According to a news report released yesterday (September 9, 2010) by the New Zealand film website Filcks.co.nz, Neill Blomkamp will direct the two Hobbit movies and filming will begin next year.
Rumors had placed Blomkamp, most famous as the director of District 9, in the director's chair as early as June of this year, less than three weeks after Guillermo del Toro announced he was leaving the seat open due to delays in the production. (See Del Toro leaving the Hobbit.)
TheOneRing.net picked up the story and indicates the New Zealand website is reliable.
Blomkamp is known for his documentary style, which would be interesting for the Hobbit movies. Imagine a hand-held camera following Bilbo as he makes his way through Goblin tunnels.
The report on the director's chair follows on the heals of reports earlier this week that Martin Freeman is in negotiations with the studio to play the part of Bilbo, and that Spyglass has filed a letter of intent to run MGM if a deal can be reached with MGM's creditors. (See TheOneRing.net confirms Martin Freeman first choice for Bilbo Baggins and Latest Hobbit news - Freeman still may sign & Spyglass signs letter of intent.)
Comments
Just another disappointment in a long list of disappointments for this debacle called the Hobbit Movie
Very exciting news! I am very enthused about Neill as director and Martin freeman as Bilbo. Can't wait!
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