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Guillermo del Toro: 'Hobbit'-boy?

Jan 29, 2008, 11:03 AM | by Gary Susman

Categories: Deals, Film, I'm Just a Geek

Deltoro_l Last month, once the legal stumbling blocks barring a Peter Jackson-produced Hobbit adaptation were cleared, speculation immediately turned toward Guillermo del Toro as a potential director of the back-to-back prequels. The Pan's Labyrinth and Hellboy helmer told Hollywood Insider's Missy Schwartz in December that he had not been approached for the job, but that he would love to do it. Well, apparently, he's been approached. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he's now in talks to take on the project.

I don't have much to say about the prospect of two del Toro-directed Hobbit films, except maybe, "WOOOO-HOOOOOO!"

You?

Dana Wed, Jan 30, 2008 at 11:03 AM EST

If Peter Jackson can't do them then Guillermo Del Toro is a great choice. He did an amazing job with Pans Labrynth

Ep Sato Tue, Jan 29, 2008 at 10:33 PM EST

Jen, you are right. My post came off as mean spirited and that wasn't my intent. I just like Guillermo Del Toro a lot and think he's got a lot of potential with this series. I enjoy Peter Jackson but just have this feeling that Del Toro's going to make something great even greater.

Oh, and at the risk of losing any credibility I may have (there wasn't too much to begin with), I must admit to having enjoyed all three house party movies, even though 1 was by far the best...

Houstonian Jen in DC Tue, Jan 29, 2008 at 10:01 PM EST

Dag, Ep Sato! That was cold-blooded. You had to compare PJ's movies to House Party 3, the one with Immature? Come on, give him a little more credit, they'll be more like House Party 2--with the pajama jammy jam.

Back to the topic: I am psyched to see what the collabo of Jackson and del Toro will bring. Pan's Labyrinth was an amazing movie and despite my initial hesitation, I loved all of the LOTR movies.

Heather Tue, Jan 29, 2008 at 08:40 PM EST

Amazing! Please let it happen!

Martha Tue, Jan 29, 2008 at 08:29 PM EST

Thanks, Charles, that clears things up. Though I'm not sure what they'll put in the LOTR prequel, since if memory serves not a whole lot that's crazy exciting happens in there. Bilbo hangs out in the Shire being eccentric, Frodo is born, Gandalf is wandering about, Gollum cries himself to sleep, Aragorn goes to Rohan and Gondor and then protects the Shire...am I missing anything big?

Rob Grizzly Tue, Jan 29, 2008 at 06:51 PM EST

I agree with all the posts. Del Toro is a great choice. But I still hope Peter Jackson makes the movie(s)

Raven_Moon Tue, Jan 29, 2008 at 06:40 PM EST

I suppose if Jackson isn't directing, then del Toro is an excellent choice.

EP Sato Tue, Jan 29, 2008 at 04:54 PM EST

Susman, you took the words right out of my mouth. Woo Hoo indeed.

The original cartoon movie is a childhood favorite, and a remake by such a talented fantasy/dark side director is going to make LOTR look like House Party 3.

shawshank Tue, Jan 29, 2008 at 04:45 PM EST

Popwatch! Lost is premiering in two days!!! Why is there nothing on EW talking about this!! I am ridiculously excited about this. I know my expectations are too high, but I can't wait!

Snarf Tue, Jan 29, 2008 at 02:29 PM EST

Oh please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please.

Charles Tue, Jan 29, 2008 at 01:51 PM EST

Martha, I believe that the plan is that the first movie will be the actual "Hobbit" story with the second movie covering the the period between "Hobbit" and "LOTR". A prequel, of sorts. They will use material from Tolkien's other works that Peter Jackson would rework and write into a new story.

Martha Tue, Jan 29, 2008 at 01:46 PM EST

And Milo, go out and read the books already! They are, wonder of wonders, even better than "THE best films of all time, period." Really.

Martha Tue, Jan 29, 2008 at 01:45 PM EST

Maybe I'm missing something, but why are there TWO "Hobbit" films? Do people somehow think the story won't fit into one movie? Don't get me wrong, I'm glad del Toro is in talks to direct, but I don't understand the need to draw it out into two movies... unless it's money. (Thanks, think I just answered my own question!)

milo Tue, Jan 29, 2008 at 12:40 PM EST

I've never read LOTR or the Hobbit but i'm an ultra fan of the films to rank them THE best films of all time period. I'm super excited that Guillermo is going to (hopefully) to direct them, there's really no one better out there. At least I can rest now that I know that Sam Raimi is not the one doing them, he just wouldn't have made the kind of film to stand alongside the PJ trilogy.

Aeryn Tue, Jan 29, 2008 at 12:23 PM EST

Don't get me wrong - I love del Toro. His films are amazing and I'm sure he would do a great job with the Hobbit. The one thing that bothers me is that he admitted that he never read LOTR! What I loved about PJ is that he had such a passion for the material...I don't think Guillermo has that.

Frances Tue, Jan 29, 2008 at 12:05 PM EST

I let out a little squeal of delight at my desk when I read that article yesterday. Who better to tackle these films then Del Torro, the genius behind Pan's Labrynth??? I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this actually happens!!!

Court Tue, Jan 29, 2008 at 11:29 AM EST

That was my reaction, as well. If we can't have PJ, please Guillermo!! I. Would. Die.

Omar Tue, Jan 29, 2008 at 11:14 AM EST

If Jackson's not going to direct, del Toro is the perfect choice. Can't think of anyone better suited for the project.

BrandonK Tue, Jan 29, 2008 at 11:07 AM EST

I think del Toro and Jackson have very similar styles, so I can see them melding together very well. Hopefully Jackson's involvement will ensure some continuity in design and story, while del Toro (if he gets the job) will infuse it with some of his trademark dark whimsy and wonder.

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