to be a magnificent feat, but it's Guillermo's turn to do something magical...
i wants cthulu not hobbits by occula	Jan 28th, 2008 10:14:08 AM
i am an avid fan of LOTR and all things suchlike but i honestly don't know if i care much about the hobbit. time to move on. and i think if d.t. and jackson were going to do something together, why not lovecraft? jackson loves horror too.
Didn't like Hellboy by TerryMalloy	Jan 28th, 2008 10:15:21 AM
but loved Pan's Labyrinth and Devil's Backbone. Not a bad choice. I just don't see why they have to make the second "bridge" movie. The Hobbit is the bridge. After it, there doesn't seem to be any material there at all.
Puce The Magic Dragon by DannyOcean01	Jan 28th, 2008 10:16:01 AM
Oh ffs, great, another film for Del Toro to indulge his blinkered colour palette view.
THIS MOVIE'S GONNA SUCK!!! by tHeGRinGoGenTiLE	Jan 28th, 2008 10:17:53 AM
GILL DEL TORO GOTTA EAT!
WEAK by manzoniman	Jan 28th, 2008 10:17:58 AM
The most overrated geek darling evah. PL sucked. Hellboy sucked. Here's hoping Jackson can knock some sense and sensibility into DelTorrrro.
If not Jackson by Darth Thoth	Jan 28th, 2008 10:26:58 AM
del Toro is the next best choice. This is great news in my opinion. And Pan's was a masterpiece.
Conan by BrooseTheScharuk	Jan 28th, 2008 10:30:54 AM
As thrilled as I am about Del Toro doing the Hobbit, I would have been way more pumped to hear that he'd been signed for the new Conan. If you have ever actually read Howard's stories, you know how "Lovecraftian" they can be (I think Howard and Lovecraft were pretty close friends). And I just think GDT would give it that gritty pulp tone and brutality that it needs -- not to mention the creatures!
Harry is the epitome of Western hedonism by seppukudkurosawa	Jan 28th, 2008 10:31:48 AM
Spend fucktons of money on eating too much food. Then spend fucktons of money on getting surgery to get rid of that food. Whereas we in Eastern Europe have no nephews. They all died from malnourishment. In Soviet Russia, lapband surgically removes you!
I can't believe Vern mentioned Blade & Freddy in the same post by SilentP	Jan 28th, 2008 10:42:31 AM
...but not a crossover. You know you want to see Blade vs. Freddy. Directed by Guillermo. You KNOW THIS.
my tastebuds are tingling by midnighthobo	Jan 28th, 2008 10:46:58 AM
and i cant wait to see this
Dances barefoot by BrandLoyalist	Jan 28th, 2008 10:47:15 AM
Pauses to type Some backup! It's like the goalie bench at the all-star game. Continues dancing
Nice by ewokstew	Jan 28th, 2008 10:47:52 AM
Very nice.
Regardless how it turns out, I'll likely be there by Puddleglum	Jan 28th, 2008 10:49:55 AM
It's a movie based on a book by th eman who created one of the best fantasy story universes of our time. I don't expect LOTR redux. But I expect it'll still look great.
BLADE QUADRINITY: REVENGE OF THE 1040EZ FORM by ArcadianDS	Jan 28th, 2008 11:07:14 AM
"Now Mister Blade, did you make any business related purchases in the previous year?" "HISSSSSSS"
dragons by Dollar Bird	Jan 28th, 2008 11:07:35 AM
I have mixed feelings about this. I don't mind if someone else takes the helm of this movie, but I dunno if Del Toro is good enough. He has a great visual esthetic, but sometimes his movies just leave me disappointed. (Esp. "Hellboy".) Although, I would love to hear Ron Perlman voice Smaug. (I'm sure they'll force him to do a British accent, though. Then again, the dragon sounded American in the Rankin & Bass one, and I have lots of affexction for that. Still is my favorite Gollum, all frog-faced—and that voice! Ah, Borther Theodore, we hardly knew ye.)
