The prequels to the colossal Lord of the Rings Trilogy have been delayed… again. Despite Gandalf (sometimes known as Sir Ian McKellen) claiming that filming on the two-parter would begin in July, it would now appear that production is due to commence at the end of the year.
Based on J.R.R.Tolkien’s first foray into Middle-earth, the story follows a young Bilbo Baggins as he embarks on a perilous adventure with a band of Dwarves and the ever-wise Gandalf the Grey (you know, before he sold out and went all White wizard on everybody). In their journey the group face off against man-eating trolls, gigantic talking spiders, grisly goblins, and of course who could forget that strange talking, odd walking creature Gollum. We must not forgets him.
If reports are to be believed, then the delay of the films is down to MGM’s financial troubles amidst the current economic climate. The studio has recently gone under auction but has not yet accepted a bid, including a $1.4 billion offer from Lions Gate Entertainment. And you thought the recession was bothersome when you had to pay three pence more for your loaf of bread?
The fantasy epics are to be headed by meticulous director Guillermo Del Toro, the man who gave us the surprisingly good Hellboy and the not-so-surprisingly fantastic Pan’s Labyrinth. Peter Jackson, who made the L.O.T.R trilogy a worldwide sensation at both the box office and award ceremonies, is signed on to produce the movies. Both men have helped pen the scripts.
The first instalment of The Hobbit is set to release in December of next year, but I wouldn’t hold my breath…
