Del Toro announced today that he no longer would be directing the two Hobbit films. The production of the movies is taking longer than what was originally though due to numerous delays and the continued trouble with MGM. However he will still be staying involved with the project as a co-writer. The films are still on schedule for a 2012 and 2013 release.
“In light of ongoing delays in the setting of a start date for filming “The Hobbit,” I am faced with the hardest decision of my life”, says Guillermo. “After nearly two years of living, breathing and designing a world as rich as Tolkien’s Middle Earth, I must, with great regret, take leave from helming these wonderful pictures. I remain grateful to Peter, Fran and Philippa Boyens, New Line and Warner Brothers and to all my crew in New Zealand. I’ve been privileged to work in one of the greatest countries on earth with some of the best people ever in our craft and my life will be forever changed. The blessings have been plenty, but the mounting pressures of conflicting schedules have overwhelmed the time slot originally allocated for the project. Both as a co-writer and as a director, I wish the production nothing but the very best of luck and I will be first in line to see the finished product. I remain an ally to it and its makers, present and future, and fully support a smooth transition to a new director”.
“We feel very sad to see Guillermo leave the Hobbit, but he has kept us fully in the loop and we understand how the protracted development time on these two films, due to reasons beyond anyone’s control – has compromised his commitment to other long term projects”, says Executive Producer Peter Jackson. “The bottom line is that Guillermo just didn’t feel he could commit six years to living in New Zealand, exclusively making these films, when his original commitment was for three years. Guillermo is one of the most remarkable creative spirits I’ve ever encountered and it has been a complete joy working with him. Guillermo’s strong vision is engrained into the scripts and designs of these two films, which are extremely fortunate to be blessed with his creative DNA”.
“Guillermo is co-writing the Hobbit screenplays with Philippa Boyens, Fran Walsh and myself, and happily our writing partnership will continue for several more months, until the scripts are fine tuned and polished” says Jackson. “New Line and Warner Bros will sit down with us this week, to ensure a smooth and uneventful transition, as we secure a new director for the Hobbit. We do not anticipate any delay or disruption to ongoing pre-production work”.
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Comments:
Ilaras of The Dunedain:
Ill news indeed. Replacement for Guillermo? PJ, you know what to do.
LOTR PO:
Are you kidding me!? It sounded that everything was fine and they were in the pre pre-production, and was waiting for the greenlight. And now his quiting!? Like Ilaras of The Dunedain said, PJ, you know what to do!
zach:
Well PJ was sad when they were writing the first version of the script that he wouldn't be directing it so maybe this is his chance.
LOTR PO:
Mithrandir7:
While I'm sad to see him go... I hope PJ takes the helm! :D
Ilaras of The Dunedain:
I've always wanted Jackson to direct both films. Fingers crossed!!! :D
Esparado87:
LOTR PO:
Well how long do we have to wait for the new director? Will this take months, wait for greenlight or can this happen soon. If Peter wants the job I guess we would know it soon enough.
Freek:
Simply put, all the financial troubles and other corporate crap have been delaying the movie for too long. I can't say I blame del Toro for quitting. I know I probably would.
zach:
Well I wouldn't quit. I would see if I could fit a movie in until MGM sorted things out. If not and I had enough extra cash laying around I would wait. Directing The Hobbit would be an opportunity I would NOT let slip away.
Balin38:
I really hope Peter Jackson takes the reins. I'm sure there are many talented directors that could pull this off but if it's not Jackson I'll always be slightly paranoid about what the movies 'could have been', despite how awesome they turn out to be if someone else directs.
payne:
I'm gonna go ahead and call "iiiiiidiot" on this one. He has valid reasons, I'm sure--but this is a once in a lifetime kind of project.
I'm really hoping that PJ takes the director's chair. I have a feeling that's the only way to stop further delays. And really, that's what the fans wanted in the first place.
Ayodon:
I hope PJ Takes over. That would be great news. :D
Cheeky Hobbit:
Peter, your time has come again.
Stephen:
According to Sky News (shutup, i got the app for my ipod) Peter Jackson has ruled himself out, "according to his manager" -shrug-
guilemaster:
PJ knows what has to be done now. There simply is no better man for the job!
LOTR PO:
I was thinking... If Peter Jackson do take the role as director, the scripts are finished and his set to go shooting. But if PJ not take the job as director, isn't there likely that the one who becomes the director wants to rewrite the scripts and make the movie he want. If that so, we maybe have to wait forever to get this movies.
zach:
Well until MGM gets its act together, they can't make too much progress anyways.
HMMcKamikaze:
I was disappointed to find this out. After resigning myself to the fact that Jackson would no longer be directing, and looking forward to seeing what Del Toro would do, now they have to find a replacement... It would be a real tragedy if the Hobbit films didn't live up to the LOTR trilogy.
payne:
LOTR PO:
LOTR PO:
I just read on twitter:
ianmckellen118
The films will get made. I suspect we'll start shooting at end of this year.
ianmckellen118
"Hobbit" sets are ready, script ready and movie is casting this month. Fans are not to worry.
PS:ianmckellen118 is Ian Mckellen aka Gandalf.