The LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy is a fantastic set of films. All three were magical and riveting, complete with dazzling effects and battles. This is why I, along with many others, was completely disheartened to hear that the man who brought the books to life on screen, Peter Jackson, was no longer on board for the prequel, THE HOBBIT. But cries of celebration were heard worldwide when it was announced that the skillful filmmaker Guillermo del Toro (PAN’S LABYRINTH, HELLBOY) would be taking over (I about punched my friend in the teeth when he told me this past weekend that he thought del Toro might not be good enough to make this film). I know del Toro will prove all naysayers wrong in his two-part adaptation of THE HOBBIT. Here’s G4’s summary of what Guillermo del Toro revealed in a talk on BBC radio:

“Firstly, del Toro had what could be considered somewhat of a casting scoop. (Even though we’ve pretty much carried on the past years “knowing” it was going to happen). Andy Serkis will return as Gollum, Ian McKellen will return as Gandalf, and Hugo Weaving will return as Elrond, all reprising their LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy roles. Again, most any given fan would likely have never even thought that they would NOT return. However, it’s still a warm and fuzzy feeling to at least get that little bit of news, straight from the horse’s mouth.

Secondly, the film will take some liberties with sub-plot material that is briefly discussed in the book. Most notably among this, is Gandalf’s departure from Bilbo and the Dwarves to confer with The White Council in Dol Guldur on dealing with an entity called the Necromancer (which later turns out to be Sauron himself). We’ve always suspected this based on some statements, but this time, the intention to document Gandalf’s quest (which is not covered greatly in the book) was articulated clearly. This is an excellent move, and should make the “HOBBIT to LORD OF THE RINGS” transition seem all the more smooth. Hopefully, it will be done in such a way that even casual audiences will be able to make the connection.

Finally, regarding Smaug the Dragon, del Toro revealed that after eight whole months of design work, they have only just “cracked the basic engineering.” It is anticipated that another six or seven months of application will be needed before the great flying, fire-breathing, gold smuggler will be in any kind of presentable form.”

THE HOBBIT is going to blow audience’s minds (that includes you, my dear friend). Theater janitors are going to have their hands full, wiping their movie screens clean from all the brain matter in order to get the room ready for the next round of literal brain-busters. Guillermo del Toro is one of the greatest filmmakers around today, and there is no doubt in my mind that he will do more than give this classic prequel-of-a-book justice. He will take the LOTR universe to the next level. December of 2011 is the planned release date for THE HOBBIT, and it cannot come soon enough.

Source: G4