We don't usually write these things until they are 100%, set-in-stone facts, but this story just seems too good to wait. Earlier this week, it was announced that Guillermo del Toro, whose Pan's Labyrinth both frightened and moved audiences in 2006, is in talks to direct The Hobbit and its sequel. A film clip translated by fansite TheOneRing.net then announced that Toro had moved beyond that phase, saying, "Today it is our pleasure to announce something that everyone was hoping for, Guillermo will direct The Hobbit." Fanboys worldwide, commence rejoicing.
Toro's name had been previously thrown around, as well as Sam Raimi and Toro's friend Alfonso Cuaron, but up until now nothing had been made official. Granted, it still technically isn't, but the facts are coming closer to fruition. According to "an insider" who spoke with TheOneRing.net, things are 99% done and it's just the actual contract signing that's being delayed by the WGA strike.
As previously reported, Peter Jackson will be producing the two films, which cover The Hobbit and the time leading up to the Lord of the Rings series. Toro, in fact, spoke with Jackson previously and said, ”I met Peter and Fran [Walsh, Jackson's wife] when we were trying to do Halo. I think what they’re doing in New Zealand is amazing. What they’re doing, in terms of the way they approach filmmaking — the way I see it is, it’s Hollywood the way God intended it." With Toro and Jackson working together on The Hobbit, it sounds like it'll be Tolkien adapted the way God intended it as well.
Related links:
Paste: Jackson producing District 9
Guillermo del Toro on IMDB
TheOneRing.net fansite
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