Possible April Fool's Joke re the Hobbit and PJ? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Child of the 7th Age · 04-01-2004, 05:16 PM

I am assuming this is an April Fool's joke?!

Very clever....

*************************

This came from : http://www.thehobbitfilm.com/press_release.html

PRESS RELEASE

"THE HOBBIT" TO BEGIN PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY IN NEW ZEALAND in 2005

New Line Acquires Distribution Rights; Paul Andersson to Direct; McKellan, Serkis to Return

(Los Angeles - April 1st 2004) - The Hobbit will begin principal photography in Wellington, New Zealand, in 2005, under the direction sci-fi/fantasy director Paul Andersson, it was jointly announced today by Robert Shay, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of New Line Cinema; Michael Lyne, President and Chief Operating Officer of New Line Cinema; Mark Ordesky, President of Fine Line Features; and Andersson, who is also a writer and producer of the production.

Following the unprecedented world-wide success of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, capped by 11 Academy Award(R), acquiring the rights to distribute The Hobbit was of paramount importance to New Line, a division of Time-Warner Inc.

President and Chief Operating Officer of New Line Productions Mark Ordesky said: "What Lord of the Rings has proved is that [fantasy] can be synonymous with quality drama and storytelling."

The agreement between New Line Cinema, which held film rights to The Hobbit, and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., which possessed the distribution rights, includes share of costs and profits, with New Line Cinema to retain creative control of the project. The distribution rights will be split between the domestic and international markets, with New Line taking the domestic distribution rights and MGM taking the international rights.

At the helm of the project is well-known science fiction and fantasy Director Paul Andersson, the young director whose portfolio includes smash successes such as Resident Evil, Event Horizon and Mortal Kombat. After earning critical and commercial acclaim for Event Horizon, Andersson relishes picking up after the success of The Lord of the Rings films and staking a claim in the Tolkien landscape, bringing to life the earliest of J.R.R. Tolkien's novels, The Hobbit.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of New Line Cinema Robert Shay said: "A big reason for the franchise's success has been creative people. Andersson is so passionate about the subject and we feel very confident he can stay loyal to the precedent."

Andersson will begin work on the film immediately following the release of Alien vs. Predator, the latest installment of the highly successful Alien series, to be released in August 2004.

Based on J.R.R. Tolkien's first novel of Middle Earth, The Hobbit tells the story of Bilbo Baggins and his adventures with alongside a band of dwarves intent on recovering their treasure from the treacherous Dragon, Smaug. Bilbo and the dwarves are accompanied on their journey by the mysterious wizard Gandalf, to be played by a returning Sir Ian McKellan. While in pursuit of the dragon's treasure, Bilbo finds a magical golden ring and runs afoul of the evil Gollum (Andy Serkis).

WETA Workshop will return to execute armor, miniatures, creatures and special effects make-up under the direction of supervisor and Academy Award(R) winner Richard Taylor.

Michael Lyne, President and Chief Operating Officer of New Line Cinema, said: "The works of Tolkien are among the greatest adventures ever written, and the road to making this film is proving to be a wonderful adventure in its own right. Like Bilbo, the hero of this saga, we're on a film 'quest.' "

Andersson said: "My team and I are looking forward to pouring our hearts into The Hobbit, so it's a great thrill to know we will be taking up residence in Middle Earth."

Leading the cast will be Sir Ian McKellan, who reprises his role as the wise wizard Gandalf. Sir Ian, who was knighted for his contributions to the performing arts, received an Oscar(R) nomination for his portrayal of Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Equally loved by fantasy fans for his role as Magneto in X-Men and X-2, Sir Ian's screen successes include Emile, Apt Pupil, Scandal, And the Band Played On (Emmy nomination and CableACE Award), Cold Comfort Farm, Rasputin (Golden Globe Award), Richard III, Bent and Swept From the Sea. He has had a stellar career on stage in England and the U.S., and received the Tony Award for his role in Amadeus.

