The Hobbit movie - good / bad idea?

[Gerbil]

OK so I know everyone will scream 'GREAT IDEA!' but really rather than just post a 'me too' can people say WHY they think this and justify it rationally?

I'm currently re-reading the Hobbit (yeah like the day it takes to read :)) and I'm thinking it's actually not very good material for a movie. Certainly not if it's to join onto the LotR films.

The material is just too different and more childish.
Style aside, it also does not fit very well into the world of LotR (as we all know it was in part retro-fitted into the LotR story and mythology) - it would just need too many changes to become consistant.

And of course - changes are bad, right? We don't want another Liv Tyler putting her ugly mug in shot, do we? ;)

So go for it, explain away, but EXPLAIN please! Don't just say 'cos I want to see it!' (No bonus points for being the first to quote that as the only thing in your message).

I'm looking for serious reasoned opinions. I leave it to you guys to show me whether I've come to the right place or not for that :p

[Nibs]

I'd like to see it done for the same reasons that I wanted LotR. Sure, things would be altered, but you expect that from a book to film transition. And, though the Hobbit is written in a different style than LotR, it would (I'd assume) play about the same as the other films, which I think would suit it. The Hobbit, as a film, would have the same standing as the trilogy: it's someone's portrayal of the literature. It doesn't necessarily need to affect mine. And, truthfully, I think it would make quite an epic adventure. A well-done CG Smaug would be impressive.

[Khamûl]

I think it's a good idea, if it's well done. You got a glimpse of Hobbit in the history part before Fellowship of the Ring movie. You also wouldn't have to wait a year between movies, since it would be just one movie. Some people who haven't read the book might be interested in the story of Frodo's mithril coat, Sting, and Glamdring. The Battle of the Five Armies at the end would be epic. The end would also be emotional and powerful. The book almost got to me and I almost started leaking. ;) Like I said, if it was well done (Peter Jackson are you listening?) I would be all for it.

[jerseydevil]

I think it would be good. Even if - and this will surprise people - it had to be changed to fit more in with LOTR.

I think the Hobbit can be made less "childish" and be a really cool movie. The hardest thing would be the goblins in the Misty Mountains - they are way nastier in LOTR. Of course I guess it could be made where the Goblins are a different kind of orc. The songs would probably have to be left out too for it to be made less childish.

I was thinking about how I wish The Hobbit would be made into a movie after LOTR is done - or even while we're stiill waiting for RotK to come out.

[FrodoFriend]

I think it would be a good idea because I like seeing other people's interpretations of books. Plus I would love to see Mirkwood, Smaug, the riddling game, etc.

On the other hand, it would be extremely difficult to capture the Hobbit's air of serious humor. It can't be too silly or too solemn. It'd be hard to get an audience for a movie of it, too - not quite a kid's movie or an adult movie.

But hey, Time Bandits pulled it off. :) I'd be overjoyed to see a Hobbit movie.

[Twilight]

I would like to see a movie on the Hobbit, but I doubt it will happen. It would take a lot of funding if it is going to be done properly. I don't think it would get as much of an audience as the other movies in the series. Changes from the book would may need to happen, but that wouldn't be too bad. I am hoping that somebody will eventually get around to making one. It would be interesting to see what they do with it.

[Lightice]

I think it would be a great idea to make a Hobbit movie. That is, if it's done well. Goblins/orcs could be same a like as the one in Isengard who asked what are the orders of the Eye (I had imagined orcs just like that :D ).
I believe, that after RotK the producers will beg PJ to make Hobbit movie...

[bropous]

It took what, 280 million to make all three films? It has so far taken in something around 800 million. This proved there IS a market for Tolkien in the films. You can bet someone has at least pitched the idea to Peter Jackson.

As for WHY the film should be made, The Hobbit fills in a few of the blanks in the story, like someone said above: Sting, Orcrist and Glamdring, the Stone trolls, the relation of Gloin to the story, etc. Also, it would be an interesting movie. Hobbit is a book in a childish voic,e but there IS a good story underneath. Again said above, Smaug and the Battle of Five armies are good spectacular sights for the end parts of a film, and the heroism of Bilbo at times is an interesting character study in Hobbits. Might help folks understand hobbits better, who knows.

