Everyone has known for months now that Guillermo del Toro was the director chosen by the powers that be to direct both The Hobbit and the sequel (a new concept film that will take place during the 60 year period between the end of The Hobbit and the events at the begining of The Fellowship of the Ring), but there came word some time ago that it wasn’t 100% official since they were having some problems coming to terms on a deal to lock the director up. Well, it appears those hurdles have been crossed.
It was announced Thursday by Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, New Line president Toby Emmerich, and Mary Parent that Del Toro has indeed signed on, and will move to New Zeland for the next 4 years to work on the two films for a 2010 and 2011 release dates respectively. We can all breath a sigh of relief now… The Hobbit is in good hands.
NOW HERE’S A BIG QUESTION:
How much control will Guillermo del Toro have? I’ll be willing to bet this was one of the big issues delaying the official announcement of his agreeing to direct the projects. Peter Jackson helmed The Lord of the Rings… will he allow del Toro (a better director over all in my opinion… although both are insanely gifted) the freedom to make these films as he sees fit with modestly limited interference? Clearly del Toro should listen to the studio and to Jackson in particular… but these are HIS movies now, not Jacksons, and for the most part he needs to be the man in charge now. Will they let that happen?
What do you think? Will Jackson stay out of Del Toro’s way and support him or do you think there could be a power struggle? (Personally, I think the two will work just fine together… but I still think the delay was partially due to Del Toro wanting to contractually make sure he wouldn’t get walked over).