Also returning will be Andy Serkis, whose ground-breaking performance brought to life the unimaginable Gollum. Prior to his role in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, Serkis has played a huge range of parts in theatre in London and across the United Kingdom. Recently critically acclaimed roles include Iago in "Othello" (Royal Exchange Theatre); Potts in the original cast of "Mojo" by Jez Butterworth; "King Lear" and "Hush," all for the Royal Court Theatre.

Founded in 1967, New Line Cinema is the entertainment industry's leading independent producer and distributor of theatrical motion pictures. New Line licenses its films to ancillary markets including cable and broadcast television as well as to international venues. The company, which is a subsidiary of Time Warner, Inc., operates several divisions including in-house theatrical distribution, marketing, home video, television, acquisitions, production, licensing and merchandising units.

Lord of Angmar · 04-01-2004, 06:05 PM

It would be nice if it were not an April fools jokes, but I think it is. Under a search of Google news I found no further information, which leads me to suspect that most news corporations know that it is a hoax or at least cannot confirm it. Furthermore, if New Line did finally obtain the rights to The Hobbit, I cannot see them choosing anyone besides Peter Jackson to direct it, even if PJ is currently engrossed in King Kong.

Beth the Elf · 04-01-2004, 06:20 PM

I heard of that too from theonering.net. I searched for The Hobbit at imdb.com and it had no results, so I don' think it's true. On the hobbit movie website it said that there was an important announcement coming April 2, so they're probably just going to announce that the whole thing was a joke. too bad though...

Mad Baggins · 04-01-2004, 06:22 PM

I don't know...I read an article that quoted him as saying that he would like to do the Hobbit in 2007, but MGM and New Line are arguing about who could have the rights to the movie, or something like that. That was about a month ago, I'd say. Unfortunately, I can't find the article itself right now but I'll keep looking.

[EDIT] I found a different article, although I don't know if it is legit.
Ananova

Lord of Angmar · 04-01-2004, 06:43 PM

Here is an article from March 7, along the lines of what you are saying, Mad Baggins.

Mad Baggins · 04-01-2004, 06:59 PM

Well, then. Perhaps all this information can allow us to get our hopes up about The Hobbit movie! Think about it: at least if it is made there won't be ten thousand fangirls screaming about how utterly sexy Thorin and Bombur are.

Gorwingel · 04-01-2004, 08:19 PM

It looks true, but I would highly doubt that it is.
Paul Anderson to direct!!!! Where did that come from?
And to add I know that Harry Knowles from Ain't it Cool News would have known something about this (he doesn't), and in addition the entertainment publications would be buzzing (they aren't). So by the method of deductive reasoning I am going to make the decision that it is just an April Fool's joke (well I sure hope, no one but PJ should direct The Hobbit in my opinion).

Gorwingel · 04-01-2004, 10:27 PM

Well TheOneRing.net has just posted that the press release was a hoax
TheOneRing.net

But surprisingly it wasn't a hoax created by the website. It actually was a hoax created by New Line

(I guess that's why the website was so nicely done)

Oh, and just to tell everyone there is actually going to be an announcement tomorrow. Could they really be announcing the truth about a possible upcoming Hobbit film?

We'll see

Saraphim · 04-01-2004, 11:00 PM

Hey, this is pretty cool if it isn't a joke. I had a pretty sick one played on a close friend today, and I'm not in the mood for more April Fool's "fun".

But anyway, I was hoping that PJ would be director, since he did do a good job with LotR. And, I was hoping for Ian Holm to return as Bilbo, but he would be too old for a fifty-year od hobbit, right?

Jjudvven · 04-02-2004, 02:39 PM

NO! When I first read that, I believed it completely, cause I wanted it to be true so bad! then I remembered that it was April Fools Day.... I just totally lost it... so evil. What's wrong with these people!!!

I loved the idea of Gandalf and Smeagol being played by the same people.... oh well... I guess it ain't gonna happen...

Child of the 7th Age · 04-02-2004, 06:11 PM

The truth comes out....

Here is what is really going on. They are trying to coordinate a letter writing campaign to urge folk to settle things and go ahead with The Hobbit.