[The Ringbearer]

I think a Hobbit movie would be a good idea because half the people in the theaters probably haven't read The Hobbit, or The Lord of the Rings. They would have to change some things though; like when Gandalf and Co. are arriving at Rivendell, they hear the elves singing at the dwarves, making fun of their beards and such. Can you imagine the elves from the movie acting like that?:eek: It has been bugging me for months that they would have such a change of character like that.

[bropous]

Welcome to the Moot, the Ringbearer! Konichi-wa.

Agreed that they would have to "standardize" the Hobbit Elves to the LotR Elven model to make a Hobbit film to mate up with the three Jackson films. I think it's just a natural progression for Jackson to tackle Hobbit to come out the Christmas after RotK.

[elf_princess]

I think that a Hobbit movie would be a good idea but might prove to be unsuccessful... It might be hard for the average person to figure out what exactly is happening and to make it all fit in with the LotR... it could be a little confusing and overwhelming... I myself would love to see a movie of the Hobbit... I've rented the cartoon version from the library countless number of times...

[GandalfTheWhite]

i think the hobbit would have been a good movie if it had been made and released before lotr just because if it is released after lotr it wont really grab attention and be liked by audiences because it is much more tame of a story, does that make sense?

[bropous]

"I think that a Hobbit movie would be a good idea but might prove to be unsuccessful... It might be hard for the average person to figure out what exactly is happening and to make it all fit in with the LotR..."

Well, elf princess, I think the way you solve that is at the opening of the film, you have a graphic which states, "This is the story of how Bilbo Baggins found the One Ring and set the events of the Lord of the Rings in motion..."

And The Hobbit may be more "tame" than LotR, but it is still an interesting tale and still has a good amount of action included.

Besides, if they act quick the only person they have to replace is Bilbo *wink*

[Spock]

For all of the above and more, I recommend seeing the animated move "The Hobbit". It goes very well with being all one could expect.

[Strange-Looking Lurker]

Picture this:

Your sitting in the theater, and it's dark. Dark, "dwarvish" music is playing, and than Thorin's voice comes over the speakers. "Far over the Misty Mountains, standing like a fortress, lays the Lonely Mountain. (shot of the lonely Mountain from afar, slowly getting closer) The dwarves mined and tunneled there....(Thorin begins to sing)

The dwarves of yore made mighty spells,
while hammers fell like ringing bells
In places deep, where dark things sleep,
In hollow halls beheath the fells.

Now a CG Smaug flys over the top of the screen.

The pines were roaring in the height....

And so on. Seriously, can you imagine a better start to a movie? It would be just wonderful.

[azalea]

It wouldn't be too bad having The Hobbit come out after LotR. Kinda like Episode I. All I can say is after seeing Hobbiton in The Fellowship, I wanted to see The Hobbit done. But it would be a big pain for PJ, having to redo all of the scenery, hobbit feet and all that. He should have just done it at the same time as the other three.

[Lightice]

It could be great spetacular, indeed.
And for making it longer and more interesting, it might include some cameo about the White Council driving the Necromancer from Dol Guldur, and perhaps even telling the audience, that this dark socerer actually was Sauron himself. That cameo ofcourse would require, that a good bunch of actors from LotR trilogy would get involved.
Well, at least I can hope...

[azalea]

Also I hope they include the Beorn episode (who could play him?). That was the funniest chapter in the book (Gandalf adding dwarves as the story progresses -- I don't know that might not work well as a movie scene).
you know, since the cartoon version didn't include that.

[Twilight]

If the Dol Guldur part is to go it, then it is problably better for the Hobbit to come out after the other movies. Otherwise it would be kind of strange for Gandalf to all of a sudden disapear to go after some mysterious enemy. It would at least help to take care of some of the introduction to it. If they show the white council, then they could maybe show some forshadowing to Sauruman's fall.

[azalea]

Funny how everyone's talking as if it's already in the works.:)

[Twilight]

I wish. I think that we are going about it this way because we are all big Tolkien fans, so of course we want to see it happen. Whether it actually happens or not remains to be seen.

