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The first of the Peter Jackson-directed installments will be called The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, and Warner Bros will release the film Dec. 14, 2012. The second installment, The Hobbit: There And Back Again, will be released a year later, on Dec. 13, 2013. The films revolve around the adventures of Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), and his efforts to thwart the fearsome dragon Smaug. I’d heard way back when that Jackson was eyeing Bill Nighy to provide the voice of the dragon, but Jackson hasn’t yet announced who he got, and I’m told the whole thing is being kept under lockdown. Jackson has brought back from The Lord of the Rings such cast members as Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett, Elijah Wood, Andy Serkis, Christopher Lee and Hugo Weaving.
The other unanswered question is, since Jackson is shooting the Hobbit films in 3D, will New Line owner Warner Bros convert the original LOTR franchise into 3D format? Despite the recent indications that audiences are tiring of forking over extra money for 3D conversions on films that seem just as palatable in 2D, seeing Middle Earth in 3D through that classic trilogy seems like an event that many would feel is worth an extra couple of bucks. It would give the trilogy a new theatrical and ancillary life. It seems inevitable, though it might be a ways down the line.
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These are my most anxiously awaited films for the next couple years besides Prometheus. I have a feeling these movies will be just as spectacular as the LotR movies. I’m glad that Sir Christopher Lee is up to playing a role in these films at his age (89), a remarkable man. Apparently, Freeman let slip at an awards show recently that Benedict Cumberbatch will be involved in these films as well, but there has been no confirming nor denying on the part of PJ or WB about it. He could play an elf, or he could play Smaug, it’s all up in the air at this point. I’m anxiously awaiting to see who he’s gotten to play Bard.
This news surely means Superman will be a November release. Warners wouldn’t be stupid enough to make two of their tent poles go head-to-head in December.
I’ve grown quite tired of Bill Nighy’s voicework. Especially when you compare his squitty Pirates-role with the snake in Rango: there is no difference and too much over the top for a Lord Of The Rings film.
What’s Elijah Wood gonna do in The Hobbit? Long time since I read the book, but Frodo’s not part of the story is he?
I’d love to see Lord of the Rings converted to 3D. Not because of the 3D, but because that would mean the films would get a re-release and I could see them on a big screen again.
If you’re in the US, check your local theaters — the extended versions of the three LOTR films are being rereleased in theaters (in 2-D, but extended versions!) on three successive Tuesdays in June. It started with AMC theaters, but I believe Regal theaters are on board as well. Check Fandango, too!
3D conversion might be inevitable, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it will be successful.
Wasn’t there a recent article on this site indicating that consumers aren’t seeing the value of paying more for 3D movies?
I think George Lucas’ Phantom Menace in 3D will be a big test as that’s widely considered the worst movie of the bunch.
Not as bad as Episode II though.
I think the bigger question is will ticket prices reach $20? And, are audiences willing to pay up? Sadly, I say Yes and Yes. I also feel WB will eventually re-release LOTR Trilogy in 3D; No time better than the present in anticipation of The Hobbit.
3D is crap. Stop paying for it, people. Then it’ll die.
Will you guys stop slamming Phantom Menace already!! It is not the worst Star Wars movie by far. Have you seen Return of the Jedi lately.
Give me a break!! Speaking of breaks, my big question is where Jackson will end Hobbit One.
While Jedi had the Ewoks, granted, not the greatest idea ever, Phantom Menace had the far worse Jar Jar Binks…enough said.
I thought the Ewoks were a great part of the movie franchise, you cant say Ewoks without knowing they came from Star Wars. By now I’m sure they are just as synonymous with Star Wars as Darth Vader is. And you have to admit, for the time and graphics/animation technology they really looked like real creatures. Jar jar Binks on the other hand, that animation was about as bad as the first Terminators movements, so fake looking.
Doh I’m waiting this movie for so long.
Death to all who say Return of the Jedi is the worst of the saga!
you got that right, cant beat the ewoks
Woohoo, can’t wait for these two movies!! I only wish they were coming out this Christmas & next, haha.
As for the LOTR’s in 3D.. eh, I sorta hope they don’t/wish 3D would die already. I’m due for a new TV & it’s got me up in the air because I’m not sure if I should factor 3D into my decision, lol. Oh, and I don’t really think any of the Star Wars movies are bad/enjoyed them all.
Here, here! I despise 3D! Glasses are uncomfortable, gives me a headache and makes me feel cross-eyed ! Surely hope there will be a 2D option
why are people so critical, jar jar binks movements don’t have to be decribed as fake when you take into accont he is a ten foot alien, how are they supposed to walk?..all of the movies are good, in fact i like the last three better because they move faster. although the first three are the classics i find them to be much slower paced and tough to get through these days. i also do feel cheated as far as 3D goes, the only movie that was done in complete 3D and looked spectactular through the whole movie was Avatar…ever since none of the movies since have lived up to the hype with only about a third of the scenes in real 3D, even deathly hallows disappointed as far as 3D goes.