Peter Jackson will not direct The Hobbit

[The Czar]

I'll see the movie reguardless but I'd like to see Jackson back, as well as all the other cast members that have characters in the Hobbit. Ian Holm made an excellent Bilbo and Ian McKellen is a MUST.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061121/people_nm/leisure_jackson_dc

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Where is Frodo when you need him? Director Peter Jackson has been told he will not be hired to direct a movie based on J.R.R. Tolkien novel "The Hobbit," despite the nearly $3 billion global box office success of his "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, according to a letter Jackson wrote to fan site TheOneRing.net.

The trilogy of movies is based on Tolkien's fantastic tale of an epic war among wizards, sorcerers, elves, villainous orcs and friendly little hobbits of whom the novel's hero, Frodo, is one. It is Frodo who eventually saves the day. "The Hobbit" is a fairy tale-like story that Tolkien wrote before the "Rings" trilogy.

In Jackson's letter, which was posted on the Web site late on Sunday, the director said last week a top executive with Los Angeles-based New Line Cinema called him to say the studio was moving ahead on "The Hobbit" movie without Jackson.

"This was a courtesy call to let us know that the studio was now actively looking to hire another filmmaker," Jackson wrote.

A spokesman for New Line declined to comment citing company policy, and a Los Angeles representative for New Zealand-based Jackson was not immediately available.

Chris Pirrotta, co-founder of TheOneRing.net, said the fan site has a long-running relationship with Jackson. Since posting the letter, he said the site has received some 100,000 visitors, far above the more normal 15,000 per day.

"They are very upset," Pirrotta told Reuters. "We are seeing calls for everything from letter writing campaigns to a boycott of the studio."

New Line and Jackson's production company, Wingnut Films, are currently embroiled in a lawsuit over income from 2001's "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," which is the first film in the trilogy.

In his letter, Jackson said he and his producing partners have refused to discuss a "Hobbit" film until the lawsuit is settled, and he added that New Line informed him the studio had limited time to make the film so it must move on.

"Given that New Line are committed to this course of action, we felt at the very least, we owed you, the fans, a straightforward account of events as they have unfolded for us," Jackson wrote.

The other two films in the trilogy are 2002's "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" and 2003's final installment, "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," which earned 11 Oscars including best film and best director.

New Line is a unit of New York-based media company Time Warner Inc

[Makeshift Python]

To be honest, I never cared about The Hobbit. I wouldn't have cared if Peter Jackson directed another Rings movie despite that the three films were good. I'm just over with LOTR mania. Done with it. But as for New Line's part, what the hell are they thinking?

"Yeah you directed three films that brought us nearly $3 billion and sweeped the oscars, but we don't need you anymore so we're looking for someone else. Buhbye!"

Great treatment for a guy who gave New Line its three biggest films in its own entire library.

[Anique]

I still love LOTR so much, and I would have like to have seen the Hobbit, but I'm not devastated or anything... I'm pretty happy with my Lotr dvds. I excepted the fact there weren't going to be any more movies a long time ago;)

[jenneeh__]

I'm kinda disappointed about this. I mean, Peter Jackson brought the world of LOTR to life with the trilogy, and I couldn't ever really see anyone else doing the Hobbit if it was going to be made.

New Line are making a big mistake, IMO. Jackson just did an amazing job on the trilogy, and unless he has another twin hidden away somewhere, I don't think the Hobbit is going to be as good as it can be without Jackson as director.