I am so excited about this right now by phool2056	Jan 28th, 2008 11:10:04 AM
I love the LOTR movies, but I love Pan's Labyrinth and Hellboy more. And I've always felt that the real strength of the Rings movies came from the acting and the level of the production design, and that a lot of the things that kind of bugged me were directorial decisions. Del Toro is my favorite director in the universe. When I read that heading on the main page, I ejaculated right into my pants.
by Palhaco	Jan 28th, 2008 11:14:44 AM
"If they have two movies to fill, they're gonna use EVERYTHING from the book." If Peter Jackson is involved, they may not even use HALF of what was in the book. They cut honking chunks out of the LOTR books for the movies to indulge Peter in his obsessions with evil creepy things -- and certainly, del Toro is no less that way...They are both wonderful filmmakers, but I think Peter Jackson drained the life and soul out of the books, because he doesn't like those things...or maybe it's just "goodness" that he finds too boring for his time. I hope that one day someone will make LOTR as they were meant to be made. Without _arbitrary_m _unnecessary_ changes to the tone, plot, and characters.
expert_40 do your research. by Stereotypical Evil Archer	Jan 28th, 2008 11:17:47 AM
Tolkien DID revise the Hobbit to match some facts in the Lord of the Rings. "Retcon" is such a stupid term. Writers have been doing this forever and it's called "revision."
Man, I'm torn on this... by morGoth	Jan 28th, 2008 11:19:16 AM
...I was really hoping PJ would relent and direct also. Does this mean delToro will be writing the story for the second movie also? I only hope, if dT does direct, that he won't get more creative (see: needles story fabrications) than PJ did and box himself (and us) into needless complications. Nnggghhh...fret and worry. At any rate, glad to hear he would keep within the movie Middle-earth universe that PJ has already put out. Continuity is very important. I loved Pan's Labyrinth so this gives me hope.
Perlman as the voice o' Smaug... by morGoth	Jan 28th, 2008 11:23:38 AM
...could be great. I'd much prefer his gravely voice to the smoother Liam Neeson dulcet tones (not that there's anything wrong with that...just prefer Perlman's). The timber of Perlman's seems better suited too. Cool! Color me excited!
Martin Freeman as Bilbo by cutest_of_borg	Jan 28th, 2008 11:25:06 AM
Perfect, my friends, perfect. Fuck this Iam Holm shit (no offense to Mr. Holm). I can guaran-damn-tee you they will be going with a young actor to portray Bilbo. Freeman has an everyman face, comedic timing, and is immensely likeable - all necessary for this role.
Brian Cox for Thorin Oakenshield or Smaug by performingmonkey	Jan 28th, 2008 11:25:45 AM
He is exactly the right actor for Thorin. John Rhys-Davies could have played Gloin (father of Gimli) but he had such a bad time with the Dwarf makeup it's unlikely he'd do it. Serkis back as Gollum, Mckellen back as Gandalf, Hugo Weaving back as Elrond. All no-brainer decisions. Lots of hatred between the Dwarves and the Elves. Something that should have been mentioned in LOTR is that Legolas's father had Gimli's dad locked in a cell in The Hobbit.
Ron Perlman for SMAUG by IAmLegolas	Jan 28th, 2008 11:26:35 AM
perfect casting, why didn't I think of that one? MAKE IT HAPPENED!!!!
Howdy, morGy. by cutest_of_borg	Jan 28th, 2008 11:26:40 AM
Been a while.
Hey Vern... by morGoth	Jan 28th, 2008 11:27:59 AM
...go bugger yerself mate. The Blade movies don't even belong in the same universe as those cheesy assed vampire movies. Man, I usually look forward to your comments but your personal druthers have no bearing on this whatsoever. Good lord man, grow some taste! Then again, I smell troll bait...
Two Hobbit Movies by Horned One	Jan 28th, 2008 11:29:23 AM
I think it's a great idea to do two hobbit movies. The first one can be The Hobbit that we all know and love, and the second one can involve something entirely new. Maybe they can even work in some of the cool stuff they had to cut out of the LOTR like Tom Bombadil and the Barrow Wights. It is also implied in the books that Bilbo and Aragorn have a long standing friendship, so he could be in the second movie since he would pretty much look the same.
Geez, I meant... by morGoth	Jan 28th, 2008 11:29:44 AM
Those cheesy assed vampire movies don't even belong in the same universe as a Hobbit movie. Curse posting from workies anyway!
this site is pimping the wrong mexican by cloudrider`	Jan 28th, 2008 11:30:54 AM
as cool as rodriquez & del toro can be, they're nowhere near in the same league as cuaron. pan's labyrinth is way overrated. i was much more moved by bridge to terabithia.