Click here.

Mad Baggins · 04-02-2004, 06:39 PM

Where are you finding this campaign? I can't seem to locate it on that site.

Child of the 7th Age · 04-02-2004, 06:51 PM

Just click on the link above in my post. Or type this in....http://www.thehobbitfilm.com/

The way I first got to it was to read the "hoax" press release and then click "home" that appears at the bottom of the page.

Gorwingel · 04-02-2004, 09:25 PM

I was fooled!!! Oh, the humanity!

Well it was a good, very realistic joke anyway.

Lobelia · 04-03-2004, 03:09 AM

Mad Baggins, re the fangirls: maybe Thorin isn't utterly sexy, but don't forget that proto-Aragorn Bard the Bowman, not to mention Thranduil who is, after all, Legolas's Dad and is described as having gleaming golden hair under his crown of autmun leaves...

You can't escape the sex symbols THAT easily, I'm afraid.

04-01-2004, 05:16 PM	#1
Child of the 7th Age Spirit of the Lonely Star Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 5,133	Possible April Fool's Joke re the Hobbit I am assuming this is an April Fool's joke?! Very clever.... ************************* This came from : http://www.thehobbitfilm.com/press_release.html PRESS RELEASE "THE HOBBIT" TO BEGIN PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY IN NEW ZEALAND in 2005 New Line Acquires Distribution Rights; Paul Andersson to Direct; McKellan, Serkis to Return (Los Angeles - April 1st 2004) - The Hobbit will begin principal photography in Wellington, New Zealand, in 2005, under the direction sci-fi/fantasy director Paul Andersson, it was jointly announced today by Robert Shay, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of New Line Cinema; Michael Lyne, President and Chief Operating Officer of New Line Cinema; Mark Ordesky, President of Fine Line Features; and Andersson, who is also a writer and producer of the production. Following the unprecedented world-wide success of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, capped by 11 Academy Award(R), acquiring the rights to distribute The Hobbit was of paramount importance to New Line, a division of Time-Warner Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer of New Line Productions Mark Ordesky said: "What Lord of the Rings has proved is that [fantasy] can be synonymous with quality drama and storytelling." The agreement between New Line Cinema, which held film rights to The Hobbit, and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., which possessed the distribution rights, includes share of costs and profits, with New Line Cinema to retain creative control of the project. The distribution rights will be split between the domestic and international markets, with New Line taking the domestic distribution rights and MGM taking the international rights. At the helm of the project is well-known science fiction and fantasy Director Paul Andersson, the young director whose portfolio includes smash successes such as Resident Evil, Event Horizon and Mortal Kombat. After earning critical and commercial acclaim for Event Horizon, Andersson relishes picking up after the success of The Lord of the Rings films and staking a claim in the Tolkien landscape, bringing to life the earliest of J.R.R. Tolkien's novels, The Hobbit. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of New Line Cinema Robert Shay said: "A big reason for the franchise's success has been creative people. Andersson is so passionate about the subject and we feel very confident he can stay loyal to the precedent." Andersson will begin work on the film immediately following the release of Alien vs. Predator, the latest installment of the highly successful Alien series, to be released in August 2004. Based on J.R.R. Tolkien's first novel of Middle Earth, The Hobbit tells the story of Bilbo Baggins and his adventures with alongside a band of dwarves intent on recovering their treasure from the treacherous Dragon, Smaug. Bilbo and the dwarves are accompanied on their journey by the mysterious wizard Gandalf, to be played by a returning Sir Ian McKellan. While in pursuit of the dragon's treasure, Bilbo finds a magical golden ring and runs afoul of the evil Gollum (Andy Serkis). WETA Workshop will return to execute armor, miniatures, creatures and special effects make-up under the direction of supervisor and Academy Award(R) winner Richard Taylor. Michael Lyne, President and Chief Operating Officer of New Line Cinema, said: "The works of Tolkien are among the greatest adventures ever written, and the road to making this film is proving to be a wonderful adventure in its own right. Like Bilbo, the hero of this saga, we're on a film 'quest.' " Andersson said: "My team and I are looking forward to pouring our hearts into The Hobbit, so it's a great thrill to know we will be taking up residence in Middle Earth." Leading the cast will be Sir Ian McKellan, who reprises his role as the wise wizard Gandalf. Sir Ian, who was knighted for his contributions to the performing arts, received an Oscar(R) nomination for his portrayal of Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Equally loved by fantasy fans for his role as Magneto in X-Men and X-2, Sir Ian's screen successes include Emile, Apt Pupil, Scandal, And the Band Played On (Emmy nomination and CableACE Award), Cold Comfort Farm, Rasputin (Golden Globe Award), Richard III, Bent and Swept From the Sea. He has had a stellar career on stage in England and the U.S., and received the Tony Award for his role in Amadeus. Also returning will be Andy Serkis, whose ground-breaking performance brought to life the unimaginable Gollum. Prior to his role in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, Serkis has played a huge range of parts in theatre in London and across the United Kingdom. Recently critically acclaimed roles include Iago in "Othello" (Royal Exchange Theatre); Potts in the original cast of "Mojo" by Jez Butterworth; "King Lear" and "Hush," all for the Royal Court Theatre. Founded in 1967, New Line Cinema is the entertainment industry's leading independent producer and distributor of theatrical motion pictures. New Line licenses its films to ancillary markets including cable and broadcast television as well as to international venues. The company, which is a subsidiary of Time Warner, Inc., operates several divisions including in-house theatrical distribution, marketing, home video, television, acquisitions, production, licensing and merchandising units. __________________ Multitasking women are never too busy to vote. Last edited by Child of the 7th Age; 04-01-2004 at 08:25 PM.

