scott’s spot

So, the whole pissing contest between Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema had me (and millions of other fans) biting my nails about the fate of the new movie adaptations of Tolkien works, The Hobbit, and a movie comprised of material compile from the additional external writings regarding Middle Earth.

For those who don’t remember (or know), Jackson, and his company Wingnut Films were demanding an audit of New Line’s books, claiming New Line failed to pay them previously specified monies relating the money The Lord of the Rings made.

New Line responded by giving Jackson and Co. the finger, saying they would never work or deal with Jackson again, as it related to additional movie based on Tolkien’s writings.

Thus the pissing contest ensued.

Peter Jackson cut out of The Hobbit? Say ti ain’t so. Say that New Line was really so stupid as to freeze out of the production the man (and his team) that made New Line a (pardon my French) fuck-load of money. Not to mention double digit Academy Awards, including Best Picture for the final installment, The Return of the King. Tell me New Line was that prideful that they couldn’t work it out.

Apparently not. They made a decision to reach out to Jackson, who reached out in turn. Together they came to an agreement that Jackson would produce the new films.

But who would be the direct???

Apparently they have made a choice, and, in my opinion, the choice is a great one. Guilermo del Toro has been tapped to direct the next two movies. For those who don’t know him, he’s directed Hellboy and Pan’s Labyrinth. Visually, it’s a nice and bold style that should fit right in with Jackson’s own style. But also, he’s done big budget (Hellboy, and soon-to-be-released Hell boy 2), and he’s done fantasy (Pan’s Labyrinth). In addition, in this interview, he’s clearly on board with keeping up continuity.

I was worried when I heard Jackson wasn’t going to be directly. I’m not worried any longer.