But anyway. Just my opinion. :rolleyes:

[YodatheHobbit]

I excepted the fact there weren't going to be any more movies a long time ago;)
Actually New Line wants someone else to direct the movie. It will still be made. Bad New Line! Bad! :mad:

[The Czar]

Yeah I think even if they don't think he did a good job he still should get it out of respect. He brought them MONEY. That's all they care about. He did a hell of a job with King Kong which makes me believe Smaug will be kickass. That's my only worry about the hobbit. I don't want them to make it if they can't make Smaug look real. I wonder who's going to be the director. I honestly was amazed at PJ's job with LOTR. I didn't think they'd ever be able to make it into a movie. I don't think they'll ever make the Silmarillion into a movie or movies but who knows? PJ made LOTR after I thought they couldn't :)

And to that person who mentioned LOTR mania is over. LOTR mania has been going on since 1937 when the Hobbit came out lol

[javery]

Oh dear new line...what the hell do you think you are doing? Peter Jackson is seriously one of the best directors of the last 30 years (if not longer!) and did an absolutely AMAZING job with LOTR. I can't believe they didn't have the faith in him to be able to create the same visual beauty and financial success with the hobbit...:no: I honetly don't know who they think will do a better job...it's a real shame. I might see it...but then again it really depends on who is directing it...if it is someone who I truly believe could achieve Tolkien's vision in the same way PJ did then yeah, I might give it a go...I just feel bad on PJ's behalf.

[Marystat]

This SUCKS!!! :( How can they do this to PJ?? Just great, they'll take the money he got them, all the success and now this is how they treat him? Man whoever takes on the helm of directing The Hobbit will have one helluva task to follow to keep up with the standards that Peter Jackson created with the LOTR Trilogy! This is sad to read :(

[Stormrider]

More articles about this from other sources:

BBC news:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/entertainment/6167972.stm

The One Ring .com (not .net)
http://www.theonering.com/

The One Ring .net
http://www.theonering.net/staticnews/1163993546.html

Sam Raimi, who directed the Spider-Man movies, has been approached to direct The Hobbit movie.
http://www.theonering.net/index.shtml

[Broken_Dreamer]

:shock: He's not directing the Hobbit? That's insane! It's not going to be the same with him not being the Director.

[cloud001]

Since Peter Jackson won't be directing The Hobbit Sam Raimi director of all 3 Spider-Man films has been offered it.

But it looks pretty doubtful since its been rumored he will make a fourth spidey film if he does plan to make a fourth he will start it straight after the third has been released on May 4th 2007.

http://comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=17672

[Marystat]

I wonder what the Tolkien family thinks of this?

[javery]

Well Sam Raimi is ok...but he ain't no Peter Jackson...I don't suppose any of you have seen "A Simple Plan" have you? That was one of Raimi's better films...still I don't think he quite has what it takes to deliver the same quality work as PJ...:(

[rya86n]

Well Sam Raimi is ok...but he ain't no Peter Jackson...I don't suppose any of you have seen "A Simple Plan" have you? That was one of Raimi's better films...still I don't think he quite has what it takes to deliver the same quality work as PJ...:(
And it seems a totally different genre and style. I realise the difference between the Hobbit and LOTR, but still, its a different type of filmmaking when compared to Spiderman.

[stunnedtina]

I'm pretty disappointed about this. I was really hoping that Peter Jackson would be directing The Hobbit. I seen the news the other night. Sucks hugely! Don't know what the crap they are thinking.

[Stormrider]

Don't give up hope yet that Peter Jackson will direct The Hobbit movie!
Posted at The One Ring.net:
http://www.theonering.net/perl/newsview/8/1164265935

Newline must get the movie started soon, with or without Jackson, if it is to retain control. If they can't get it off the ground, Zaentz (the guy who did the cartoon version of LotR back in the late 1970s) will take over again, and he expects to use Jackson.

[Boarhunter]

i hope he'll direct the Hobbit, i am very excited about this movie.

[nightskiesfading]

The Hobbit wouldn't be the same if PJ didn't direct it, I much preferred the trilogy books over the Hobbit, but I still would go see it, and I hope it'll be as visually amazing and accurately told as the trilogy was, but somehow I think only PJ could do it best.

[you think?]

Noo!:(

[Mystical]

Since Peter Jackson won't be directing The Hobbit Sam Raimi director of all 3 Spider-Man films has been offered it.


He'll ruin it :mad: I never liked the Spiderman movies and have never been a fan of his directing.

New Line are insane, there's no logic in having anyone else other than PJ - the continuity (even though it's backwards) won't be right at all.

