Trying to make The Hobbit is turning into a quest almost as tough as getting the One Ring to Mordor, but it appears to be officially closer to happening, with Peter Jackson reportedly signing his deal to produce and direct the movies. The Wrap also says that the movies are now greenlit and they’ll start shooting in February.
One word of warning though, while all seems to be well, there’s are still issues to be sorted. Indeed, while The LA Times agrees about Jackson’s deal and the plan to shoot in February, they suggest the definite greenlight is on hold, pending resolution of labour disputes with the actors’ unions, and also final sorting out of MGM’s part in the movie.
The presumption is that with MGM now moving towards a merger with Spyglass and/or Lionsgate, things should be sorted out enough by February to allow The Hobbit to shoot, but there still seem to be nagging doubts about where the cash-strapped studio will get its half of the production budget.
However while there may be issues to iron out, things certainly seems to be moving forward. Of course, that’s led to new casting rumours, with Deadline reporting that despite reports he passed on the role (largely because of shooting conflicts with series 2 of Sherlock), Martin Freeman is still favourite to play Bilbo, while Michael Fassbender and David Tennant are being pursued for roles as well. James Nesbitt’s name is also being tossed around for Bofur, one of three dwarfs who accompany Bilbo on his quest.
The first of the two Hobbit movies will hit cinemas December 2012, and the second coming a year later. Both will be in 3D.