The Hobbit Trailer

It's going to be amazing!

Gollum to Help Direct the Hobbit

How is this for getting the most from your actors?  It seems that Andy Serkis, who played Gollum in Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, is the second unit director for The Hobbit.  When interviewed Serkis said, "I think I understand Peter's sensibility and we have a common history of understanding Middle Earth.  A lot of the crew from 'The Lord of the Rings' was returning to work on 'The Hobbit.' There is really a sense of Peter wanting people around him who totally understand the material and the work ethic."  It is a real vote of confidence from Jackson, who obviously sees eye to eye with Serkis on their interpretation of the source material.  

 

Peter Jackson is one of the few directors that I have so much confidence in that I just believe that everything they do will work out perfectly.  So though some people might be raising their eyebrows at this development due to Serkis' lack of experience, I say just sit back and relax.

This movie is going to be amazing.

Stephen Colbert schools James Franco

James Franco was recently a guest on the ever entertaining Colbert Report.  During the show the two got into something of a pissing contest about who was the bigger Lord of the Rings fan.  Unfortunately for James Franco, he seemed to come to the battle with an empty bladder.  Still, Colbert's intimate knowledge of Middle Earth Lore, his pity of Franco's limited knowledge, and his passion for the subject matter make it great fun to watch.

Check it out below, it starts around 3:25 with their conversation of Freaks & Geeks.

Potentially Great News Concerning The Hobbit

I wasn't one of the few people who cheered when Guillermo del Toro signed up to direct the Hobbit. I was among those who cheered a few weeks ago when he dropped out of the film though.  To me this opened the door for the best choice to direct the films (Peter Jackson) to step up to the plate.  According to reports that is exactly what is under way.  Nothing is official yet, Jackson is only in talks to direct the film, but if I'm the studio I get this deal done.  Jackson LoTR films were among the great films ever made in terms of quality and in terms of Box Office Success. 

I'm keeping my fingers crossed!