Warner Riddles In The Dark...

One more ring to rule them all...










You've all seen the news about the expansion of "The Hobbit" from two to three films...

And now they've got names and dates, so we know what they'll be called and when exactly they'll come out. So when it's all said and done there will be six films, two trilogies, or a hexalogy if you count them all as one.

So the Middle-Earth series list would be:

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
The Hobbit: There And Back Again
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

After summer 2014 the series will be done, and the next question would be is this the end? Would Warner Bros. be satisfied with ending it there? No more films or anything else? Not hardly, in the words of John Wayne. In this world where international markets rule the box office and branding matters, this series is a known property and it doesn't take as much to sell it to audiences.

So what would be next? The most obvious choice would be "The Silmarillion." Now, I know that a fan asked Peter Jackson at this year's Comic-Con about that. He mentioned that Warner doesn't own the rights to that book and the Tolkien Estate isn't very happy with his adaptations of the late authors works (I really can't understand why this is). But obstacles can be overcome. Hopefully Warner can get the Estate to license the rights to the books, because the films actually help sales of the books and seeing the film. An agreement would be mutually beneficial for both parties.

But even if it happens, it doesn't mean the book would be an easy film. It is a large tome of epic tales telling the history of Middle-Earth in a sort of lyrical tale that's not set up in the same manner as the LOTR or the Hobbit. But it leaves room for more interpretation and layering of characters. But it would be an epic film if made. Most likely it wouldn't be contained in one film, so there is the possibility of another trilogy, or perhaps, a miniseries on cable? Or even an ongoing series? Something like HBO,A&E or even Netflix could be a venue to transmit/broadcast this new property.

And then there are the other products like video games, books, shirts, toys, etc. that would/could be exploited. If they can't get the rights, or even if they do get it and want to continue other avenues, then they can go other routes. After all, there have been several games that take place in the world of Tolkien that don't involve the characters from the film. Could they not produce a film series, or television series, or even an Internet series that is completely unrelated to events of the book? Something along the lines of "Tales of Middle-Earth" or "War of the Ring" type of thing? The possibilities are endless really. And do you really think that Warner's Suits would want to close the tap on this revenue stream? Think again.

There and back again, and again, and again...

A Tale That Grew In The Telling...

Them Baggin's is multiplying...






We all heard the possibility of Peter Jackson turning his Hobbit duology into a trilogy...

And now it's official. Via "The Hobbit" Facebook page the director made the announcement today:

"So, without further ado and on behalf of New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Wingnut Films, and the entire cast and crew of “The Hobbit” films, I’d like to announce that two films will become three."

Go check out the entire post to see more of what Jackson had to say. Now we have to wonder what will the third film be called? Or will they just call it "There And Back Again Part 1 & Part 2" maybe? Now when it's all over, fans of "The Lord of the Rings" will have two trilogies to fire up on the Blu-Ray by 2015. But until then, it looks like Warner Bros. will own December for the next three years, which is their intent.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - December 2012
The Hobbit: There And Back Again - December 2013
The Hobbit: TBD - December 2014

I know someone asked if Jackson would do The Silmarillion, but I think he'll be tapped out after these. And then he'd have to convince the Tolkien Estate to sell the rights. Which they might not do since they aren't happy with his adaptation of LOTR. Which I don't understand. It's as faithful as a film can be and still be a film, not a book. Each frame is filled with love of the source material, so I don't understand the disappointment. It sounds misplaced.

Perhaps if this is overcome, they can have Jackson/Wingnut Films produce the series and find other directors for that and other works that take place in Middle Earth. Possibly even a television series/mini-series?

The opportunities open up and become endless...

UPDATE:

The guys over at /Film have some info, via Fusible about what it could essentially be called. Warner registered several titles and a couple of them are: http://whois.domaintools.com/desolationofsmaug.com and http://whois.domaintools.com/riddlesindark.com.

So what it might turn out to look like is this:

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

The Hobbit: Riddles In The Dark (2013)

The Hobbit: Desolation Of Smaug (2014)

Which means they could technically release the entire trilogy as "The Hobbit: There And Back Again" the following year. Just speculation, but not entirely incomprehensible. Is it?

San Diego And Back Again...

Precious film, it is...






When Peter Jackson took the stage he was filming it with his camera phone...

He mentioned that he was going to have another one of his video blogs out soon and wanted to show some of Comic-Con in it. Well, he has released that "The Hobbit" Production Video #8 for everyone to see. Take a look at it, there is a lot of emotion and care in what you see he's filming.

December we go back to the Shire...

Being There: Pacific Rim...

Giant $%*#&W@ robots...





To see Guillermo del Toro work a crowd at Comic-Con is pure fun...

The man is an Uber-Geek and knows what the fans like because it's what he likes. Well, if you want to see the "Pacific Rim" panel then you now have the opportunity via YouTube. This is pretty much the entire panel, minus the footage. For that and more, you'll just have to wait to go see "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" later this year.