Hey cutest! by morGoth	Jan 28th, 2008 11:32:07 AM
Heh, looks like you can still come out of the wood works for something other than Star Trek. So, are you a hobbit fan too or just LoTR? I certainly agree that delToro is a great second choice to PJ and, natch, PJ will be around to orc-slap dT if he gets outta line (or maybe vice-versa)!
The Hobbit is Not That Great of a Book by kferris61	Jan 28th, 2008 11:41:30 AM
Last week I read the Hobbit for the second time in 30 years (my copy has turned very yellow in that time). I was very disappointed. I should have left well enough alone and left it as a childhood memory. I was going to reread all my old Tom Swift books too, but I have decided to leave them in their box! :)
NO COUNTRY FOR OLD HOBBITS by KurtLockwood	Jan 28th, 2008 11:44:58 AM
I loved the Jackson trilogy but Del Toro did such a great job on PAN'S LABYRINTH that it would be nice to see a director get ahold of this who DOESN'T hit the fucking "Slo-mo" button every five seconds. I think Del Toro is better at injecting realism into the fantasy genre and as long as PJ is the Great Lord Overseer of production value (WETA must be shitting thimselves to get another crack at Gollum, the CGI technology must've jumped by leaps and bounds in the passed few years) And as long as there continuity visually and story-wise with the other films (and a little closer to the ACTUAL Tolkien legendarium this time, please), Del Toro at the helm with PJ as Overlord could very well be an improvement.
Martin Freeman as Bilbo! cutest_of_borg...good idea. by Stereotypical Evil Archer	Jan 28th, 2008 11:48:03 AM
That is amazing casting. I hope they read your post!
OH MY GODS! Will there be Vagina Dentata in the HOBBIT? by Stereotypical Evil Archer	Jan 28th, 2008 11:50:38 AM
Del Toro could put some some Vagina Dentata in there... somewhere.
VERY good news indeed! by Sulla	Jan 28th, 2008 11:58:11 AM
I'm as giddy as a schoolgirl right now. I so hope this becomes reality.
RE: expert_40 by morGoth	Jan 28th, 2008 12:00:47 PM
Of course The Hobbit doesn’t completely fit the tone of the much later LoTR, the Hobbit preceded it and LoTR was a “sequel,” if you will. Tolkien revised later Hobbit publications to conform to LoTR with “Riddles In the Dark” being the most important. Can’t have Gollum just handing the Ring over to Bilbo can we? Tolkien always regretted the lighter, more child-story tone of the Hobbit and his kids gave him no end of shit about it for, in effect, talking down to them. I believe the Elves were quite “badassed” in the Battle of Five Armies, yes? Didn’t Bilbo choose to stay with them during the battle? I too would love to see something done from the Silmarillion but it’s a bit large in scope, yes? How about selected tales like ‘The Tale of Beren and Luthien (C’mon, Sauron as a werewolf AND vampire? Even Vern would be happy about that {[:^))’. ‘The Children of Hurin’ is already a stand alone book so it would also be a great and obvious choice. Lawks, it’s got love, incest, murder, a BIGGER dragon, Morgoth (that settles it IMHO), petty Dwarves and totally bad-assed Elves. No pirates or vampires though. Man, I can only dream about ANY of the Silmarillion being turned into a movie. Aiya!
Sorry cutest... by morGoth	Jan 28th, 2008 12:02:01 PM
...can't agree about Martin Freeman. James McAvoy or NOONE!
John Goodman for Bilbo by Kloipy	Jan 28th, 2008 12:05:09 PM
Don't worry, these trolls are cowards
MorGoth by KurtLockwood	Jan 28th, 2008 12:11:07 PM
If I could see filmed the scene of a victorious Ungoliath being fed the Silmarillion stones by MorGoth I think I would die in that moment.
Hmm.. I dunno by CherryValance	Jan 28th, 2008 12:12:04 PM
I mean his style is quite different from PJ. If he's going to stick to the overall look then fine, but the new stuff could be weird looking.
Color me happy... by ATARI	Jan 28th, 2008 12:23:17 PM
if it's true.
The best part about Guillermo directing by epitone	Jan 28th, 2008 12:32:52 PM
is that you know he'll consult extensively with the other two parts of the Mexican troika, Alfonso Cuaron and Alejandro González Iñárritu. And frankly, even if it was a bit overhyped, Pan's Labyrinth was about as good an audition reel for a Tolkien project as I could imagine. Plus, never forget these words -- IT COULD HAVE BEEN RATNER.