I wouldn't be surprised if Ian Holm and Ian McKellen refused to do it now, and if they're not in it, I'll not be watching. I couldn't imagine or watch LotR with a different Gandalf.

[*~*CelticBreeze*~*]

The thing that makes this more complicated is that New Line owns the production rights, while MGM owns the distribution rights. So, New Line can produce the Hobbit, but they can't distribute it without MGM, and it just so happens that MGM wants PJ to direct the film. Messy.

[nea15]

I'm so mad about this. Peter Jackson did such a wonderful job directing LOTR that I don't think anyone could replace him on 'The Hobbit'

[LadySTX]

Its going to be a complete disaster if Jackson doesn't direct. Thats like getting someone besides George Lucus to do a Star Wars movie:eh:
I can't believe they would even consider trying ot film it without him. After the excellent job he did on LotRs!? I probably won't see it unless he directs.

[rina_06]

whatt??? Peter Jackson did an incredible job with the trilogy! didn't return of the king get 11 oscars alone? I cant imagine any tolkien book turned into a film without PJ's involvement in it.

*sulks off to watch LOTR trilogy again*

[mrs.dr.giggles]

I loved all the LOTR's movies (every single second) and I will be very disappointed if they dont bring Jackson back...

How stupid can you get -- the whole trilogy of LOTR films were some of the best pieces of film ever made; and I cant believe New Line would cut Jackson off from 'The Hobbit' -- I think they will definatly live to regret this decision if this production goes ahead without him.

[Stormrider]

Here is an endorsement for Peter Jackson to direct The Hobbit Movie by Royd Tolkien, JRRT's great-grandson. I hope New Line takes into consideration the feelings of the Tolkien family when they decide who will direct the movie. This article is from The One Ring.net:

http://www.theonering.net/perl/newsview/8/1165850624

[The_Monkey]

I just hope that Ian Holm (Bilbo), Ian McKellen (Gandalf) and Andy Serkis (Gollum) return for their roles. If Peter Jackson would return too, it would be perfect.

Other roles that might return is Elrond, Arwen, Saruman, Gimli and possibly Legolas.

[Bright Gem]

"...he will never make any movie with New Line Cinema again while I'm still working for the company."

"In the latest comment in the controversy surrounding a proposed movie based on J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, New Line head Robert Shaye told SCI FI Wire in no uncertain terms that the studio won't work with Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson on that film or any other film. Ever. At least not as long as Shaye is in charge.

Shaye's comments marked the first time a New Line executive has commented publicly on the fracas since Jackson announced that he has pulled out of the project and also appears to harden New Line's position against Jackson...."

Read the full story here (http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=3&id=39462)

[Quiet Tempest]

Well, I was going to ask why there is a conflict between Shaye and Jackson, but I got my answer in the link you provided, Bright Gem.


Shaye's comments marked the first time a New Line executive has commented publicly on the fracas since Jackson announced that he has pulled out of the project and also appears to harden New Line's position against Jackson.

"I do not want to make a movie with somebody who is suing me," Shaye—New Line's chief executive officer—said in an interview on Jan. 5 while promoting The Last Mimzy, a New Line family fantasy that marks his first time in a director's chair since 1990's Book of Love. "It will never happen during my watch."


I suppose I wouldn't want to work with someone who was suing me, either.

[*~*CelticBreeze*~*]

I wouldn't want to work with someone who is suing me either, but it's Shaye's own fault. If he and NewLine would just pay Peter Jackson the money they owe him, or hadn't failed to pay in the first place none of this would have had to happen. I just hope we as fans can get the movie that we want.

[Quiet Tempest]

I wouldn't want to work with someone who is suing me either, but it's Shaye's own fault. If he and NewLine would just pay Peter Jackson the money they owe him, or hadn't failed to pay in the first place none of this would have had to happen. I just hope we as fans can get the movie that we want.

That's the reason behind the suit?

[*~*CelticBreeze*~*]

I believe so. PJ is suing them for something like $100 mil. I could be wrong, though, but I do know it's all about NewLine withholding money they owe him. I'll have to check my facts later.