Comic-Con: Pacific Rim Panel.

Be careful, as Guillermo's language is NSFW, but that's him...

There And Back Again, Back Again...

A game of riddles, it is...







Warner's panel was the one to be at this day, and this was a big reason why...

I just finished reading "The Hobbit" for the second time a couple weeks ago. So it's going to be interesting seeing this movie version of the book through Peter Jackson's eyes and not my own. After seeing this panel, I have to say that I can't wait for the Holidays. This looks like a gift left under my tree that I've waited a long, long time to open.

Peter Jackson is a man that understands this fanbase. He started doing those production blogs back in the 90's for "Lord of the Rings" way before other film makers/studios. Jackson understood he needed to get people, particularly fans, interested in this project. And people today do these kind of thing without thinking about it. So when Jackson walked out, he was holding his phone and recording the fan reaction for a new update blog on the film for people that didn't get to come to Comic-Com.

Jackson brought out the rest of the panel which included his co-writer and producer Phillipa Boyens, and then the rest of the cast joined them. He showed a large amount of footage from the film(s), including some scenes that take place in the second film. The bulk of scenes consisted of Bilbo and the Dwarfs arguing what they were going to do to get the treasure that Smaug guarded. Several other scenes/clips were shown, but the best of these was the meeting between Bilbo and Gollum. Sadly, the footage was all shown in 24fps, so we'll have to wait until the holidays to get a look at 48fps in all its glory.

There were the typical questions about things, but one asked about him possibly adapting "The Silmarillion" and Jackson honestly answering that the rights were owned by the Tolkein Estate (which I knew) and that they weren't too happy with his interpretation of the books (which I didn't know).

All in all, the film looks like a great continuation of the Middle Earth Universe, but it's not got the more dark, and somber tone of the LOTR trilogy. I can't wait to see this, but I also wonder in the back of my mind how different it is from the films that Guillermo del Toro had planned.

But really, we can never go there and back again...

UPDATE:

It appears that Peter Jackson is trying to get Warner Bros. to fund the filming of additional material which could wind up making the second film a two-parter. That would turn this in to a trilogy of films spread out over 2012, 2013 and 2014. If that doesn't happen, then it leaves a lot of footage that could be available for the Extended Editions of The Hobbit. Warner Suits will have to decide if they want to continue this series another year. I'm sure it's a tempting decision they have to make with all those dollar signs floating around in the air.

In A Hole, In The Ground, There Lived A Hobbit...

And in that hole he made a lot of money...











The first behind the scene video of the production of "The Hobbit" has been posted online...

Peter Jackson is an amazing film maker. He also seems to get what it is about selling a film and marketing it to a 21st century audience. He understands what Guillermo del Toro calls "Transmedia." This is one of four or five films that I eagerly await next year. I look forward to each new video that lets you inside this world of magical opportunities.

I hope you do as well...

There And Back Again Starts Today...

One Ring to rule them all and in Orlando bind them...










Today is supposed to be the start day for "The Hobbit" film(s)...

Warner Bros. production of the classic novel that gave birth to "The Lord of the Ring" should be lensing down in New Zealand as we speak. As someone that absolutely loved the books, the films and everything else about them, I can't wait to see Part One in December of 2012.

And now, if Disney would just license the films they can capitalize on mania that will happen over the new few years by putting a nice attraction in Disney's Hollywood Studios (just as the Second Part ends, what a coincidence that would be). It might even give them a reason to move that Sorcerer's Hat.

I know the Mouse has wanted their own LOTR, but Narnia sadly, wasn't it...

Love The Craft...

The Old Ones are coming...

There's a great new interview by Daniel Zalewski with Guillermo del Toro over at the New Yorker magazine that is really interesting...

I really like the way Zalewski writes, almost creating a narrative story out of a simple interview.  Guillermo sheds light on several of his upcoming ("At the Mountains of Madness," "The Haunted Mansion") as well as aborted projects ("The Hobbit") and provides an in depth look into the mind of one of the most interesting film makers working today.  If you're a pop culture geek, a comic book lover or a Disney fan, there's something in there for everyone.

Take a look and be in the know before everyone else is...

Webslinger Reboots...

Well, we won't be seeing Sam Raimi directing "Spider-Man 4" and we won't be watching Tobey Maguire swinging from building to building either...

Sony put out a press release today:

Culver City, CA (January 11, 2010) -- Peter Parker is going back to high school when the next Spider-Man hits theaters in the summer of 2012.

Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios announced today they are moving forward with a film based on a script by James Vanderbilt that focuses on a teenager grappling with both contemporary human problems and amazing super-human crises.

The new chapter in the Spider-Man franchise produced by Columbia, Marvel Studios and Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin, will have a new cast and filmmaking team. Spider-Man 4 was to have been released in 2011, but had not yet gone into production.