THIS IS GREAT GEEK NEWS, AND... by odysseus	Jan 28th, 2008 12:36:10 PM
Del Toro is the best choice -- maybe even better than Jackson. Ron Perlman should DEFINITELY be Smaug. He's got a great vocal quality that isn't so distinct that you'd say something like, "Why is Sean Connery's voice coming out of that dragon?"
i hope smaug talks like.... by joevfx	Jan 28th, 2008 12:38:23 PM
sauron did. liek telepathically, i hope he actually doestt talk with moving mouth that would be corney
Holy crap KurtLockwood... by morGoth	Jan 28th, 2008 12:42:52 PM
...I'd totally forgotten about that scene! Heh, I'd be pushing up daisy's right beside ya mate! Ungoliant: Gimme whatcher holdin' behind yer back, Blackheart! Morgoth: Gulp, aintcha full yer great glutton? I guess ol' Morgy was doin' Her Blackness a favor since they would've probably burnt right through her gut!
Toby Jones as Bilbo! by raumohir	Jan 28th, 2008 12:54:57 PM
Blackhole, that's an inspired choice. Toby Jones was by far the best character in the Mist, very expressive but also homely. And he's got the look too. I think del Toro will be great too. I can't wait to see him bring his flair for darkness into Mirkwood and the goblin halls. The only thing I'm afraid of is that the movie should be a little lighter in tone than LOTR overall, and I hope he can pull that off too.
free Wesley by Gidney	Jan 28th, 2008 12:57:35 PM
Free Wesley, kill Goyer, let del Toro direct!
What about P.T. Anderson? by AntoniusBloc	Jan 28th, 2008 01:00:11 PM
Now that would be cool. Guillermo is kind of like PJ-lite, so hard to get really excited about it, but i'm sure he'll do a great job. Difficult to screw up Tolkien, but the script is what is key.
Without Jackson, I'm simply not interested by IndustryKiller!	Jan 28th, 2008 01:01:02 PM
Del Toro is no Peter Jackson. I think Del Toro is great, but he doesn't have the same sense of scope as Jackson. Also whenever CG appears in a Del Toro film it always looks like total shit and stands out like a soar thumb compared to anything real. I don't know why people would want this to happen. Pan's Labyrinth was a great film but apples and oranges to Lord of the Rings and his more mainstream Hollywood stuff is terrible.
Also could Harry NOT be the guy commenting on this by IndustryKiller!	Jan 28th, 2008 01:03:32 PM
From now on can we get a different guy to run commentary for this project is Del Toro is in fact directing?? I really cannot deal with Harry blowing this guy at ridiculous lengths throughout the entirety of the project. Harry is obviously way to close to Del Toro to not only be fair, but not completely exaggerate his excitement and it's really really annoying.
PS a photo by raumohir	Jan 28th, 2008 01:04:25 PM
Now tell me this doesn't say "Bilbo Baggins": http://tinyurl.com/yv8cs3
Vern you're nothing more then an ATTN whore. by AllPowerfulWizardOfOz	Jan 28th, 2008 01:16:27 PM
Seriously. Shut the fuck up.
Arnold for Beorn. by performingmonkey	Jan 28th, 2008 01:16:33 PM

As far as this choice for director. Great choice. by AllPowerfulWizardOfOz	Jan 28th, 2008 01:20:23 PM
This is both surprising and welcomed. I think he will do a fine job and to me it makes total sense to have him direct more so IMO then Sam Raimi. I wasn't to excited about the idea of Raimi directing The Hobbit to be honest. While I am a fan of Raimi's work I just don't think his style would have fit within the world that Jackson created with the trilogy on film and having Guillermo Del Toro makes more sense in working with Jackson as the producer. This is going to be good, real good.
