Guillermo del Toro Talks Hobbit

For a long time, fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy—or, more accurately, Peter Jackson's film adaptation—were full of speculation as to whether the trilogy's precursor, The Hobbit, would ever come to the big screen; then, after the film was announced, over who would direct it. Now that Pan's Labyrinth director Guillermo del Toro has officially signed on for the project—reportedly to be filmed as two separate movies—speculation shifts to exactly what the films will look like compared to Tolkien's vision, and Jackson's standard-setting trilogy.

Del Toro joins in the speculation himself in a new Q&A with Middle-Earth fans, posted at the MTV Movies Blog. Of particular interest to Christian moviegoers is a question about whether del Toro will be "exploring any theological or spiritual themes" in the films. Del Toro answered: "I believe The Hobbit is a narrative that contains characters that are very symbolic of certain human traits. Obviously, pride and greed are easily found in Smaug the Dragon. Then the humble, sort of a sturdy moral fiber that Bilbo has very much represents the idea that Tolkien had about the little English man, the average English man. The dwarves represent other qualities, the elves represent other qualities and, like, in any fairy tale or fantasy narrative that is worth it, all these characters conform to a view of the world that is spiritual, ethical and moral. I think that this morality, this spiritual tale, will play a [large] part in the movie."

The director also notes the enthusiasm he has for working with actors Viggo Mortensen, Cate Blanchett, Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, and Orlando Bloom—though he can't say anything for sure at this point. He also notes his desire to make Ian Holm—who played Bilbo Baggins in the trilogy—to be involved with the new films in some capacity.

In an interview with The Defamer, however, del Toro makes clear that there will not be two Hobbit films unless a substantial story can be devised to bridge Tolkien's novel with the Lord of the Rings storyline. Says del Toro, "we believe there is a second movie … if we find it, we will shoot it."

More Hobbit News

Del Toro Talks Hobbit, McKellen Returns
The director discusses the direction of the upcoming movie and sequel; Sir Ian to reprise role as Gandalf.
by Josh Hurst | posted 05/05/08

Last week, we reported that Guillermo del Toro—director of films like Hellboy and Pan's Labyrinth, and long-rumored to be Peter Jackson's choice to direct The Hobbit—was officially confirmed as the helmer for the two-part Lord of the Rings prequel. This week, the man himself has spoken with MTV about the direction in which he'll take the franchise, addressing some fan concerns.

Del Toro knows that he has big shoes to fill, and that it will be a challenge to make these films his own. The director confirms that he will be creating "a large portion" of new creatures and locales for the film, but also that he is "very comfortable living within the walls of the world [Jackson] created during the second half of the second film."

Additionally—and surely to the relief of many fans—del Toro acknowledges that he views The Hobbit as, primarily, a children's story.

And that second film, the one that fits between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring? Del Toro says it will be about "the transition from the golden years to the rise of Sauron. It's essentially the beginning of civil war and uprisings. It's a very interesting time."

The director says he expects to be working with returning Middle-Earthers Andy Serkis (Gollum) and Howard Shore (composer) on this film, though whether Ian "Bilbo Baggins" Holm will be involved is still in question. One cast member, however, has been confirmed: Sir Ian McKellen will indeed be reprising his role as Gandalf in the upcoming films.

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