[Quiet Tempest]

I went digging and found this:


In his lawsuit, Mr. Jackson claimed that New Line committed fraud in its handling of the revenues generated by 2001's "The Fellowship of the Ring," and as a result, he was underpaid by millions.

The suit does not specify a damage award. But in an interview last week, his lawyers said that, after New Line applied its contract interpretation from "Fellowship" to the other two movies, Mr. Jackson was underpaid by as much as $100 million for the trilogy.

Lawsuits in Hollywood are as common as hobbits in Middle Earth. What makes Mr. Jackson's suit draw such widespread interest here, other than his clout in the industry and the amount at stake, is one specific allegation about New Line's behavior. The suit charges that the company used pre-emptive bidding (meaning a process closed to external parties) rather than open bidding for subsidiary rights to such things as "Lord of the Rings" books, DVD's and merchandise. Therefore, New Line received far less than market value for these rights, the suit says.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/27/business/media/27movie.html?ex=1277524800&en=c2478a16f91a8555&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss



and this:


If you thought that the brouhaha between Peter Jackson and New Line was weird – the two parties are enmeshed in a lawsuit, Jackson claims that the studio wanted to include him directing The Hobbit as part of the suit, Jackson got very public about it – it just got weirder. And maybe angrier. Bob Shaye, head of New Line, has essentially blacklisted the director from working with New Line.

"I do not want to make a movie with somebody who is suing me," Shaye told SciFi.com "It will never happen during my watch."

That’s the easy stuff. Shaye went on to all but blame the problem on Jackson’s greed. "There's a kind of arrogance," he said. "I don't care about Peter Jackson anymore. He wants to have another $100 million or $50 million, whatever he's suing us for. He doesn't want to sit down and talk about it. He thinks that we owe him something after we've paid him over a quarter of a billion dollars. ... Cheers, Peter."

There’s much more – including how actors are not participating in New Line’s 40th anniversary because of this – at SciFi.com.

Source: http://www.chud.com/index.php?type=news&id=8487

[The Czar]

Peter Jackson blacklisted :(

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070111/film_nm/hobbit_dc

[rya86n]

The official statement from Wingnut:

"Our issue with New Line Cinema has only ever been about their refusal to account for financial anomalies that surfaced from a partial audit of The Fellowship of the Ring. Contrary to recent comments made by Bob Shaye, we attempted to discuss the issues raised by the Fellowship audit with New Line for over a year but the studio was and continues to be completely uncooperative. This has compelled us to file a lawsuit to pursue our contractual rights under the law. Nobody likes taking legal action, but the studio left us with no alternative.

For over two years, New Line has denied us the ability to audit The Two Towers and The Return of the King, despite repeated requests. Film auditing is a common and straightforward practice within the industry and we don't understand why New Line Cinema has taken this position.

In light of these circumstances, I didn't think it was appropriate for me to be involved in New Line Cinema's 40th Anniversary video. I have never discussed this video with any of the cast of The Lord of the Rings. The issues that Bob Shaye has with the cast pre-date this law suit by many years.

Fundamentally, our legal action is about holding New Line to it's contractual obligations and promises. It is regrettable that Bob has chosen to make it personal. I have always had the highest respect and affection for Bob and other senior management at New Line and continue to do so."

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/31211

[Makeshift Python]

"Peter Jackson will never work with me again." (http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Movies/01/11/film.hobbit.reut/index.html?section=cnn_latest)

I like Lord of the Rings and King Kong. I'm not a fan of Jackson but I think what New Line is doing is retarded. Here is a guy that lead three movies to become one of the most successful films financially and critically, performing an OSCAR SWEEP. And what do they do to him? Kick him to the curb just because they don't want to pay him a little extra, when they should know they would get a HUGE payoff anyway.

It's like the Salkinds firing Richard Donner despite he contributed to Superman's massive success. Executives like him and the Salkinds irritate me. I swear, they should never get away with this crap. They don't know a !@#$ about quality, they're thinking LOTR would still be massive without Jackson. Like the Salkinds, I doubt this guy will ever admit making wrong decisions because his ego sounds that big, esspecially the way he sounds on the paper.

