This morning, just 24 hours after New Line and MGM announced that Peter Jackson will executive-produce The Hobbit and its sequel, EW met with Guillermo del Toro, the Oscar-nominated director of Pan’s Labyrinth, who is rumored to be a possible contender for taking the helm. Del Toro flew into New York from London (where he’s in post-production on next year’s Hellboy II) to do press for the Spanish ghost movie he exec-produced, The Orphanage. He gamely answered our Middle Earth queries.
EW: There’s been so much speculation about who will direct these movies. Have you been approached?
GUILLERMO DEL TORO: You know, I think I’ve been abroad too long. I’ve heard some rumblings, but nothing official. I don’t want to think about it because it’s such an eventuality. It’s the only Tolkien book I read. I tried my best to read Lord of the Rings, the trilogy. I could not. I could not. They were very dense. And then one day, I bought The Hobbit. I read it and I loved it. So it would be a privilege. But listen, I wish I knew. At this stage, after Hellboy II, I’m unemployed. [Laughs]
So when you hear about the project and your possible involvement, your reaction isn’t: "Oh no way!"
No, no, no, not at all. I do get those reactions on other things. Many things where people say, "Well, what about you for this?" And I go, "No, that’s not a good match." But I met Peter and Fran [Walsh, Jackson's life/creative partner] when we were trying to do Halo. I think what they’re doing in New Zealand is amazing. What they’re doing, in terms of the way they approach filmmaking — the way I see it is, it’s Hollywood the way God intended it. Because it’s a filmmaker’s dream and a filmmaker’s facility. So it’s heaven. The question is: Will I go to heaven? I have no idea.
The idea of you and Peter Jackson working together is enough to make every geek’s head explode.
It would make my head explode! But you know, I think it’s an eventuality. I would love to, but as my agent says, "You’re currently unemployed." [Laughs]
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That would be intense.
Wow, this really needs to happen! Peter and Guillermo for the Hobbit!!
Wow, this really needs to happen! Peter and Guillermo for the Hobbit!!
I’m not a geek, but after seen Pan’s Labyrinth and being a huge LOTR fan. The idea of a Jackson/Del Toro pairing is indeed blowing my mind!
I wasn’t big fan of Pan’s Labyrinth. How about Alfonso Cuarón? I like his stuff far better. Y Tu Mama Tambien, Harry Potter 3 and Children of Men rocked.
There is no way that would happen. C’mon.
Peter Jackson will direct himself. But by all means, keep building the hype guys!!
Read more here: http://www.marketsaw.com
3D Movies & Technology – yep – The Hobbit will be in 3D!
This geek’s head is ready to explode. I’m disappointed that Peter/Fran/Philippa won’t be doing these movies, but the prospect of del Toro really excites me.
Del Toro would be great! As would Cuaron. As would Weir. And Scott. And Raimi. And some guy named Peter Jackson.
Reply to Jim Dorey:
Jackson is producing both District 9 and the HALO film, so why can’t he just Exec Produce this film? I mean, as much as he loved the Middle Earth Universe, do you really think he wants to repeat himself? Anyway, I think Del Toro is an inspired choice to helm this project. If not, Cuaron would be fantastic as well, if he cares about the source material.
Ya I could go with this also they’d be good together to create the hobbit
Pan’s Labyrinth was harsh, but INCREDIBLE. Add in that we’ve got PJ to (HOPEFULLY) keep the same location, costumes, looks, etc. as LotR? Well… it’s the next best thing to PJ doing everything.
folks, over at rotten tomatoes they are saying jackson will be the executive producer of The Hobbit, and they are hinting strongly that Sam Raimi will direct.
*guh* that would be awesome. Thanks for hopping on that interview, EW!
He was said to be found at a millionaire&celebs club “MEET RICH DCOM” not long before, and he was hot there.Quite a few girls and ladies wrote to him.OMG!
i don’t think it would be that different than if jackson directed it himself. although, i hope they stick with the book as much as possible. the book is very light-hearted, much more than the lotr trilogy. can del toro pull this off? his films seem to be pretty dark.
I’m a huge del Toro fan after Pan’s Labyrinth. I was disappointed after I saw I Am Legend to learn that he was supposed to be the director but had to drop out. It could have been so much better (it was good though!)
Now, DT for The Hobbit would TOTALLY make it up to me. That could be cinimatic genius/devine.
Rotten Tomatoes—that fine pillar of journalistic excellence.
lol my thoughts exactly about tolkien, guillermo.
Last time I watched Pan’s Labyrinth I said if Jackson didn’t direct The Hobbit then Guillermo ought to. I wouldn’t mind Cuaron either.
if he had actually read lotr, i’d be on board….i think he needs to have a better understanding of lotr to see how the hobbit fits to make it work…
THIS GEEK SHOULD NOT DIRECT AND PETER OR FRAN OR PHILIPPIA SHOULD
THIS GEEK SHOULD NOT DIRECT AND PETER OR FRAN OR PHILIPPIA SHOULD
“Evil Dead” is a great film: fun rebel film-making. I liked Raimi I really did – then along came a “Spiderman”… If The Mighty Kiwi can’t do it, I say give the Mexicans a go!
As Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh are executive-producing the films i think that Guillermo del Toro should be ok because they are always consulting among each-other!
I THINK HE SHOULD DIRECT THE HOBBIT!
I THINK HE SHOULD DIRECT THE HOBBIT!
IF NOT PETER THAN DELTORO
IF NOT PETER THAN DELTORO
IF NOT JACKSON THEN DELTORO WOULD BE NICE!
IF NOT JACKSON THEN DELTORO WOULD BE NICE!