Hobbit delayed by a year? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

***Mister Underhill*** · 12-19-2008, 03:54 PM

This is intriguing news indeed. I saw the item late last night and have been waiting for it to break in the trades all day. So far it hasn't, which makes me wonder how accurate it is. Then again, we're on the cusp of the holidays, so it could be they're just running with skeleton crews at the trades at this point.

I would be surprised if the delay were the result of "creative differences". Once a movie starts rolling down the tracks, there aren't many people involved with it who are not expendable and can't be replaced within a few days. Still, I do note with interest that I keep seeing GDT's name pop up in association with new projects. One is even mentioned in today's trades, a project that he will script with Chris McQuarrie for Tom Cruise to star in. If memory serves, another one that's he supposed to be involved with is a trilogy of vampire novels. The guy must be booked solid through about 2020.

I hadn't heard anything about 3D technology, but that story might have some merit. James Cameron is, I think, very close to starting on a new big-budget sci-fi film that is supposed to use cutting edge 3D tech that he's no doubt developing in-house. I guess it's possible that they'd wait for it, but if so it's probably only one factor. I'd speculate that the other would be a feeling that the script isn't ready to get into production and hit the release window they're looking at, so better to push it and make sure that everyone's happy with it.

It'll be interesting to watch this story develop.

Beregond · 12-19-2008, 03:56 PM

Sorry, if I had posted a couple minutes earlier I could have saved you the speculation.

Andsigil · 12-19-2008, 05:07 PM

What about casting? They have to have all of the roles decided by now. I just don't understand all of the secrecy about who is going to portray whom.

Morthoron · 12-19-2008, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andsigil

What about casting? They have to have all of the roles decided by now. I just don't understand all of the secrecy about who is going to portray whom.

Well, because Warner Brothers is now in charge, there are some actors that are still contractually tied to other studios until the end of 2008; therefore, the announcements of Hobbit appearances by Jim Carrey, Mike Meyers, Will Smith and Lindsey Lohan will have to wait until the new year.

***Mister Underhill*** · 12-19-2008, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beregond

Sorry, if I had posted a couple minutes earlier I could have saved you the speculation.

Heh -- that's what I get for not refreshing before I post.

Tuor in Gondolin · 12-21-2008, 08:58 AM

At TheOneRing.net they don't seem to agree with this rumor.

Quote:

Rumors Abound - Hobbit Delayed until 2012? FALSE
December 19th, 2008

Rumors are hitting the web today that the release of The Hobbit will not be until 2012. We are trying to independently confirm/deny this rumor so look for an update shortly! Thanks to the Ringers who are sending in the links to various news stories on the topic.
UPDATE

We have received confirmation from the source of all sources, GDT himself stating that this rumor is NOT TRUE. Rest easy folks, it’s not happening.

davem · 12-24-2008, 02:26 AM

Disney pulls out the Narnia franchise

http://www.reuters.com/article/enter...4BN0M520081224

Quote:

Further challenging "Treader" may be a waning of the pricey children's fantasy genre. When the "Harry Potter" series topped the book charts and then filled movie theaters, studios began snapping up fantasy manuscripts as quickly as they could. When "The Lord of the Rings" showed it was possible for adults to enjoy the fare as well -- and produced the box-office results to prove it -- Hollywood's fascination with the genre intensified.

But no other fantasy adventure films have shown that kind of box office punch. Earlier this year, Warners and New Line hoped they were launching a franchise with "The Golden Compass," but the adaptation of the Philip Pullman trilogy tanked domestically. The film grossed just $70 million domestically and the co-production partners declined to go forward with a second installment despite the fact the film did take in more than $300 million overseas.

....and for that very reason I haven't ruled out the possibility that TH may be delayed - whatever TORn or GDT say - PJ isn't directing, people have seen this kind of thing in other movies - dragons, epic battles, etc - & 'children's fantasy fims' are not popular. Which last point brings us back to the old question - how much will they need to alter the story in order to win over an adult audience? No guarantee that TH won't follow Prince Caspian - bigger budget, smaller return.

Morthoron · 12-24-2008, 12:42 PM

Delaying The Hobbit film until 2012 makes perfect sense. I believe either the Aztec or Mayan world calendar indicates that 2012 is the end of the world; therefore, between the Aztec calendar and the Mexican Del Toro, we have a perfect storm in an apocalyptic sense.

Just think, you can have an oblivion party right at the theater:

"It's the end of the world as we know it,
But the Hobbit's fine..."

Sauron the White · 12-28-2008, 04:02 PM

Is it just coincidence that those who seem to take the most pleasure in hoping for a delay of the next Middle-earth films are also those who did not like the last three?

just asking....

there is are too much money to be made here for these films not to come to pass.

12-19-2008, 03:56 PM	#2
Beregond Playful Ghoul Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,251	Sorry, if I had posted a couple minutes earlier I could have saved you the speculation. __________________ "Hope and memory shall live still in some hidden valley where the grass is green."

12-19-2008, 05:07 PM	#3
Andsigil Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: The Deepest Forges of Ered Luin Posts: 733	What about casting? They have to have all of the roles decided by now. I just don't understand all of the secrecy about who is going to portray whom. __________________ Even as fog continues to lie in the valleys, so does ancient sin cling to the low places, the depression in the world consciousness.

12-24-2008, 12:42 PM	#8
Morthoron Curmudgeonly Wordwraith Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ensconced in curmudgeonly pursuits Posts: 2,515	Delaying The Hobbit film until 2012 makes perfect sense. I believe either the Aztec or Mayan world calendar indicates that 2012 is the end of the world; therefore, between the Aztec calendar and the Mexican Del Toro, we have a perfect storm in an apocalyptic sense. Just think, you can have an oblivion party right at the theater: "It's the end of the world as we know it, But the Hobbit's fine..." __________________ And your little sister's immaculate virginity wings away on the bony shoulders of a young horse named George who stole surreptitiously into her geography revision.

12-19-2008, 03:54 PM	#1
*Mister Underhill* Dread Horseman Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Behind you! Posts: 2,744	This is intriguing news indeed. I saw the item late last night and have been waiting for it to break in the trades all day. So far it hasn't, which makes me wonder how accurate it is. Then again, we're on the cusp of the holidays, so it could be they're just running with skeleton crews at the trades at this point. I would be surprised if the delay were the result of "creative differences". Once a movie starts rolling down the tracks, there aren't many people involved with it who are not expendable and can't be replaced within a few days. Still, I do note with interest that I keep seeing GDT's name pop up in association with new projects. One is even mentioned in today's trades, a project that he will script with Chris McQuarrie for Tom Cruise to star in. If memory serves, another one that's he supposed to be involved with is a trilogy of vampire novels. The guy must be booked solid through about 2020. I hadn't heard anything about 3D technology, but that story might have some merit. James Cameron is, I think, very close to starting on a new big-budget sci-fi film that is supposed to use cutting edge 3D tech that he's no doubt developing in-house. I guess it's possible that they'd wait for it, but if so it's probably only one factor. I'd speculate that the other would be a feeling that the script isn't ready to get into production and hit the release window they're looking at, so better to push it and make sure that everyone's happy with it. It'll be interesting to watch this story develop.

12-28-2008, 04:02 PM	#9
Sauron the White Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 903	Is it just coincidence that those who seem to take the most pleasure in hoping for a delay of the next Middle-earth films are also those who did not like the last three? just asking.... there is are too much money to be made here for these films not to come to pass.