I was wondering what was happening with this, don't they only have 'til the end of the year?

As for worshipping the films, I can't say I've ever done that, but I was fuckin' impressed by what I was seeing on film. All three Best Picture nominations were warranted I say. Warranted!!!!!!

IF they can get the LOTR crew back together to make the Hobbit through New Line then that would be the best possible outcome in the whole situation. Anything else would be a compromise.

On topic, I love these LotR flicks (I prefer the "bloated" ones as someone quippy described the extended versions), however I am not that interested in The Hobbit. Haven't read any of the four books, but the ring trilogy suffices for me. Maybe they will surprise me with this one as they did with the last three though.....

I'm also trying to find my high school yearbook.

As for Smaug, I think he requires a truly majestic and sonorous voice. While I love Brian Cox, I don't think his timber would be appropriate. I can't think of anyone in particular right now but that will be (IMHO) one of the most crucial elements of the film.

Thanks Bronx. Yeah but I guess "lighted" just looks and sounds so retarded. Actually no it just sounds like a 4 year old is saying it. "I lighted the candle Daddy!" - ya can't even rely on the dictionary these days with all the stupid shit that's in there now. I hear people use the redundant "fantasticAL" and slap my forehead. Yeah so I'm anal, at least that's on topic, being a Rings tb and all!

I don't even need to use Armageddon - Remember Chuck and Larry opened with a 38 million weekend the other week and topped the B.O. Could there be a better illustration of my point?

They come as a package. As would Serkis, McKellen, and the vast majority of the creative team behind the Trilogy. Axing that whole connection to a unit proven in this world and starting afresh would be abject lunacy on the part of the studio.

And Brian Cox is a must for the voice of Smaugh, although John Rhys-Davies will probably do it.

I won't expect this to be a unilateral act. I'll offer to change my name to Neck Boy permanently in honor of the day I regrettably defended George Lucas' neck pouch from the ridicule by Talkbackers.

But I wouldn't complain too much about people hijacking these TBs. The Talkbacks are here for any number of reasons. This isn't a reasonable debate about this and that. This is AICN for fuck's sake. Relax!

IESB is saying Raimi still wants a crack at the Hobbit... I could see Raimi Directing with PJ Executive Producing.

They go on about how Bilbo hadn't aged and Gandalf becomes suspicious about the Ring because of that, right? From the moment he found the ring he hardly aged so basically when he found the ring in The Hobbit he looked pretty much as Holm did at the start of Fellowship, right? So why do they need to get a younger actor? The only thing I can think is that they tried to make him look younger in the Fellowship flashback because it's a film language thing where your average audience may not realise it's a flashback if he doesn't look younger. But then why have all the going on explaining how he hadn't changed because the ring had kept his appearance constant?

Explanation will be appreciated.

Except from raving lunatics like Ringy.

Now let's stop this nonsense and get this Hobbit thing started while Ian McKellan's still young. And I second Martin Freeman for Bilbo.

Jackson doing it in the same style as he did the Trilogy is right, and it's only sensible TBH. For me, the juvenile style The Hobbit is written in doesn't suit the story.

Now what worked? Kong himself was really good. Ms Watts was pretty effective. The biplane attack, Ummmm lemme see I actually enjoyed the whole shooting bugs w/ Tommy Guns shit, etc. that was kinda fun if F-Troop level. It was NOT by any means TERRIBLE, but you know-I enjoyed it on the same level as I did say Mummy Returns or Spidey III or hmmmmm actually I liked Big Fucking Robots Hitting Each Other MORE, so that's out. I think you got the general idea here.

Half Vader-about Bilbo. Bilbo was about ummmm what, 51 when he was car-jacked into the whole Lonely Mtn thing, which would be about 33ish for you or me. Early middle age or so. I think the ring Slowed down his aging, but it CERTAINLY didn't stop it right then and there. I agree that they should hire someone else to play him. Whomever said 'Martin Short', well at least that's being creative, if nothing else.

CGI John Candy as Bofur.

Starless, settle down there and get over it yourself! The gay thing, and the crying thing, especially in regards to the hobbits, is now a time-honoured AICN tradition. Stop being so stuffy about the baiting, ya big girl. ;)

Possibly Raimi...or DelToro...

That way, the New Zealand Crew will be involved, The Wingnut crew will be there for the assist--and There will be new blood in the director's chair giving it the difference it tone it needs to have.

The Hobbit, unlike Lord of the Rings, is a children's story and should have a lighter touch than the LOTR Trilogy--but it should still feel like it is connected to those films. Having Jackson on as a producer is the best solution--plus it is an olive branch to the fans, from whom New Line wants money...

Don't get me wrong, I fucking LOVE the book. But the idea of a film having to introduce a new character every 3 minutes while covering 10,000 years of Middle Earth history is ridiculous.