In a recent interview with the New York Times, New Line founder and co-chairman Robert Shaye acknowledged that he expects the prequel to their highly successful Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit to hit theaters in 2009 despite there not being a script or director for the project. Originally planned as a vehicle for Rings director Peter Jackson, rumors of Sam Raimi began emerging after a public feud between Shaye and Jackson developed as a result of a lawsuit brought on by Jackson. Jackson claims he is owed additional royalties for The Fellowship of the Ring. Shaye told Sci-Fi Wire, “I don’t care about Peter Jackson anymore. He wants to have another $100 million or $50 million, whatever he’s suing us for. He doesn’t want to sit down and talk about it. He thinks that we owe him something after we’ve paid him over a quarter of a billion dollars.” Shaye later apologized for the comment stating it was said “in a moment of emotion.” Shaye wouldn’t comment on the reports that Spider-Man director Sam Raimi has been considered to helm The Hobbit.
Photo from the upcoming movie, The Hobbit. The Hobbit First Edition Book cover
Photo from the upcoming movie, The Hobbit. Dustcover of the first edition of The Hobbit. This cover was designed by Tolkien himself.
Photo from the upcoming movie, The Hobbit. Bilbo from The Hobbit Animated
Photo from the upcoming movie, The Hobbit. The One Ring from The Hobbit Animated
Photo from the upcoming movie, The Hobbit. Smaug the dragon from The Hobbit Animated
Photo from the upcoming movie, The Hobbit. The Hobbit 1977 Animated Poster
Photo from the upcoming movie, The Hobbit. Gandalf From LOTR Movie Photo
The rumored passing of the directing torch to Sam Raimi on The Hobbit has gained some momentum as the Los Angeles Times is reporting that Raimi has been telling associates and executives at Sony that he is thinking of directing the prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
No deal has yet been made with the director and executives at New Line have stated that Raimi has yet to meet with CEO Bob Shaye who has publicly stated that “[Peter Jackson] will never make any movie with New Line Cinema again while I’m still working at the company.” MGM however, who own distribution rights to the film, are standing behind Jackson. ”We support Peter Jackson and when the dust settles, we believe he is the one who will be making this movie,” said an MGM spokesperson.
The Hobbit tells the story of how Bilbo Baggins first discovers the magical ring and features other Lord of the Rings characters as Gandalf and Gollum. Ian McKellen, who portrayed Gandalf in the Rings trilogy, has stated he would not reprise his role in The Hobbit if Jackson wasn’t helming the picture.
Monday, February 19, 2007
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