In a post on his official website, actor Ian McKellen confirmed that the long-gestating Hobbit project will begin shooting this July in New Zealand, with two films planned. “Filming will take over a year,” says the announcement, which confirms that McKellen will reprise his role as the wizard Gandalf. “Casting in Los Angeles, New York City and London has started. The script too proceeds. The first draft is crammed with old and new friends, again on a quest in Middle Earth. The director Guillermo del Toro is now living in Wellington, close to the Jacksons’ and the studio in Miramar.”
Mar 18
2010
09:05 AM ET
Ian McKellen: 'Hobbit' begins shooting in July
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Hooray!!!! I guess that means Ian McKellan will be playing Gandalf after all- even though he had said he wouldn’t do it if Peter Jackson isn’t directing. Still not 100% happy about that, but here’s to Guillermo continuing PJ’s vision!
Given that the Hobbit has a completely different tone than LOTR, a directorial change would be good. And surely as exec producer, Jackson will still have some input.
McKellen said he wouldn’t do it if Peter Jackson was shut out of the process…which looked like a possibility when lawsuits were filing. But I think he’s been loosely attached ever since Jackson announced he was e.p. and del Toro was attached.
Adam, you spelt his name wrong. No “a” in the last name at all.
Seriously- Who gives spelling advice and misspells “spelled”?
LOL! Oh relax! Geez!
“spelt”, while archaic and infrequently used, is still a legitimate word to use for the past tense of spell.
your a douche bag…..did i spell that right?
LOL! XD
you mean “you’re”, right?
Fantastic news!
W00t!!!!!
I’m so excited, and I just can’t hide it!
Ah you read these comments!!! Thanks for changing the spelling! Love Ian and it’s always spelled wrong, lol
Well, Sir Ian won’t need to wear as much makeup to look like an elderly wizard as before. He’s really a wonderful actor, and I can hardly wait the see “The Hobbit.” I hope they do a good job with Smaug.
I am sure del Toro will make him over the top and amazing!
So will Andy Serkis be reprising the role of Gollum?
Yes
I would assume Andy will. And no one can do a better job at Gandalf than Ian. I’m glad he’s still on board. Hell, I hate the fact that Peter Jackson doesn’t get to direct his masterpiece, but I’m still glad that he gets to be a part of it.
really hoping James McAvoy gets the job as Bilbo
i heard Jim Sturgess is in the running also…..either of them would be great i think
YES!!!!!!
Yaaaaaaay!!!!!
I wonder where they’re splitting it to make two movies.
Don’t you mean “spilting” it?
I always heard that the first movie of the Hobbit will be the adaptation of the book. The second film is suppose to be a story linking the films from the end of the Hobbit to the beginning of LOTR. Kind of like fan fiction as to what was going on in middle earth that time frame. Should be interesting. I am very excited about this!!!
The time period between The Hobbit and LOTR is well documented in Tolkien’s notes. It won’t be like fan fiction at all. There is definitely enough material there to make a whole movie.
Two movies. Sheesh. I’ve been disgusted ever since I heard about this.
I’d like to see you make this into one movie then.
The hobbit is 300 pages long.
YAY!!!!
So does this mean they’ve chosen Bilbo?