[Tar-Elendil]

personally, i dont think making the hobbit into a movie is a good idea..id watch it ofcourse..but there are some parts that are just well...goofy?:p

[azalea]

Re my first post on the last page, I just read in the LotR forum how they did indeed destroy the Shire sets, so if they did The Hobbit they'd have to start that from scratch.

[FrodoFriend]

You'd have to rebuild the sets bigger anyway, since most of the characters are short.

[barrelrider110]

Originally posted by Bropous: It took what, 280 million to make all three films? It has so far taken in something around 800 million. This proved there IS a market for Tolkien in the films. You can bet someone has at least pitched the idea to Peter Jackson. You can bet your shiny brass buttons that there will be a Hobbit movie. I read that New Line has the rights to both Tolkien titles.

As for why? It's simply a great story. There is wit and humor, drama and pathos, and Smaug makes for a great villain. The film-makers can go in either of two directions- They can make it a film for a younger audience- a la Harry Potter, or make it a prequel to LoTR, whichever they think will make more money. Either way, I can't wait to see it. I personallly don't give a pocket-handkerchief whether Jackson does the film or not-- as long as Howard Shore does the score.

[Bilbo Baggins]

Jackson has already said that there will be a Hobbit movie if LOTR did well.

[azalea]

OH, YIPPITY!

[Aragorn_iz_cool]

Good Idea but If it had been done before LOTR it would have been a bad idea. Hers Why: The Hobbit is a kids book. The movie would have to be a kids movie. Fans of violence and such woulden't see LOTR becouse they'd think it was more of the same. But now its a good idea. Probably not till the other 2 LOTR movies are out.

[samwiselvr2008]

i thought about this to, and i geuss that it would be a good idea b/c the ppl who were to scird/ not allowed to wach all of the other movies might be able to wach this one, and then they would read the other ones and might wont to/ be allowed to wach LOTR, b/c i have a friend that is scared of LOTR b/c she heard that it was scary, but if the Hobbit came out, it would not be as scary, and then she would wach it!

and anyways, all of the Tolkien fans would like it, and it wouldn't make them stop reading/ going to TLA (Tolkien Lovers Aconymis, just jokeing) but every movie will at least spark 1 new intrest, so BRING IT ON! GO PJ! MAKE THAT MOVIE!!!:)

[Cirdan]

Originally posted by azalea
Also I hope they include the Beorn episode (who could play him?). That was the funniest chapter in the book (Gandalf adding dwarves as the story progresses -- I don't know that might not work well as a movie scene).
you know, since the cartoon version didn't include that.

The same guy that played Hagrid in HP :D

It would be easier to adapt "The Hobbit" to film since it is less detailed and would allows for a more creative interpretation that would be similar to the look and feel of the LotR trilogy. I agree that it would be like "Episode I"; sparking renewed interest in the previous releases.

There was a movie released recently with all the spider CG so that is done already. Same with the dragons. The scenery alone would be would doing in the same manner as LotR.

The success of it as a prequel could lead to adaptations of Silmarillion stories, though they may lend themselves better to full CG in the manner of "Shrek".

[BeardofPants]

Hmm, I can quite decide that IF they did do it, whether they'd try to scarify it a bit, to make it fit better with the LOTR trilogy, or whether they'd dumb it down a bit, and make it a kids movie. Either way, I HOPE THEY LEAVE HOWARD SHORE OUT OF IT!!!!! :mad:

[Rána Eressëa]

I think making a Hobbit movie would be great, but only if it has a serious tone to it - when they begin on their journey from the inn.

And of course, make Bard sword fight the dragon in the small built-over-the-water-city instead of just shooting him down from the sky that way there is more action and suspense put in the movie. :rolleyes:

[webwizard333]

I would definately see New Line's The Hobbit if they make it. It will probably be a PG rating if they do it though, unless they decide to make the some of the fights more violent then they were depicted in the book.

[Celandine]

okay idea:)

[Bregalad]

I think the Hobbit as a movie is a great idea, and I really hope they do it. So what if it's a childrens book, it's not like it's the life and times of Barney the dinosaur! It's still Tolkien! The book may have been intended for younger audiences, but it is enjoyed by adults as well because it isn't simple clap-trap. Personnally, it's my favorite of Tolkiens stories for the exact reason that it is less serious. It is less serious because that was a happier time in Tolkien's world, before the ring was "found". It would be a movie, filled with humor and pathos. As for the songs, I'd like to see some modern bands do versions of them for the soundtrack! Too funny! If they ever do indeed make this film, I will be first in line! I want to see Smaug!

