Doug Jones To Play Elven King In The Hobbit?
It is common for directors to cast their actor friends in their movies. Peter Jackson has Andy Serkis, Tim Burton has Johnny Depp and Guillermo del Toro has Doug Jones, so it is no surprise to here that del Toro is looking for a role Doug would be well suited for in The Hobbit.
“There’s been lots of speculation. I wouldn’t want to ruin anything. Guillermo creates things with me in mind and he’s got a better image of what I can do than I do,” the man otherwise known as the Silver Surfer and Abe Sapien told MTV News, a wicked and knowing smile across his face. “However, there might be an elf king, father of Legolas kind of character that I would love.”
That would be King Thranduil, king of the Silvan elves in the northern part of Mirkwood, where Bilbo and his company of dwarves spent a large portion of their time towards the end of the novel. Known simply as the ElvenKing throughout “The Hobbit,” Thranduil gets into it pretty fiercely with Thorin over the Arkenstone, a fight that isn’t resolved until, well, until his son Legolas and Gloin’s son Gimli become friends during the events of “Lord of the Rings.”
I’m pretty sure everyone knows that the script for The Hobbit hasn’t even been written yet, so nothing is certain. However, the doesn’t stop people from talking about things.
Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis in Talks for The Hobbit
Guillermo del Toro will enter pre-production on the two-film big screen adaptation of The Hobbit after Hellboy II: The Golden Army hits theaters in July. Variety reports that Warner Bros has already had “preliminary contact” with three actors from Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy about reprising their roles for the upcoming prequels:
- Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn)
- Ian McKellen (Gandalf)
- Andy Serkis (Gollum).
Guillermo promises that he is doing everything in his power to bring all the original team back.
“We will all be involved in the script in some fashion but the exact definition is about a week away,” del Toro told the trades. “I am all for keeping the actors who originated the parts, as much as availability and their willingness will allow.”
Basically, del Toro knows he needs to please the fans, first and foremost. It should be noted that on May 24th, WETA will be hosting a one-hour live online chat with Jackson and del Toro to answer the 20 most asked fan questions/concerns. Smart move.
Previously
Serkis lists The Hobbit on his upcoming production calendar on his official website and last month McKellen confirmed to Empire Magazine that he will return.
“Yes, it’s true. I spoke to Guillermo in the very room that Peter Jackson offered me the part, and he confirmed that I would be reprising the role. Obviously, it’s not a part that you turn down; I loved playing Gandalf.”
No word on Ian Holm who played an older Bilbo Baggins in Fellowship, will likely be recast as he is getting too old (76) to play the part.
Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson to Co-Direct Third TinTin Movie?
Steven Spielberg has confirmed that the current plan is to co-direct the third TinTin movie with Peter Jackson.
“We are going to make three Tintin movies back-to-back. I’ll direct the first one, Peter will direct the second one. We’ll probably co-direct the third one.”
The first movie in the performance capture series is scheduled to begin production in September with Speilberg in the directors chair. Jackson will helm the second film in the series. Based on the classic comic-strip, Tintin follows the adventures of a junior reporter and his faithful dog Snowy. Jackson regular Andy Serkis (you know, the guy behind the characters of Golumn and King Kong) is signed on to play Captain Haddock. The first film is tentatively scheduled to hit theaters in 2009.
source: stuff.co.uk
Thomas Sangster Cast as TinTin in Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson’s Tintin?
According to the Daily Mail, rather accomplished 17-year-old British actor Thomas Sangster, whose credits include Love Actually, Nanny McPhee and appearances on the UK’s Doctor Who, is nearly a lock for the lead title role in the 3D motion-capture trilogy Tintin from Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson. Kid’s last name is pretty cool and, if the rumor proves true, will compliment the oncoming fame and boatloads of dough.
Earlier this month, actor Andy Serkis, who will portray Captain Haddock in the films, dished that Spielberg’s installment will go first in September for a 2009 release, presumably followed by Jackson’s and then another sequel presumably from a top tier and still unchosen director.
Based on the decades old children’s comic created by the late, singular-named Belgian artist Hergé, the title character is a young, somewhat aloof investigative reporter whose sidekicks are an affable, liquor-loving terrier named Snowy and one very pronounced wave of a cowlick. Together they solve mysteries and avoid close calls. Tintin’s friend, Captain Haddock, is a brawny sailor with a penchant for alcohol and wisecracks.