“A decade ago we set out on this journey with Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire and together we made three Spider-Man films that set a new bar for the genre. When we began, no one ever imagined that we would make history at the box-office and now we have a rare opportunity to make history once again with this franchise. Peter Parker as an ordinary young adult grappling with extraordinary powers has always been the foundation that has made this character so timeless and compelling for generations of fans. We’re very excited about the creative possibilities that come from returning to Peter's roots and we look forward to working once again with Marvel Studios, Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin on this new beginning,” said Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment.

“Working on the Spider-Man movies was the experience of a lifetime for me. While we were looking forward to doing a fourth one together, the studio and Marvel have a unique opportunity to take the franchise in a new direction, and I know they will do a terrific job,” said Sam Raimi.

“We have had a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration and friendship with Sam and Tobey and they have given us their best for the better part of the last decade. This is a bittersweet moment for us because while it is hard to imagine Spider-Man in anyone else’s hands, I know that this was a day that was inevitable,” said Matt Tolmach, president of Columbia Pictures, who has served as the studio’s chief production executive since the beginning of the franchise. “Now everything begins anew, and that’s got us all tremendously excited about what comes next. Under the continuing supervision of Avi and Laura, we have a clear vision for the future of Spider-Man and can’t wait to share this exciting new direction with audiences in 2012.”

"Spider-Man will always be an important franchise for Sony Pictures and a fresh start like this is a responsibility that we all take very seriously," said Michael Lynton, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures. "We have always believed that story comes first and story guides the direction of these films and as we move onto the next chapter, we will stay true to that principle and will do so with the highest respect for the source material and the fans and moviegoers who deserve nothing but the best when it comes to bringing these stories and characters to life on the big screen."

I hope this doesn't mean the hole in Maguire's schedule will be filled playing Bilbo Baggins. He's a talented actor and I really liked his Peter Parker, but seeing him with hairy feet next Gandalf isn't something I look forward to. Raimi could move on to "World of Warcraft" which many thought was just a producing project for him. Now, the whole reboot comes into play with Spidey going back to high school and starting over. I don't mind that, but there is no need for an origin movie. We don't need to movie the story back to square one. It's been done and there is no need to show it to the two guys that don't know what happens when you get bit by a radioactive spider. Just start him off right after he's become the Webslinger and give him a new villain.

I wonder if the rush to get a film on to screen has anything to do with Marvel (read Disney's) ability to regain the character for filming by the Mouse? I don't know how long they have to make another sequel between films before the rights would expire/revert back to the comic book company/film studio/subsidiary of the Mouse. I hope that the next version is done with as much care as Raimi put into the first two and as little studio interference as the Suits put into the third one.

Developing...

A Red Hobbit...

I haven't read this anywhere so I thought I'd mention a little technie-geek news that hasn't made it out across the wire/Net yet...

I'm a huge fan of "The Lord of the Rings" series; both book and films. Peter Jackson holds a great place in the heart of all geeks and Guillermo del Toro has a slightly smaller throne, but is firmly in the geeklove came. Not to mention he's a big Disney Geek/Fan and has a new label that will be producing films for the Mouse(and hopefully directing some as well).

If you know a bit about Peter Jackson, you know he's a big fan of the Red Camera. He made some really impressive World War I tests using the camera with the help of his Weta buddies. Well, it just so happens that "The Hobbit" will be shot with the new 5 K Red Cam. An interesting bit of news and I'm going to be excited to view a trailer for this to see out it looks. But that would be almost two years out. That may be a short time in Hobbit years, but for a human it's a good chunk of time.

So we'll have to wait and watch the casting, images and other surprises trickle out in the mean time...

Dreaming Of Hobbits...

Guillermo Del Toro is on location in New Zealand and he gave a really nice interview that's up on YouTube right now...

Check it out, I'm really interested in this film(s) since I've been a big fan of "The Lord of the Rings" since I was a teen. If Peter Jackson wasn't going to direct this, I believe Del Toro is a perfect fitting choice to interpret the classic children's novel. Awaiting 2011/2012.

There's that year again...

Hat Tip to Latino Review.

There And Back Again And Again...

Soon, Empire Magazine will celebrate it's Twentieth Anniversary and they've turned the editorial reigns over to none other than Steven Spielberg, you remember him don't you? He's the brilliant director that made that mediocre Indiana Jones film last year...

Well anyway, he got some interesting things and juicy scoops for the issue. One of which is that Guillermo Del Toro and Peter Jackson have decided to turn "The Hobbit" into a two-parter. So that film will be broken in to two epic films so as to not have to strip away as much of J.R.R. Tolkien's brilliant prequel to "The Lord of the Rings."

No word on what will become of the other film that they were going to do back to back with this one. That "bridge" film is supposedly still a go, but nothing has been said about it lately.

I know Disney was hoping that "Narnia" would wind up being their LOTR, but that didn't pan out unfortunately(it was never that type of property, Suits...). I've got some thoughts about what and where they should turn next in an upcoming post next month.

Developing...

Hat Tip to /Film.