[Cirdan]

They would have to correct Bilbo's finding of the ring from FotR since Gollum cries out when Bilbo finds it.

[Diaxion]

I beleive that if the Hobbit does go live action it will be a good thing for Tolkien because more people will now know about the Hobbit and might actually read it. :cool:

[Reumandar]

I agree I think it would be a great movie:D:D... but the again it might be so altered and changed because of the way they made LotR :(

[Sween]

ive just read the hobbit movie and allthought is quite a lot of material it would not transfer very well. Its a bit too childish and seems to lack the tension of LOTR and people moving from movie to movie would not be happy be like the phantom menence all over again. The Elves in the the Hobbit are just not elf likeb at all. I mean come on they get drunk and fall asleep. And mock the dwarves they are much more like men.

It just would not work very well.

[Nana]

I agree with you in the sense that The Hobbit is a much less complicated book then the Lord of the Rings series, so if it were to be made into a movie, I think people would think it was aimed too much at children. However, I don't agree with you that the story itself is childish!
There was a cartoon version made many years ago, in the seventies or something, that I use to watch all the time. But an actual movie...I think it would be good yet not phenomenal.

[Caleb]

I think hobbits are sexy.

[Eruviel Greenleaf]

EDIT

I didn't actually say anything here, I think my brother did.

[katya]

i would like to see the hobbit as a movie but not if it was bad and i dont think it would fit well with lotr. but i wouldnt mind seeing it. although, the fact that it is such a childrens tale, more or less, makes me not want to see a serious live action movie. it would seem less magical to me. although i am curious about how one might turn out.

oh yeah, caleb, go away.

[Blackboar]

Although it is more of a childrens tale I would love to have one!
I think it would be interesting seeing it and good seeing Smaug in action!
In the future it would be a good introduction to LotR as the book of The Hobbit was to me.
I wouldn't be as excited as I am about LotR but trust me; I would be screaming with exciment to see it as a film!;)

[Varda Oiolosseo]

I think it could be good!
If they did do one I think it should have have been out before LOTR!! Like the book was!

[Mistabella]

Personally, I think they should have done the Hobbit movie first, but I still think it would be a great idea. I don't get why people think it's so hideously childish--and so what if it is childish? Children love LOTR. Children write LOTR fanfics, do art--what's wrong with a book more geared to them? It isn't condescending. I think a movie would be great if they kept to the spirit of the books. Of course the elves would be less solemn--they weren't born during a war! It would be wonderful to see who would play Bilbo in his middle-ageness and Smaug and the spiders would be awesome to behold. Besides, it could be an apology for the cartoon:rolleyes: and that awful theme song. Nobody torture yourself with that--*chokes*--"movie". It would be cool to actually have a good one.

[Legolas_is_fit]

I think it was a good idea to make the flims but, I think they should stick to the books story line and only add a few minor details in. Oh and in the first one, It was good and all but there was to much dialouge

[Elf.Freak]

yay! they should do a Hobbit movie! *dragons, yay!*:D

[Millane]

i think it would be great and i think it would make a good story...
i think if it was to be made into a movie PJ would have to do it and they would have to have Ian Mckellen and Ian Holm in it so it would be the same sort of style of movie and they would all run nicley together...
im all for the idea i would just love to see the battle of five armies on the big screen.. i think that the hobbit has many scenes that would be great and have lots of feelings in them that would set the movie far apart from the childrens story many people think it is... Valiant and proud Thorin "TO ME!!! TO ME!!!" and fili and kili dying alongside thorin... also the passage through mirkwood would be done really well by PJ as he did the scene in the Fellowship with the 4 hobbits on the road just before they saw the Nazgul for the first time

basically they should do it but only if they fullfill my 6 requirements...
1. PJ must direct it and Ian Mckellen and Ian Holm must be in it.