C'mon guys - we KNOW PJ can't direct by UweBollocks	Jan 28th, 2008 01:28:28 PM
His schedule, contractually obliging, is full. He has himself said he couldn't get a hobbit film out until 2015. Not only is that far beyond the current licensing contract for New Line, meaning they would have to just "give up" The Hobbit and a billion dollars, it also means a long wait during which many things could happen. God forbid we lost McKellen before he could reprise his role... I'm just as disappointed that Jackson cannot take the helm, but if there is one director I can with the same tonal touch as PJ's LotR, it's Guillermo. And let's also bear in mind the LotR we all know and love is the product of PJ with the support of a HUGE team, who are the ones actually responsible for production design, costumes, score and every other facet that comes together to make the final product. It looks as if that team will remain largely intact, with only a new director and PJ overlooking everything from even higher. Yes, there are going to be some stylistic differences, but I really can't see one man's choices (Guillermo's) overriding the collective artistic contribution of everyone else involved to the detriment of the series' tonal and visual continuity. Guillermo has already said he would want these to be an extension of PJ's creation - we all want the same thing! And if anybody's judgement on this choice of director should be trusted, it's PJ's. Let's not forget that neither Empire Strikes Back nor Return of the Jedi were directed by Lucas, yet they perfectly continue in his tradition. C'mon folks! Things are looking up!!
Vern's not an attention whore by seppukudkurosawa	Jan 28th, 2008 01:32:41 PM
He's an adult (in mind and body)who's lived long enough to have gained something to say. Sure, that might be hard to swallow for most of the "this sucks" and "this rocks" school of talkbackers, but some of us here find having a fully-developed opinion refreshing.
The Hobbit! by Reznik	Jan 28th, 2008 01:34:51 PM
This is really great news, I had always wished PJ has started the franchise with The Hobbit (for obvious reasons) but there were of course other reasons it wasnt the precursor. Just the fact that PJ is still creatively involved is great. I must have read the hobbit 7 times... each time more stoned than the previous. The Rank and Bass version of the movie is really well assembled but it is missing some sequences due to its time constraints (riddles in the dark lasts all about 5 minutes)(favorite chapter). Moreover, its nice to see some "new blood" brought in. I have really high hopes for this movie and cant wait to see it upon its completion in 2056. Mortality sucks. I just know I'm going to be 90+ on my death bed and there's some great movie on its way that I will miss due to death. A really good friend of mine was a huge fan of LOTR... sadly he had complications with diabetes and a ravenous infection that took his life before the 1st of the trilogy was even released. Long story short, I will be looking upon this movie(s) development with great interest.
Harry, say it ain't so! by Jak0lantern01	Jan 28th, 2008 01:39:26 PM
Harry, if you get that lapband surgery, you'll be half the man you are now. Is that the kind of AICN we want here? Just don't dump the Tigger vid.
Cool by Cobbio	Jan 28th, 2008 01:39:54 PM
This is good news! I don't know if it'll actually happen or not, but Del Toro would give audiences a stirring, well-filmed "Hobbit." I approve of him as director. "Pan's Labyrinth" might not have played as huge in scale as "Lord of the Rings," but the visual and emotional subtleties in Del Toro's opus were about as solid as I've ever seen in a film. Ofelia was a wonderful central character, and Guillermo handled her role with respect and deep empathy. That's not an easy thing to do, which is what gives me confidence he'd do a great job with "The Hobbit" duology. Also, for anyone who doesn't know: the first film will be "The Hobbit," taken from the classic Tolkien novel, while the second film will center on events surrounding Gandalf's investigation of The Necromancer -- a nasty entity who turns out to be Sauron -- in Mirkwood's Dol Guldur. A massive battle led by Gandalf ensues that drives The Necromancer out, pushing him into Mordor, where Sauron goes to rebuild his armies and reclaim his evil glory. Sounds pretty badass to me. I hope Del Toro can do it justice.
Ringwearer9 by 5 by 5	Jan 28th, 2008 01:44:51 PM
When you say you like the idea of PJ being off this completely, you are understanding that is what is happening? If so, that's not the case, PJ WILL be involved, but it looks like Del Toro is directing. Del Toro is awesome, but I would have been fine with Raimi also.
Any truth to the rumor that Shaye and Lynne... by Zardoz	Jan 28th, 2008 01:47:55 PM
will be fired and The Hobbit will be folded into Warner Bros, not New Line? And Del Toro could be a good choice. Although, I'd just as soon wait a few years for PJ to be free...