04-01-2004, 06:05 PM	#2
Lord of Angmar Tyrannus Incorporalis Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: the North Posts: 833	It would be nice if it were not an April fools jokes, but I think it is. Under a search of Google news I found no further information, which leads me to suspect that most news corporations know that it is a hoax or at least cannot confirm it. Furthermore, if New Line did finally obtain the rights to The Hobbit, I cannot see them choosing anyone besides Peter Jackson to direct it, even if PJ is currently engrossed in King Kong. __________________ ...where the instrument of intelligence is added to brute power and evil will, mankind is powerless in its own defence.

04-01-2004, 06:22 PM	#4
Mad Baggins Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: A place where after thunder golden showers come falling like a rain of flowers. Posts: 371	I don't know...I read an article that quoted him as saying that he would like to do the Hobbit in 2007, but MGM and New Line are arguing about who could have the rights to the movie, or something like that. That was about a month ago, I'd say. Unfortunately, I can't find the article itself right now but I'll keep looking. [EDIT] I found a different article, although I don't know if it is legit. Ananova __________________ I like buying snacks from a vending machine because food is better when it falls. Sometimes at the grocery, I'll drop a candy bar so that it will achieve its maximum flavor potential. Last edited by Mad Baggins; 04-01-2004 at 06:29 PM.

04-01-2004, 06:43 PM	#5
Lord of Angmar Tyrannus Incorporalis Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: the North Posts: 833	Here is an article from March 7, along the lines of what you are saying, Mad Baggins. __________________ ...where the instrument of intelligence is added to brute power and evil will, mankind is powerless in its own defence.

04-01-2004, 06:59 PM	#6
Mad Baggins Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: A place where after thunder golden showers come falling like a rain of flowers. Posts: 371	Well, then. Perhaps all this information can allow us to get our hopes up about The Hobbit movie! Think about it: at least if it is made there won't be ten thousand fangirls screaming about how utterly sexy Thorin and Bombur are. __________________ I like buying snacks from a vending machine because food is better when it falls. Sometimes at the grocery, I'll drop a candy bar so that it will achieve its maximum flavor potential.

04-01-2004, 06:20 PM	#3
Beth the Elf Pile O'Bones Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 17	I heard of that too from theonering.net. I searched for The Hobbit at imdb.com and it had no results, so I don' think it's true. On the hobbit movie website it said that there was an important announcement coming April 2, so they're probably just going to announce that the whole thing was a joke. too bad though...