[Mr Hobo]

I am a HUGE fan of Peter Jackson, and disappointed he will not direct the hobbit. I do think New Line is being retarded. they are not thinking through this very smart.

[ilsa lund]

Exclusive Movie News: LOST'S DOMINIC MONAGHAN WEIGHS IN ON THE BATTLE OVER THE HOBBIT
The actor hopes for a peaceful resolution between Peter Jackson and New Line

By: SEAN ELLIOTT
Senior Editor
Published: 1/15/2007

LOCATION: The TCAS

THE SKINNY: Dominic Monaghan while promoting the next portion of this season of ABC’s hit series LOST, stopped to comment to iF on the state of affairs with THE HOBBIT movie (prequel to the LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy) which is locked in a battle between New Line Cinema and director Peter Jackson.

When asked point blank what he thought of the bitter war over the rights to the Tolkien story, the actor very wisely stated, “ This is a very iffy subject that you have to be careful with professionally as an actor because I’ve worked with New Line Cinema and I’ve worked with Pete Jackson and I have good relationships with both of them. My personal feeling as a fan is I think it’s a real shame that New Line and Pete Jackson don’t seem to be able to work out what’s going to happen with THE HOBBIT. I think fans of that franchise would like to see New Line Studios attached with Pete Jackson directing."

The actor continued to reinforce his stance that he only hoped for some sort of successful resolution in the battle and maintained his praise for both Jackson and New Line.

“As I’ve said, my relationship with New Line has always been very good,” explains the actor. “ I would bend walls to work with Pete Jackson again, so it’s unfortunate that it’s turned into a battle of words. For me personally, I can’t get involved in that because you’re just going to come away with your hands dirty and you’re not going to look good.”

http://www.ifmagazine.com/new.asp?article=4007

[Marystat]

Just read this on yahoo : Peter Jackson to produce The Hobbit (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071218/ap_en_mo/film_the_hobbit)


NEW YORK - Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema have reached agreement to make J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit," a planned prequel to the blockbuster trilogy "The Lord of the Rings."

Jackson, who directed the "Rings" trilogy, will serve as executive producer for "The Hobbit." A director for the prequel films has yet to be named.
Relations between Jackson and New Line had soured after "Rings," despite a collective worldwide box office gross of nearly $3 billion — an enormous success. The two sides nevertheless were able to reconcile, with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios (MGM) splitting "The Hobbit" 50/50, spokemen for both studios said Tuesday.
"I'm very pleased that we've been able to put our differences behind us, so that we may begin a new chapter with our old friends at New Line," Jackson said in a statement. "We are delighted to continue our journey through Middle Earth."
Two "Hobbit" films are scheduled to be shot simultaneously, similar to how the three "Lord of the Rings" films were made. Production is set to begin in 2009 with a released planned for 2010, with the sequel scheduled for a 2011 release.
New Line Cinema is owned by Time Warner. Sony and Comcast are among the owners of MGM.
(ADDS detail, quotes, background. SUBS overline to CORRECT that Jackson will produce, sted direct, films.)

[Makeshift Python]

No doubt that New Line changed their attitude on him because of The Golden Compass flopping at the box office, which I expected to have Bob Shayne kissing Peter Jackson's ass to get directing The Hobbit, oh well.

[Marystat]

No doubt that New Line changed their attitude on him because of The Golden Compass flopping at the box office, which I expected to have Bob Shayne kissing Peter Jackson's ass to get directing The Hobbit, oh well.

Considering how much The Golden Compass tried to rip off on the LOTR trilogy (I mean the movie not necessarily the books it's based on) and the special effects PJ used in the LOTR movie trilogy I am not surprised..I kept thinking when seeing The Golden Compass "hm..I have seen this scene before...I have seen that scene before...even the winter scenes and the "jokes" or sense of humor in the film reminded me of LOTR films!

