Director will call Middle-Earth home

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PRECIOUS PAIR: Peter Jackson with director Guillermo del Toro, who is to move to New Zealand for four years to make two Lord of the Rings prequels.

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Hellboy and Pan's Labyrinth director Guillermo del Toro will spend four years in New Zealand making two films based on The Lord of the Rings prequel The Hobbit, it was confirmed today.

The official announcement was made in Hollywood by Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson - who will co-produce The Hobbit - fellow producer Fran Walsh, and executives from New Line Cinema and MGM.

Jackson and Walsh said del Toro was "a genuine storyteller" of outstanding ability.

"A true original, Guillermo is a cinematic magician who has never lost his child-like sense of wonder. He understands that the fantastic must be grounded in the real and that all stories are only ever a reflection of ourselves," say Jackson and Walsh.

"We have long admired Guillermo's work and cannot think of a more inspired filmmaker to take the journey back to Middle-earth. We are delighted The Hobbit is in such trustworthy hands."

Del Toro said he considered himself "blessed" to become part of the filmmaking community in New Zealand.

The Mexican-born filmmaker will base himself in New Zealand for four years to work with Wingnut Films and Weta production teams.

The two films will be shot back to back.

Del Toro's films include The Devil's Backbone, Blade II, and the Oscar-winning Pan's Labyrinth. His latest movie, Hellboy II: The Golden Army is due for release in July.

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Tami   #5   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Woo Hoo!!!!! This is great news. I think they should make three movies, there is such a wealth of material that could be brought to screen, but I guess it's only going to be two. But that is better than nothing. Hope that each movie is over the three hour mark.

Another hobbit fan!   #4   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Good news!:D

Ataahua   #3   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Finally! It's great to have this announced at last!

And Guillermo himself has posted on the discussion boards at the Tolkien fansite TheOneRing.Net - http://newboards.theonering.net/forum/gforum/perl/gforum.cgi?post=90953#90953.

Larry King   #2   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Yes! The journey back to Middle-Earth has begun. The Hobbit movie should last Three hours,10-15 min for the theaters and add 30 plus minutes for the extended DVD. Same for the 2nd film. I can't imagine either film being under three hours, with all the source material available. I hope Del Toro goes all out with this. When it comes to making movies about Middle-Earth, remember too much is NEVER enough.

Amber   #1   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

AT LAST!! Wonderful choice. Thank you, PJ and GDT! Elenn sila lumenn olmentielvo.

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