The Hollywood Reporter reveals that sources close to the production of
The Hobbit have told them that the two-film adaptation of the J.R.R. Tolkien story is indeed set to be turned into a trilogy. There was talk of this during the San Diego Comic-Con a few weeks ago, although nothing more came of it and it was dismissed as little more than a rumour. However, discussions are now ongoing between Warner Bros. and director Peter Jackson, producer Fran Walsh and writer-producer Philippa Boyens as they attempt to work out the logistics of how another film would work (for example, signing new deals with the cast members). If a third instalment is made, it would require additional shooting in New Zealand next summer.
"If we’re going to do it, we have to make a decision soon. It’s strongly driven by the filmmakers’ desire to tell more of the story," the source tells the site.
"It’s about taking the chance to tell more of the incredible tale with the cast we have assembled." Stretching the story out into three movies certainly makes sense for the studio as it obviously increases their revenue. Do you think turning
The Hobbit into a trilogy is the right idea? Sound off with your thoughts in the usual place!
The adventure follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers.
Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever…Gollum.
Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s "precious" ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities … A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.
STARRING:
Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins
Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey
Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield
Andy Serkis as Gollum
Hugo Weaving as Elrond
Benedict Cumberbatch as Smaug
Luke Evans as Bard the Bowman
Christopher Lee as Saruman the White
Cate Blanchett as Galadriel
Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins
Orlando Bloom as Legolas
RELEASE DATE: December 14th, 2012.