After settling a lawsuit with Peter Jackson on “The Lord of the Rings,” New Line co-chairmen/co-CEOs Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne announced jointly with MGM chairman Harry Sloan that the way is clear to turn J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Hobbit” into two live-action films.
The resolution clears the way for “Spider-Man” helmer Sam Raimi to direct. While Shaye said no creative alignments have yet been made, Raimi has long been interested — as long as Jackson was involved or gave his blessing.
The studios hope to start production in 2009, shooting two films simultaneously and releasing them in December 2010 and December 2011. New Line will run production and distribute domestically, while MGM will release internationally. The studios will co-finance the films.
Jackson’s Kiwi stages, post-production and visual effects facilities — which he built to accommodate “LOTR” — likely will be used to mount “The Hobbit.” And New Zealand once again will be used as the visual backdrop for Middle-earth, this time to tell the story of how Frodo’s uncle, Bilbo Baggins, ventured from the Shire and wound up taking the Ring of Power from Gollum.
If they do half as good a job as Peter Jackson and crew did with LOTR, I’ll be watching.