Michael Jai White Should be Blade by TheLastCleric	Jan 28th, 2008 01:48:00 PM
He'd roll right over Snipes. The guy is built and is a very gifted martial artist.
seppukudkurosawa by AllPowerfulWizardOfOz	Jan 28th, 2008 01:53:32 PM
Not a question of opinion as everyone is entitled to one. It's that holy then thou approach that he tends to take on most subjects or reviews as though he is above the fray. I guess it's his style of writing that fires up the discontent that I feel towards him as he comes across as a douchebag whenever I read one of his reviews or rants. Then again he may be the greatest guy ever in person who knows? I just access MY opinion of him based on his rants here on AICN. For me he adds nothing to the conversation except the expected malice retort that he tends to give anyone if they disagree with him. You know the type, the shoot down that anyone who disagrees is dumb or does not have the intellect to grasp what point he is trying to make therefore making anyone else's opinion invalid except his own. The whole thing gets kind of old after while. But you know hey he works for Harry. Harry obviously likes keeping him around for a reason and guess it adds a different perspective to the whole site but that doesn't mean I have to like it or keep quiet about it. I've even agreed with Vern on a few occasions with certain assessments he's made on the folly of film but on most occasions I just write him off a douche because that's how he comes across when reading his reviews or rants. I am sure he'll offer up some witty retort now to try and debunk my opinion and make it seem invalid to make himself feel better.
seppukudkurosawa by AllPowerfulWizardOfOz	Jan 28th, 2008 01:53:48 PM
Not a question of opinion as everyone is entitled to one. It's that holy then thou approach that he tends to take on most subjects or reviews as though he is above the fray. I guess it's his style of writing that fires up the discontent that I feel towards him as he comes across as a douchebag whenever I read one of his reviews or rants. Then again he may be the greatest guy ever in person who knows? I just access MY opinion of him based on his rants here on AICN. For me he adds nothing to the conversation except the expected malice retort that he tends to give anyone if they disagree with him. You know the type, the shoot down that anyone who disagrees is dumb or does not have the intellect to grasp what point he is trying to make therefore making anyone else's opinion invalid except his own. The whole thing gets kind of old after while. But you know hey he works for Harry. Harry obviously likes keeping him around for a reason and guess it adds a different perspective to the whole site but that doesn't mean I have to like it or keep quiet about it. I've even agreed with Vern on a few occasions with certain assessments he's made on the folly of film but on most occasions I just write him off a douche because that's how he comes across when reading his reviews or rants. I am sure he'll offer up some witty retort now to try and debunk my opinion and make it seem invalid to make himself feel better.
Sorry for the double post guys by AllPowerfulWizardOfOz	Jan 28th, 2008 01:54:40 PM
Fucking Comcast servers are being a bitch today.
So #1 is the HObbit, what's #2? by kirttrik	Jan 28th, 2008 01:55:55 PM
That's the real question?
Obvious Choice by Fineus Fog	Jan 28th, 2008 01:56:19 PM
if this team up can work like Lucas and Kirschner is all good. Pans Labyrinth was a beautiful film - obviously very different form The Hobbit - but his visual sensibilities, along with WETA's artistry gives me a hard on
As long as Howard Shore is back, I'm in by The_Squid	Jan 28th, 2008 01:56:59 PM
Hopefully elijah wood's contribution is minimal.
I think it's gonna be fine if TORo directs and PJ write/produce. by kirttrik	Jan 28th, 2008 01:57:20 PM
Why not, look at GOLDEN ARMY, it's basically TORO's resume to do RINGS prequel.
Good and Bad... by CaptEgo	Jan 28th, 2008 02:00:47 PM
Del Toro understands that kids movies don't have to be disney-esque idiot fests but is too fond of over the top messed-up-shit. Jackson not directing is good...if as has been flogged to death...he still intends impose a LotRification on the Hobbit. Here's the deal Del Toro...go nuts on the Trolls and the Spiders and the Goblins (yes goblins...not fucking 'Orcs') and Smaug but keep ahold of the 'Hobbit'. That means music and innocent fun and frikkin singing elves and singing goblins and Beorn as Smokey the frikkin bear. All these black T shirt wearing perpetual angry adolescents can piss off with their drooling about The Necromancer and all this EMO shit being dragged into the one of the ultimate young peoples fiction tales. They need to give their collective heads a shake.
as long as WETA is involved it will be fine by Rupee88	Jan 28th, 2008 02:02:20 PM
well that and a great cinematographer... that is all you need for the LOTR movies.
