Tolkien Academy # 32758 - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

davem · 02-27-2004, 03:47 AM

Isn't New Line part of AOL Time Warner, which is really struggling financially, or so I hear. The real danger is that the squabbles over the Hobbit may go on so long that they do develop an alternative sequel sufficiently, & then, even if they do make the Hobbit, they may decide, Hey, we've put so much into developing this other movie, lets do it as well. Once that happens, why stop there?

My own fear is that it does become like a Police Academy series, a franchise that just goes on & on, with lower & lower budgets, constantly seeking to be as 'popular' as possible & appeal to as wide an audience as possible - hence the warrior princesses & 'hot' Elves hacking away at Orcs scenarios. The danger with a sequel though, is that it would have to somehow top LotR, be more spectacular, which would denigrate the struggles of Frodo & Aragorn, & make them seem trivial, as more & more movies produced more & more 'supervillains' for our heroes to fight.

The real question is, does New Line have sufficient artistic integrity to stop after the Hobit, & ignore the profits which they would inevitably make from more Middle Earth movies. Movie making is an expensive business, & incredibly risky. More Middle Earth movies means guaranteed, risk free profits.

Anyone see a similarity with the temptation of the Ring?

02-27-2004, 03:47 AM	#15
davem Illustrious Ulair Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: In the home of lost causes, and forsaken beliefs, and unpopular names,and impossible loyalties Posts: 4,240	Isn't New Line part of AOL Time Warner, which is really struggling financially, or so I hear. The real danger is that the squabbles over the Hobbit may go on so long that they do develop an alternative sequel sufficiently, & then, even if they do make the Hobbit, they may decide, Hey, we've put so much into developing this other movie, lets do it as well. Once that happens, why stop there? My own fear is that it does become like a Police Academy series, a franchise that just goes on & on, with lower & lower budgets, constantly seeking to be as 'popular' as possible & appeal to as wide an audience as possible - hence the warrior princesses & 'hot' Elves hacking away at Orcs scenarios. The danger with a sequel though, is that it would have to somehow top LotR, be more spectacular, which would denigrate the struggles of Frodo & Aragorn, & make them seem trivial, as more & more movies produced more & more 'supervillains' for our heroes to fight. The real question is, does New Line have sufficient artistic integrity to stop after the Hobit, & ignore the profits which they would inevitably make from more Middle Earth movies. Movie making is an expensive business, & incredibly risky. More Middle Earth movies means guaranteed, risk free profits. Anyone see a similarity with the temptation of the Ring?