"The Hobbit" Gets A Director: Guillermo del Toro

April 24, 2008 10:45 PM EST |

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In this Dec. 11, 2006 file photo, Film director Guillermo del Toro gestures during an interview in Washington. Del Toro is directing "The Hobbit" and its sequel. New Line Cinema announced Thursday that the 43-year-old filmmaker will move to New Zealand for four years to work with executive producer Peter Jackson and his production teams. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

LOS ANGELES — Guillermo del Toro is directing "The Hobbit" and its sequel, New Line Cinema announced Thursday. The 43-year-old filmmaker will move to New Zealand for four years to make the films back-to-back with executive producer Peter Jackson.

Del Toro wrote and directed "Pan's Labyrinth," which earned six Oscar nominations in 2006 and won three awards. He is also the director of the upcoming sequel "Hellboy II: The Golden Army," whose monsters bear the unmistakeable surreal vision of the Mexican-born filmmaker.

"I am indeed blessed to become a part of the filmmaking community that Peter, Fran and their extraordinary team of collaborators have created in New Zealand," del Toro said in a statement. "Contributing to the 'Lord of the Rings' legacy is an absolute dream come true."

Jackson and Walsh called del Toro "a cinematic magician who has never lost his childlike sense of wonder."

"We have long admired Guillermo's work and cannot think of a more inspired filmmaker to take the journey back to Middle-Earth," they said in a statement.

Jackson co-wrote, co-produced and directed the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, which won 17 Oscar and 30 nominations.

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Please note that this version DELETES INCORRECT reference to second movie spanning time between "Hobbit" and "Rings"; New Line now says movies are based on book only.

- onceler See Profile I'm a Fan of onceler

this is very exciting. the best choice I could imagine for the job. mmm.

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 01:25 AM on 04/27/2008

- mamacat See Profile I'm a Fan of mamacat

Should be a cinematic masterpiece. One complaint: work faster!

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 05:38 AM on 04/26/2008

- bugsbonzai See Profile I'm a Fan of bugsbonzai

Why do the directors who direct hobbits always look like big furry hobbits themselves?

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 04:14 PM on 04/25/2008

- lowry99 See Profile I'm a Fan of lowry99

this is old news.

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:41 AM on 04/25/2008

- MKJeeves See Profile I'm a Fan of MKJeeves

Just hope they use this theme song:
http://preview.tinyurl.com/9uotf

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 09:35 AM on 04/25/2008

- Nativson See Profile I'm a Fan of Nativson

Ian McKellen as Gandalf, most definitely. Bilbo was a relatively young man in The Hobbit, they would need a much younger actor.
Yeah, the two movies is their money maker. I just hope they don't draw it out too much.

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 09:15 AM on 04/25/2008

- SaskiaStars See Profile I'm a Fan of SaskiaStars

Can't wait!!!

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 08:54 AM on 04/25/2008

- PieInTheSky See Profile I'm a Fan of PieInTheSky

Cooooooooooooooooool !!!!!! Now bring back Ian McKellen as Gandalf and Ian Holmes and Bilbo Baggins.

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 03:04 AM on 04/25/2008

- Rockwell See Profile I'm a Fan of Rockwell

Del Toro - Awesome
McKellan - Defininitely!!
Holmes - love him but he's much too old for this part. Bilbo was young in The Hobbit. This needs a new player with the Holmes excentric touch.

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 07:34 AM on 04/25/2008

- stsparky See Profile I'm a Fan of stsparky

I'd love it if he finishes "The Return of the King" as per the book.

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:45 AM on 04/25/2008

- magneato See Profile I'm a Fan of magneato

Nice thought, but they killed Saruman off in the extended ROTK.

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 08:58 AM on 04/28/2008

- heretical_eggs See Profile I'm a Fan of heretical_eggs

What? That movie is done. Frankly, the Scouring of the Shire would not have worked in the movie in my opinion. It would have belabored the myopic young audience members with too much darkness. Plus it would have made the movie entirely TOO long. Sure it was an integral part of the book, but it had to go.

I am sort of bemused over the Hobbit being cut into two films. It can be made in one very long but satisfying movie. Two films is simply a money making enterprise. Oh well, whatever, I just hope they reprise Sir Ian in his role as Gandalf. Ian Holmes has aged too much since LoTR was filmed. Another person will be needed to be found to play Bilbo.

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 05:48 AM on 04/25/2008

- onceler See Profile I'm a Fan of onceler

well, it kinda does leave an opening for a new...something, if someone wants to make a serious creative leap and try to expand on that story in some way...which is kind of heretical, but maybe worth considering

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 01:27 AM on 04/27/2008

- gomonkeygo See Profile I'm a Fan of gomonkeygo

They could easily use Holmes as older Bilbo at the end, puffing contentedly on his pipe, furry feet crossed, the book of his adventure on his lap...

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 08:52 AM on 04/25/2008

- heretical_eggs See Profile I'm a Fan of heretical_eggs

Indeed, that would be a great idea. Ian Holmes could have easily played Bilbo back when LoTR was filmed. Bilbo was NOT a young Hobbit when he went on his adventure. I believe according to the story he was like 53 years old...which was sort of middle aged for Hobbits. However, I regret that the actor may not be young enough now to fill that roll. BUT YES, as a remembrance as you suggest, that would be fantastic.

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 02:44 AM on 04/26/2008