04-01-2004, 08:19 PM	#7
Gorwingel Beholder of the Mists Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Somewhere in the Northwest... for now Posts: 1,419	It looks true, but I would highly doubt that it is. Paul Anderson to direct!!!! Where did that come from? And to add I know that Harry Knowles from Ain't it Cool News would have known something about this (he doesn't), and in addition the entertainment publications would be buzzing (they aren't). So by the method of deductive reasoning I am going to make the decision that it is just an April Fool's joke (well I sure hope, no one but PJ should direct The Hobbit in my opinion). __________________ Wanted - Wonderfully witty quote that consists of pure brilliance

04-01-2004, 10:27 PM	#8
Gorwingel Beholder of the Mists Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Somewhere in the Northwest... for now Posts: 1,419	Well TheOneRing.net has just posted that the press release was a hoax TheOneRing.net But surprisingly it wasn't a hoax created by the website. It actually was a hoax created by New Line (I guess that's why the website was so nicely done) Oh, and just to tell everyone there is actually going to be an announcement tomorrow. Could they really be announcing the truth about a possible upcoming Hobbit film? We'll see __________________ Wanted - Wonderfully witty quote that consists of pure brilliance

04-01-2004, 11:00 PM	#9
Saraphim Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: The other side of freezing. Posts: 404	Hey, this is pretty cool if it isn't a joke. I had a pretty sick one played on a close friend today, and I'm not in the mood for more April Fool's "fun". But anyway, I was hoping that PJ would be director, since he did do a good job with LotR. And, I was hoping for Ian Holm to return as Bilbo, but he would be too old for a fifty-year od hobbit, right? __________________ I drink Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters! ~ Always remember: pillage BEFORE you burn.

04-02-2004, 02:39 PM	#10
Jjudvven Wight Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: The Land to the West Posts: 154	NO! When I first read that, I believed it completely, cause I wanted it to be true so bad! then I remembered that it was April Fools Day.... I just totally lost it... so evil. What's wrong with these people!!! I loved the idea of Gandalf and Smeagol being played by the same people.... oh well... I guess it ain't gonna happen... __________________ "I don't know all of you as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you, half as well as you deserve."

04-02-2004, 06:11 PM	#11
Child of the 7th Age Spirit of the Lonely Star Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 5,133	Let the hobbit happen letterwriting campaign The truth comes out.... Here is what is really going on. They are trying to coordinate a letter writing campaign to urge folk to settle things and go ahead with The Hobbit. Click here. __________________ Multitasking women are never too busy to vote.

04-02-2004, 06:39 PM	#12
Mad Baggins Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: A place where after thunder golden showers come falling like a rain of flowers. Posts: 371	Where are you finding this campaign? I can't seem to locate it on that site. __________________ I like buying snacks from a vending machine because food is better when it falls. Sometimes at the grocery, I'll drop a candy bar so that it will achieve its maximum flavor potential.

04-02-2004, 06:51 PM	#13
Child of the 7th Age Spirit of the Lonely Star Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 5,133	Just click on the link above in my post. Or type this in....http://www.thehobbitfilm.com/ The way I first got to it was to read the "hoax" press release and then click "home" that appears at the bottom of the page. __________________ Multitasking women are never too busy to vote.

04-02-2004, 09:25 PM	#14
Gorwingel Beholder of the Mists Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Somewhere in the Northwest... for now Posts: 1,419	I was fooled!!! Oh, the humanity! Well it was a good, very realistic joke anyway. __________________ Wanted - Wonderfully witty quote that consists of pure brilliance

04-03-2004, 03:09 AM	#15
Lobelia Wight Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Australia Posts: 150	Mad Baggins, re the fangirls: maybe Thorin isn't utterly sexy, but don't forget that proto-Aragorn Bard the Bowman, not to mention Thranduil who is, after all, Legolas's Dad and is described as having gleaming golden hair under his crown of autmun leaves... You can't escape the sex symbols THAT easily, I'm afraid.