Financial troubles at MGM could have threatened the production and release of “The Hobbit.”
And while the films may not be coming as soon as many fans hoped, they will be here sooner than you think.
Warner Bros. is scheduling Peter Jackson and Guillermo del Toro’s two-part adaptation of “The Hobbit” for December 2012 and December 2013.
A confusion over release dates surfaced earlier today when Imax announced an overall, 20-film, three-year deal with Warners. In outlining which films would be included, Imax incorrectly gave 2013 as the release date for the first “Hobbit” movie.
But 2013 is two years later than the 2011 release date that New Line and MGM targeted for the first installment when the two companies originally announced the movies in December 2007.
However, 2011 proved not to be a realistic date and instead served more as a guideline, according to insiders, because when it was first announced, no scripts were written, nor schedules or budgets drawn up.
While the project is taking a bit longer than the filmmakers anticipated, it is now on track for 2012 — rather than the 2013 date mentioned in the Imax release.
The second movie’s script was turned in to the studio a couple of weeks ago, and all parties are starting to break down the costs for the movies now.
Locutus says
Please don’t be in 3-D – Please don’t be in 3-D – Please don’t be in 3-D …
AndyMac says
Locutus, thanks for that nightmare scenario being implanted in my tiny brain. I hadn’t even considered they would frell this up with 3D…
Brian in South St Louis says
Please tell me they are close to casting Bilbo, cus the suspense is killing me…and if you really want to make me happy, tell me that Martin Freeman got the job. He’d be perfect.
KG from DC says
Those New Zealand landscapes? This DEMANDS to be seen in 3D and would be shocked and dissappointed if it isn’t at least an option.
AndyMac says
I’m sorry. Did I miss something? Is the hobbit a documentary about New Zealand? If not it doesn’t need to be in 3D simply to show off the scenery in New Zealand.