[Gotlost]

I'm a huge lotr fan, and I think they would loose a lot of fans if Peter Jackson didn't make The Hobbit, he made this world come to life, and I don't think any director could make it as he would do.
I still hope it will come out, it's a great story and it would be even better to see it on screen.

[Mystical]

tbh, if Peter Jackson isn't involved in a major role in the prequels, I won't bother seeing them, they could never have the same feel and sense of continuity without him.

[Monkee]

I expected some sort of kiss-up on the part of New Line to get Peter Jackson back on The Hobbit, especially after LotR fans started getting riled up. Now that The Golden Compass was a total flop, New Line isn't going to want to disappoint fans any further. I'm really glad, though, because no one could do The Hobbit like Peter Jackson.

[BroDD]

So... are they doing TWO movies of ONE book? Or what's going on?
If they are, why the hell are they doing TWOOOO!!! movies? :S

[Exie]

Two movies? :confused:

What do you mean?

[rya86n]

To clear things up for everyone... they are not making 2 movies, based on The Hobbit.

The first LOTR prequel film will be The Hobbit (2010) (based on the book); the second prequel will be a sequel to The Hobbit, and will cover the 60 year gap between the conclusion of The Hobbit and the start of The Fellowship of the Ring.

http://www.portfolio.com/views/blogs/the-hollywood-deal/2007/12/20/peter-jackson-will-produce-two-hobbit-films

[Exie]

Thanks, Ryan. I didnt hear about a second movie. :)

[stunnedtina]

Oh wow, sounds pretty interesting actually.

[IamLOST922]

According to theonering.net, it's pretty much confirmed that Guillermo Del Toro will be directing the movie. The deal is not signed yet but we just have to wait until after the strike for an official anouncement to be made. I gotta say, even though I was one of those fans who only wanted it done by Peter Jackson, this news makes me quite happy. Guillermo is a fantastic director so I have faith that he can fill PJ's shoes.

[Locke815]

Wether or not PJ has any involvement in the making of THE HOBBIT will not deter me from wanting (eagerly) to see this movie.

I'm first and foremost a Tolkien nut whoever directs the film, lets hope they do his works justice!


Namárië

Belain na le

[The Czar]

Jackson's gonna do it now but its gonna be TWO movies. WTF mate? Of course I'll see it and be overly excited but two movies is just rediculous. The only stopping point I could see if they did that would be when Biblo goes into the barrels. Other than that, no way.

[Locke815]

Jackson's gonna do it now but its gonna be TWO movies. WTF mate? Of course I'll see it and be overly excited but two movies is just rediculous. The only stopping point I could see if they did that would be when Biblo goes into the barrels. Other than that, no way.

The first film will be the Hobbit in its entirety if you read the article correctly.

"The first LOTR prequel film will be The Hobbit (2010) (based on the book); the second prequel will be a sequel to The Hobbit, and will cover the 60 year gap between the conclusion of The Hobbit and the start of The Fellowship of the Ring".


Namaste

[rya86n]

^Exactly as I said it. And as the article reads, and as you have described.

I believe the purpose of 2 films is to link the Hobbit to the pre-existing LOTR series. For those who have read the books may understand the differnces in setting of the two stories... and more importantly the diffence in time periods.

New Line will be able to cash in more by linking the two series, as a single, saleable entity that runs from A-Z completely onscreen. Otherwise the first Hobbit film will be viewed entirely as a prequel to an even better trilogy. As opposed to something that is part of the same arc and storyline.

[hobbit_of_cyy]

I am a LOTR fan, however I do think that it would have been better off if The Hobbit had been done first, whereas it is the first book. In actuality the Silmillarion is the first one. I don't think I will see the Hobbit movie(s) though. Personally I believe that it would have been better with PJ though.

[rya86n]

Casino Royale was the first James Bond novel, but that gave me no reason to boycott the other 21 Bond films prior to 2006.

The events in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom occur prior to those of the first Indiana film, Raider's of the Lost Ark, but that did not stop me seeing it.