2. The battle of five armies must be in it and done well.

3. Troll scene must also be in it.

4. must be lots of partying at the start (i would also like it if they changed it so the dwarves get drunk :p)

5. must keep in all pipesmoking scenes and beorns house

and

6. Thorins line "TO ME!!! TO ME!!!" must be in it ;)

[Blackboar]

I think a Hobbit movie would be a good idea but I would prefer a Simillarian one!!

It would be interesting seeing how alike all the spiders are to the Shelob!:D

[L@ur@y Elven Warrior]

I think The Hobbit would be a GREAT movie I love the book.:D :D :D

[Legolaslvr!]

It would be good to see a hobbit movie non-animated!:p

[Lady of Rohan]

It would be great if they made a hobbit movie!

[Legolaslvr!]

yeah it would!

[Gwaimir Windgem]

Legolas is fit: It wouldn't really be possible to have the movies more true to the book, but with less dialogue. The Lord of the Rings is not about fighting, battles, etc. It has a good deal of dialogue in it; certainly far more than was in the movies. So, having it more accurate to books, but at the same time saying that it has too much dialogue, is, in my opinion, incoherent.

[goodwarlord]

When he's insid ethe cave and talking to Gullom, the riddle scene would rock!

[Dúnedain]

Here is something I read today that was quoted by Ian McKellen in regards to a Hobbit adaptation:

On his official website, Ian McKellen (http://www.mckellen.com) revealed what could be a possible adaptation of "The Hobbit" should "Lord of the Rings" director Peter Jackson want to do it.

"I recently asked about the film rights to The Hobbit, which seem to be somewhat controlled by Peter Jackson, as far as I can tell. I hope that's the case because obviously he should have first refusal at translating the novel into a movie. I should be intrigued to return to Middle-earth, even though it involved putting on Gandalf's nose, which is even more distinctive than my own, tell your wife. I thought it might be possible to make a really long screen version, probably for television, with every episode of the book covered week by week in a multitude of episodes. Ian Holm -- who was proud to look so young as well as so old as Bilbo in The Fellowship of the Ring -- even he might think the young Bilbo of The Hobbit was unlikely casting for an actor of his age."

[Thrain]

I tink that the Hobbit would be a great idea because all of my friends who aren't Tolkien nuts ( I know, I know but some people aren't as obsessed as we are) are always asking me to explain it and I think that if someone did make a Hobbit movie I wouldn't have to explain so much because the Hobbit answers a lot of questions that aren't answered in LOTR.

[gimli7410]

I think the actor of beorn should be hagrid from harry potter... they are both giants and he looks like beorn the way i imagined him

[Dúnedain]

Beorn would definitely be an interesting person to cast for, tough choice on finding someone to be him...

[Fatty Lumpkin]

the guy from harry potter would be good as beorn, but i also think john rhys-davies could as well. he's big and stocky, dark, etc. it could work.

[Evenstar1400]

but isnt the guy who played hagrid a little too tall?

oh wait screw that... they can just do the tricks with the camera and the set like they did in fotr. never mind...

[gimli7410]

Yea but doesnt he hobbit describe beorn as a sort of giant and the guy who does hagrid is not that big either they just do tricks with the camera

[Ellison]

the Hobbit is also much lighter than LoTR... I don't think it would make a great movie.

[Pippin Skywalker]

Ok here's my 80 cents :D :

I have had mixed and varied thoughts and feelings on this subject. First I didn't think the Hobbit could do well because it is more of a children's story than an epic like LOTR. It is a children's epic if you will. :) However I also came to realize after a while of thinking I didn't care or that I did not want it made that it actually is a good story. It's just different. So yes now I wouldn't mind. :)
I think logistically it may not do as well as the LOTR trilogy because:

Few Human Protagonists. (There is Bard but he is at the end.)
No Romance. Hmm.

It is generally less complex and less driving. In FOTR Gandalf comes and it's like "Frodo! Close your mouth! We're leaving! You wanna be Nazgul certified dead meat? That ring is risking all of Middle Earth.

The Hobbit: "ok let's have Bilbo and the 13 dwarves fiesta week" lol

The stakes are higher and there is more danger and conflict in LOTR. I do think there would be appeal such as origins of the ring, gollum (AGAIN!), and Smaug! Really not until the end of the story do we get REAL battles and thing that would draw and audience.

