No LOTR Prequel?

Guillermo del Toro at the LA Film Festival yesterday hinted that there is actually a possibility that the Lord of the Ring prequel movie may not even be produced. From Defamer:

"We believe there is a second movie," del Toro said during a discussion at the Majestic Crest. "If there isn't, there will not be. If we find it, we will shoot it, but by God, if we do not find it, we will not shoot it. I am anxious to shoot the book, and I'm willing and able to dedicate myself to shooting the [second film]."

It's trickier than it sounds, though; the second film, which would apparently bridge the gap between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring, can only draw on the novels to which Jackson holds the rights. The rest of the background or ancillary literature (and there's a lot) is off-limits. "In the four books that are in the domain of the copyright, there are appendices and ideas and things that can be traced without risk," del Toro said. "But I have to be careful not to overstep. We believe there is a way to create this film and make it interesting, but it's too early."

Honestly I am not concerned, the amount of potential money is massive and too hard to ignore, regardless of creative concerns.

Hollywood.com Interviews Guillermo

In an interview with Hollywood.com, The Hobbit director Guillermo del Toro discussed some of his plans for the movie. The highlights:

- Pan's Labyrinth (and probably Hellboy II) will help give you an idea of the styles that will be used for Hobbit creatures.
- No has been cast. Not one single person. There are ideas but no steps have been taken.
- The film will not be designed as a "family film." It will be "faithful to the source."
- No writing has started on the script, just discussions and breaking down the novel. Real pre-production will probably not start until end of July.

Viggo Game for Return

Viggo Mortensen recently expressed interest on reprising his role of Aragorn for the The Lord of the Ring Prequel films while at a CineVegas bash the other day. From Las Vegas Review-Journal:

Mortensen also said he would like to replay the "Lord of the Rings" part of Aragorn in future "Hobbit" movies that have been announced by "Rings" director Peter Jackson.

"I'd rather not have another actor play the part I started out playing for Peter Jackson. And I had a lot of friends from that experience," he said.

Sadly that is all, just said he was open to the idea. As of now there is no script and probably will not be for a while so the details will probably not be ironed out until next year.

James McAvoy Not In Hobbit

Probably to the surprise of no one, James McAvoy denied that he is up for the role of Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit. While promoting Wanted in London he said ""it's not true by the way, it's all internet rumoring and nothing else I'm afraid. Sorry."

Unless it comes from Jackson or del Toro I would assume its not true until given reason to believe otherwise. Both seem pretty open about the movie making process so it wouldn't surprise me if casting leaks end up coming from them.

Christopher Lee Game for The Hobbit

Christopher Lee told Empire Online that he is up to reprising his role of Saruman for the Lord of the Rings prequel film. As the below shows, his deep knowledge of the books would add to the film that is being written.

“I’ve read the books time and again,” said the 86-year-old. “Originally Saruman The White and the rest of the wizards, or the Istari as they call them, were immortal. There were five of them, two of them never appear, I know their names but they never appear, and the only three that are mentioned are Saruman The White, Gandalf The Grey and Radagast The Brown who you never see – so basically it’s two wizards.

“They lived for thousands of years and they were sent to the earth and they are virtually immortal. When it all started, Saruman was the noblest, the finest, the bravest, the most dependable and reliable of them all, he was number one. But somewhere, somehow, and it was never actually explained, he turns and it’s probably the Palantír (the wizard’s crystal ball thingy) that makes Saruman realise that if Sauron can do this, why can’t I do it and Saruman wants to become The Lord Of The Rings himself.”

“I’d be interested in seeing how that transition from good to evil occurred and, yes, of course I would return to the role if I was asked.”

Now this doesn't mean he will be in the movie as Saruman simply may not play a part in the events the planned prequel will chronicle. Its simply says that Lee is open to coming back if the opportunity presents itself.

Penny Arcade Funny

Penny Arcade comments on the bridge movie between The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. I just thought it was funny. Click the image (or link) for larger image.