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Del Toro stops in L.A. for the last time pre-Hobbit and updates us
Director Guillermo del Toro popped into Los Angeles for one last time on Monday night before returning to New Zealand to make two films based on J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit and told reporters and fans that he is happy development takes so long, because it makes the films better. Del Toro has been prepping the film since he got the job in 2008.
"I wish it took longer even," del Toro said at a meet and greet at the Meltdown Comics shop, where he was signing copies of his novel, The Strain.
Writing is still underway on the two screenplays for the movies, which will be produced by Peter Jackson. "We're working on it still," del Toro said. "I think it will be finished when the DVD comes out."
The signing represented del Toro's final U.S. appearance for a while as he plans to spend several years in New Zealand working on the films. "This is my last trip," he said. "I'm going to go [there for] three years."
Already, the New Zealand cuisine has affected del Toro's girth. "I grew eight sizes," he said. "This morning I went to Big and Tall because my pants were, like, [too tight]. There's a thing called Pavlova, which is like a giant meringue with cream on top. I have this [jacket] to cover my breastage."
The Hobbit is due in theaters in 2012.
By Eldon at 1:40 PM ON 06/02/09
I really didn't want to know about GDT's breastage. Hehehehe.
All kidding aside, I'm excited about this project. I had a chance to play Bilbo Baggins in a stage perfomance of the Hobbit, and I've loved the books for so many years. So this hold a special place in my heart.
They couldn't have picked a better director.
By Photoprinter at 6:48 PM ON 06/02/09
They better include the scene of the trolls quarreling over them, and being turned to stone!
By suprememango at 7:09 PM ON 06/02/09
Photoprinter - since they referred to the troll scene in Fellowship I think it is a pretty good bet that it will be included. What I am looking forward to is the second movie - which bridges the gap between Hobbit and Fellowship - where they will have to come up with most of the plot.
By jdmimic at 8:25 PM ON 06/02/09
"his novel, The Strain." Hrmm. I know this is a really common thing to do and I like Del Toro, but why can't they give credit where credit is due? He came up with the idea, then paid an actual writer to write the book. It's really the other guy's book inspired by Del Toro. But who's going to get the money for it? Won't be the actual writer who almost never gets mentioned (who gets mentioned so seldom I can't remember the guys' name offhand)..
By Updater... at 2:41 AM ON 06/03/09
@ suprememango:
I believe I read on another website that Mr. Jackson and Del Toro decided to scrap the bridge movie and have the hobbit span two movies. Knowing how Peter likes to make script changes maybe they'll change their minds again. But that is the latest. Sorry.
By ttomato at 12:02 PM ON 06/03/09
jdmimic...credit where credit is due?
other than the reference "from the director of pan's labyrinth" the COVER of the book says "guillermo del toro, the strain, chuck hogan". that's a pretty good credit. it helps to know what your talking about before pontificating.
By Spaceman Spiff at 3:15 PM ON 06/03/09
I really hope they just stick with doing the Hobbit. It doesn't need any more bridge than it already has.
I really really HATE they way some directors, aLOT of directors feel they can re-write a classic and make it better . I understand some changes need to be made because your dealing with two different mediums but a classic is a classic for a reason.
With Jackson producing I also hope that he'll keep Del Toro from making this too bizzare looking. Hellboy's strangness and Pan's Labrynth's bizarre visuals fit those films but that type of style would not work in the Hobbit
By theWordsmith at 6:47 PM ON 06/08/09
(Sobs)
Why would they choose a horror director to film Tolkien?!
By claywise at 9:25 PM ON 06/08/09
Remember, PJ also did his share of horror before being chosen for LotR. And there's plenty of horror-esque aspects to The Hobbit.
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claywise:
Remember, PJ also did his share of horror before being chosen for LotR. And there's plenty of horror-esque aspects ...More »