I know that is more from a Box Office perspective but hey I want it to do well! :)

I do think how they do it is important.

[hobbitboy]

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D

I think they should make a movie

[Blackboar]

I don't think they should make a movie,
For the people now, that read the books after they watched the movie, they're should be one book they are able to use more of they imagination for, it'll be hard with the LotR movies. But they wil be able to use them a bit.

Welcome to the 'moot hobbitboy!

[Gwaimir Windgem]

Y'know, that's wot they call me at another board I frequent! :eek:

[azalea]

But PS, I think that The Hobbit is such a great story that it can stand on it's own w/ out a bunch of major battles (if you think about it, there are plenty of minor battles fought, just not conventionally). That is a complaint that many people had about LotR movies -- PJ focuses TOO much on the battles.
A good story can make a good movie. I'd love to see how they'd do the part when Gandalf is telling Beorn their story, as the dwarves come up a few at a time! I'd love to see Bilbo take on the spiders (Attercop! Attercop!)! I'd love to see Barrels out of Bond! I love to read it and use my imagination, but I also love movies, and done well it would be SOOO good!
And I get annoyed when people dis it as a children's book:mad: It's ageless . It is great literature, yes, geared towards children, but with universal themes and great humor, characterization, plot lines...I could go on! Plus, children's lit deserves more respect. Good writing is good writing, no matter who the intended audience is. :cool:

[gimli7410]

i would say go for it(i dont know why just probably because i want to see more dwarves)

[Lady Tinuveil]

I think if they were planning the hobbit as the concluding chapter(movie) to the series, They have already started the whole process & are keeping it underground for now. It will be an awesome ending for all who like the triligy, Personly, they should have thought ahead & made it first, as the opener to LOTR.
Either way, I will watch it, And probably read the book all over again! I cant wait to see all the treasures... And smaug...

[Pippin Skywalker]

well said alzea :)

[azalea]

Thanks!:)

[Melko Belcha]

I could handle The Hobbit being made into a movie as long as PJ didn't get hold of the script.
His vison with the camera I give him credit for but the guy does not know how to write around the editing.
Plus I would hate to see Bilbo tossing the Dwarves over the Enchanted River, or The Battle of Five Armies lasting for a hour and a half. Not to mention the thirty minute battle in the Great Goblin cave.
Or he could make Bard not allow Bilbo and the Dwarves into Laketown so Thorin would plot how he could get Smaug to destory them for him.
Some might say this is over the top but after Two Towers I believe PJ will do anything to a story as long as it puts money in his pockets.

[Indril Anarion]

I'd like to see the Hobbit as a movie because it will give a new outlook, to the non-readers, as to what went on before the war of the Ring. Most people think of Bilbo now as a greedy old man. But in the Hobbit, he was crafty, smart, and brave. I think it would be a good idea, and if it being too childish are your worries, maybe parents will take more of their younger children to see the movie as well, therefore increasing it's box-office profits.

[Gwaimir Windgem]

I agree with Melko.

View Bilbo as a greedy old man? How odd...

[Blackboar]

I don't think there should be a Hobbit movie,
Everytime I read LotR after the movie came out I try to imagine the same scenes as I used to when I read it before the movie, but I keep getting pictures of Elijah Wood dressed up as Frodo everytime. I can't imagine Legolas with brown hair anymore as I used.
I think there should be one book thats easy to read (I love the Sil, but its hard going) that you can imagine yourself, its hard already with those pictures of Ian McKellan as Gandalf in my head all the time. And Rivendell.

[gandalfstormcrow]

I wouldn't mind if it was made into a movie. A fighting Bilbo who slays spiders and rescues Dwarves. People would get to see just what stuff Bilbo is made of.

Making it after LOTR wouldn't be bad, because the first 3 episodes of SW were made after 4,5,6. I just hope it wouldn't be screwed up too bad.

[Gwaimir Windgem]

Just imagine...all those Dwarves...:eek:

[Ninquelote]

And imagine how much comic relief we'd get!

[Aralyn]

Bad idea unless someone does a good job out of it. I know that seems obvious but I love Hobbit and don't want it butchered