It's no secret that when it comes to The Lord of the Rings I'm a pretty big fan. I can't speak Elvish and I don't own any film props (not yet, anyway), but those are about the only things separating me from certain dorkdom. However, with the approach of the film version of The Hobbit, it is becoming harder and harder to repress the inner geek that is screaming (probably in Elvish) to get out.
So it's pretty well known by now that Peter Jackson will produce a Guillermo Del Toro directed film version of J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved book The Hobbit (the prequel to The Lord of the Rings). In fact, it has been reported for quite some time that two films will be made. The studio planned, initially, to make two films; one adaptation of The Hobbit and the other a
film bridging the gap between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Now it is being reported, and Jackson and Del Toro have been quoted as stating, that the second film will not be a bridge film, but that the story of The Hobbit will instead span the two movies and will include the White Council and Gandalf's travels to Dol Guldur and his subsequent investigations of the Necromancer, a mysterious sorcerer reputed to dwell within the fortresses walls in Mirkwood Forest. (Did I just say that?)I think this news is exciting. It seems the intent here is to not only give The Hobbit the room it needs to stretch its legs, grow, and become the sweeping story on film that it is on the page, but to also give some voice to events that occurred behind the scenes, which Tolkien painstakingly recorded in the appendices of The Lord of the Rings. Now, am I the only one that wishes Jackson and Del Toro would quit talking about making the films and make them already? Sheesh.
Other LOTR News:
Chances are if you're a Lord of the Rings uber-geek, you've already heard about The Hunt for Gollum. But just in case you don't own a pair of hairy, prosthetic hobbit feet or can't speak a word of Sindarin, but consider yourself a fan of Peter Jackson's film adaptation of The Lord of the Rings, then you'll probably want to keep reading.
In summer 2007 independent filmmaker Chris Bouchard began adapting a screenplay, based on appendices from The Lord of the Rings, into an independent fan film. The story concept centers around Gandalf and Aragorn's search for the creature Gollum after he leaves the Misty Mountains in search of Bilbo and the One Ring. The film is a private, not for profit collaboration of actors, film makers, prop makers, and well...fans! It was made to have high production values on a low budget, and I will tell you that this puppy looks like the real deal! I am stoked about it. See below for a sneak peak at the film, which is slated to be released free to the public online on May 3rd, 2009.
Trailer 1
Trailer 2
Check out the official site below for more information.
The Hunt for Gollum Official Film Site
So, which upcoming movies are you looking forward to? What book, if any, would you like to see brought to the silver screen? Who would be the ideal director and actors to fulfill the vision and bring to life the characters as you've seen them in your imagination? Click below to share your comments and feedback.
Kirk Out!
