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Guillermo Del Toro Officially Signs on to Direct The Hobbit

Source:  Variety, Stuff.co.nz
Movie PictureIt is finally official: The Hobbit has a director. According to Variety, director Guillermo del Toro has officially signed on as the director of The Hobbit and The Hobbit Sequel.

Del Toro said he was moving to New Zealand for four years to work with Peter Jackson and his Wingnut Films and Weta brands. Both films will be shot back-to-back and will also be filmed in New Zealand, like Jackson's The Lord Of The Rings films.

A script hasn't been written yet, but it is believed that the The Lord Of The Rings team of Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens will all write the script alongside del Toro.

Stuff.co.nz also had this to say:

The official announcement was made in Hollywood by Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson - who will co-produce The Hobbit - fellow producer Fran Walsh, and executives from New Line Cinema and MGM.

Jackson and Walsh said del Toro was "a genuine storyteller" of outstanding ability.

"A true original, Guillermo is a cinematic magician who has never lost his child-like sense of wonder. He understands that the fantastic must be grounded in the real and that all stories are only ever a reflection of ourselves," say Jackson and Walsh.

"We have long admired Guillermo's work and cannot think of a more inspired filmmaker to take the journey back to Middle-earth. We are delighted 'The Hobbit' is in such trustworthy hands."


It appears that, with the four years del Toro committed to this film, that these films might be aimed at release in late 2011 and 2012, respectively.


Page: of 2 Total Pages

46 Comments


May 3rd, 2008 2:53am
Not sure about that Nateman. Sure PJ did an astounding job, but if he's not going to direct it, then somone else should (and is). It would be nearly a crime to let this great story to not be converted to film form. It'll still be fantastic, I'm absolutely sure of that.
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April 29th, 2008 10:03am
truly awesome!
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April 28th, 2008 12:53pm
At least they got the some of the most important people back
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April 28th, 2008 11:41am
If Peter Jackson is going to be so heavily involved in the movie, then why the hell doesn't he just direct it??? Don't get me wrong, I love DelToro. He's an amazing filmmaker, but when it comes to making a another Lord of the Rings movie based off the first three, it's gotta be Peter Jackson, or nobody.
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April 28th, 2008 11:29am
Read The Hobbit first too. Even just by reading one of his books, Tolkien can create a great atmosphere with his descriptiveness. And The Hobbit purveys a different kind of atmosphere to LOTR I think. This movie should be fantastic, but it could be more different from LOTR than people who haven't read the books think, no matter who directs it.
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April 27th, 2008 6:32pm
I cant wait I love the Hobbit! dwarves and the battle of the five armeis, Smaug cant wait. I liked the Hobbit more than LOTR I know its odd, but I read The Hobbit first so yeah probably why. Im drunk and typing rambles sorry.....
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April 27th, 2008 2:08pm
this picture looks like micheal moore posing with page mccdonnell from phish. or any member of phish for that matter.
  (Delete)
April 27th, 2008 9:34am
IF MY SOURCES ARE RIGHT, THE SECOND FILM WILL BE ABOUT THE TIME BETWEEN THE HOBBIT & THE LOTR.
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April 27th, 2008 6:47am
Wonder what it means by Hobbit Sequel too. Are they cutting the story of The Hobbit in half? Or is it just a non_Tolkien story, presumably set after the Battle of the 5 Armies but before LOTR?
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April 26th, 2008 11:50pm
Hey MovieWebers. this is HarryPatch. if you know me already, stop by my profile and post a comment. if you dont know me, add me as a friend
  (Delete)
April 26th, 2008 11:49pm
hell, i dont know if it'll be good
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April 26th, 2008 7:32pm
it looks like pj is pissed that hes not making it lol
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April 26th, 2008 12:28pm
I agree Sirmetro. Wonder if they'll follow a similar style to LOTR. I should imagine so. More of the same is good in this instance. Really looking forward to this. Pity it's a long way off. Roll on 2011.
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April 26th, 2008 8:28am
I love that picture! Can't wait to follow up on this genius collaboration throughout the years!

And OMG cannot wait to see Flies and Spiders come to life! Especially with Del Toro's vision @_@
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April 26th, 2008 6:04am
That's a great team to be making movies together.There the new Spielburg and Lucus
  (Delete)
April 26th, 2008 4:41am
I don't give the slightest shit who fuckin directs this movie.All I want is for the person to give us quality stuff.
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April 26th, 2008 2:53am
Not being one of those fans who worships at the church of Peter Jackson, i'm happy for whoever to direct it and i thought del Toro did an excellent job with both Hellboy and Pan's Labyrinth...go Guillermo u good thing!
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April 26th, 2008 1:15am
Excellent...I smell Halo not far away from this team. Hmmmm...Hobbits and Halos...my favorite...hey, that would make for an awesome breakfast cereal!
  (Delete)
April 25th, 2008 10:46pm
Here! Here!
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April 25th, 2008 9:43pm
We are so freakin fortunate to have Guillermo directing and Jackson producing. Two of the most innovative/creative minds in film working together on one project.
Think about how terrible it would be had the rumors been true and Raimi got the job. It was looking like that was going to be the case for a while. Thank god that hack didn't get his hands on Tolkien's work.

I simply cannot wait for the Battle of the Five Armies, Smaug and the bringing to life of all these classic characters! The Hobbit is going to kick ass!

P.S. Look at that picture of these two guys....fuckin quality!
  (Delete)
April 25th, 2008 3:49pm
2 peas's in a pod, this is going to kick soo much azzz!
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April 25th, 2008 1:11pm
awesome!
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April 25th, 2008 12:59pm
This is going to be so aswome when it comes out. cant wait to see how the battle of the 5 armys and smaug turns out.
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April 25th, 2008 12:29pm
Great news.
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April 25th, 2008 11:38am
The collective effort of 2 of the best storytellers is a dream come true. I can't wait!
  (Delete)
April 25th, 2008 11:21am
about time it became official, this is very good news indeed.
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April 25th, 2008 10:00am
Del toro is one of the best director's around, this is very good news.
  (Delete)
April 25th, 2008 9:00am
Best news of the week.
  (Delete)
April 25th, 2008 8:36am
Peter Jackson and Guillermo del Toro is going to working together awesome. This movie is going to be a great. Can't wait to see this movie.
  (Delete)
April 25th, 2008 6:35am
Jackson or Del Toro, it's gonna turn out great!!!
  (Delete)
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