The events in The Godfather Part 2 occur prior to those of the first Godfather film, but that did not stop me seeing it.

There are 2 "Scorpion King" prequels [The Scorpion King (2002); The Scorpion King: Rise Of The Arkkadian (2010)] that occur chronologically before the trilogy of "Mummy" films [The Mummy (1999); The Mummy Returns (2001); The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008)].

The Magician's Nephew is actually the first story in C.S.Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia, but that didnt stop me watching The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe (2005), or will it stop me watching the new addition, Prince Caspian (2008).

My extended point being: "Prequel" is certainly, and by no means a new term or concept!

[Exie]

Oh, dear. We may not see The Hobbit anytime soon.
http://www.wral.com/entertainment/story/2421865/Tolkien Estate Sues New Line Cinema
By ALEX VEIGA
AP Business Writer

LOS ANGELES — The estate of "Lord of the Rings" creator J.R.R. Tolkien is suing the film studio that released the trilogy based on his books, claiming the company hasn't paid it a penny from the estimated $6 billion the films have grossed worldwide.

The suit, filed Monday, claims New Line was required to pay 7.5 percent of gross receipts to Tolkien's estate and other plaintiffs, who contend they only received an upfront payment of $62,500 for the three movies before production began.

The writer's estate, a British charity dubbed The Tolkien Trust, and original "Lord of the Rings" publisher HarperCollins filed the lawsuit against New Line Cinema in Los Angeles Superior Court. If successful, it could block the long-awaited prequel to the films.

Robert Pini, a spokesman for Time Warner Inc.'s New Line, declined to comment.

The films - 2001's "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," 2002's "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers," and 2003's "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" - have reaped nearly $6 billion combined worldwide, according to the complaint.

The estimate includes everything from box office receipts to revenue from sales of DVDs and other products.

The plaintiffs seek more than $150 million in compensatory damages, unspecified punitive damages and a court order giving the Tolkien estate the right to terminate any rights New Line may have to make films based on other works by the author, including "The Hobbit."

Such an order would scuttle plans by New Line to make a two-film prequel based on "The Hobbit." "Rings" trilogy director Peter Jackson has already signed on to serve as executive producer on the project, which is tentatively slated to begin production next year, with releases planned for 2010 and 2011.

"The Tolkien trustees do not file lawsuits lightly, and have tried unsuccessfully to resolve their claims out of court," Steven Maier, an attorney for the Tolkien estate based in Britain, said in a statement. "New Line has not paid the plaintiffs even one penny of its contractual share of gross receipts despite the billions of dollars of gross revenue generated by these wildly successful motion pictures."

Maier also claims the film studio has blocked the Tolkien estate and the other plaintiffs from auditing the receipts of the last two films.

The lawsuit claims J.R.R. Tolkien established a trust through which he signed a film deal in 1969 with United Artists. After Tolkien's death, his heirs created the charity in the author's name.

Meanwhile, the original agreement terms were picked up by Hollywood producer Saul Zaentz, who produced an animated film in 1978 based on the "Rings" books, and eventually licensed the rights to make live-action films to New Line.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs said they have spent the years since the movies hit theaters trying to negotiate a settlement with New Line.

Other disputes over the film's earnings have surfaced in recent years.

In 2004, Zaentz sued New Line, claiming the studio cheated him out of $20 million in royalties from the film trilogy, which he optioned to New Line for a percentage of the movies' profits.

He and the film studio reached an out-of-court settlement a year later.

Jackson's production company also tangled with New Line in 2005 over profits from the films. A lawsuit was settled last year.

[rya86n]

Sounds like New Line has some serious money issues.

Maybe they should consider re-appointing their contractural lawyers and accountants.

[Boarhunter]

according to this article, Ian McKellan will be playing Gandalf, and it says it is being produced by Peter Jackson and they'll start filming next year. Interesting

http://movies.yahoo.com/mv/news/ap/20080430/120959376000.html

[peachlily22]

man i really wanted peter jackson to direct ittttttttttt

[The Czar]

Maybe we can get someone to change the title of this thread