Re: kirttrik by Cobbio	Jan 28th, 2008 02:02:29 PM
About the #2 film, see my post about fifteen slots above. If you're looking, it's just a general synopsis from theonering.net. Hope it helps.
I'm think Del Toro is slightly overrated on AICN... by Vamp-AICNchat	Jan 28th, 2008 02:08:42 PM
...but I think with his vision, he is one of few directors who could make THE HOBBIT. In Del Toro's case though, I haven't seen PAN'S LABRYNTH yet, so... But I have seen THE MIMIC, HELLBOY and BLADE 2 which were all mediocre in my opinion. I do think THE HOBBIT will be great though.
Del Toro is like Lucas... by Vamp-AICNchat	Jan 28th, 2008 02:15:34 PM
...in the films that I HAVE saw, great vision but not a very director.
anyone read 'History of the Hobbit'? by m2298	Jan 28th, 2008 02:15:43 PM
In 1960 Tolkien attempted a total rewrite of THE HOBBIT, to bring it in line with the tone and environment of LORD OF THE RINGS. He managed to get through two chapters before he thought the better of it (despite his growing to dislike the way he wrote it in the 30s). The revisions he made in 1965 were relatively minor (the Gollum chapter change was first seen in 1951). Likewise, filming THE HOBBIT as a clone of Jackson's LoTR would IMO be a similar mistake. While it needn't be the second coming of Rankin Bass, it still should stand on it's own and on it's own terms.
Heath Ledger would've done a great Bilbo by gray gorilla	Jan 28th, 2008 02:20:31 PM
think about it
Michael Jai White! Blade 4&5! by samurai sark	Jan 28th, 2008 02:22:24 PM
OMG, I can't believe there is still love for the blade films! I have new love for the geek community! Blade Trinity was not good. Had its moments, but nowehre near the depth of 1 or the suspense of 2. Man-o-man would I love Del Toro to get Blade back on the screen. Michael Jai White? Yeaaah!! Blade 4: Blade and Abby Whistler vs. a bitten Hannibal Kane. Hannibal kills Abby, then kills himself. Blade 5: Blade vs Blade
5 by 5, Yes. It's bad that Jackson is overseeing. by Ringwearer9	Jan 28th, 2008 02:23:09 PM
I would have much preferred Del Toro had more control over the project. And I fear that he was selected because of his compatability regarding over-the-top action scenes, as in Hellboy. I'm guessing he's just going to make it all look like Lord of the Rings II, just as everyone was afraid he would
There's no need by Mattyboy122	Jan 28th, 2008 02:29:38 PM
For two Hobbit films. And making up a bunch of shit (or 'expanding' stuff in the LotR appendices about what happens between The Hobbit and LotR) for a second film is ridiculous. Nothing of note happens! There's no arc that occurs between The Hobbit and LotR for ANY character. What will it consist of? Aragorn hanging out with Arwen? Gandalf and Aragorn looking for Gollum (as they left that part out of Fellowship even though they referred to it)? Legolas waltzing around Mirkwood? NOTHING INTERESTING HAPPENS. One film for The Hobbit (and one film only) is all that's necessary. Oh, and I think Guillermo's a bit overrated. But then again I think PJ is, too.
The bloke BROS as Bilbo? by Vamp-AICNchat	Jan 28th, 2008 02:31:06 PM
Hope not, but you can see Luke Goss in THE HOBBIT.
Why Del Toro will copy Jackson's Look. by Ringwearer9	Jan 28th, 2008 02:32:26 PM
Because he says he will, in the article Harry quoted above. And he'll be stuck using WETA, Jackson's effects company. Who will be calling the shots on the "look"? Del Toro? Is he really going to rock the boat, (esp. on the first film). No, he's in it to make money for his own projects that he really cares about, and will bow to Jackson's wishes.
AllPowerfulWizardofOz by seppukudkurosawa	Jan 28th, 2008 02:36:22 PM
I guess once you put a voice on one of these Internet Handles, it's hard to shake it off, no matter what they say. Like I imagine Pee Wee Herman speaking whenever Harry types anything...and after seeing him on Ebert, I wasn't too far off. The same goes for a lot of you talkbackers, like with Pazuzu I imagine some irate Swedish

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Guillermo Del Toro To Direct Back-To-Back Features from THE HOBBIT!?!?!