Submitted by: Kyle Nin (SoSF Staff Reporter)
Amid scores of rumors over the last several months about who New Line would choose to replace Peter Jackson as the next director for the Tolkien prequel to LOTR titled “The Hobbit,” The Los Angeles Times, relying on certain trusted insiders, has decided to throw its hefty weight behind the idea that “Spider Man” director Sam Raimi is New Line’s top choice. This news comes even though New Line claims no direct contract negotiations with Raimi have been concluded. Also, MGM, the ultimate distribution owner of the franchise, has already stated quite adamantly that Peter Jackson is their man for the job and they will not be satisfied or allow for anyone else in that center-seat.
The paper is reporting today that Raimi has been talking to “associates, as well as his corporate masters at Sony” giving the heads-up that he is seriously considering New Line’s offer to helm “The Hobbit” project.
This could quell any “Spider Man 4″ rumors, or at least put them on-hold for the time being. Actors Toby Mcguire and Kirsten Dunst have already indicated their own disinterest in pursuing a fourth film in the web-maker franchise.
Dugg:
http://digg.com/movies/Sam_Raimi_Taking_the_Reigns_of_The_Hobbit
New Line only has one year http://www.sliceofscifi.com/2006/11/28/new-hope-jackson-will-return-for-the-hobbit/
Isn't one year for doing the entire film, beginning to end, a bit short on time?
And isn't Sam Raimi a bit busy? He still needs to do The Wee Free Men and The Shadow.
Yeah V, you're right...there is a lot riding on this and it changes minute to minute. Wouldn't be surprised if MGM wins the gamble on this when push-comes-to-shove and Peter ends up directing it into the history books as another legendary film.....but, only time will tell.
Are you aware that your RSS feed is borked?
Actually, it shouldn't be, as the original news and podcast feeds are looking fine (www.sliceofscifi.com/feed/). So this must be either a problem of feedburner, or the forwarder from index.xml to feedburner to the feed is broken somewhere. Will check this out...
Should be "Raimi taking the reins ... "
Hopefully there is no spiderman 4!
TLOR? It's LOTR - get it right!
Hank, don't be so anal...even the Times publishes with an occasional typo.