Peter Jackson discusses The Hobbit at Comic Con

Peter Jackson made his very first appearance at Comic Con to promote District 9, which he produced. At the beginning of the panel, he began by talking about The Hobbit, and progress with the project to head off all the questions the audience would have. They are writing the script and about 3 weeks from giving it to the studio to look over and approve. No actors have been signed as of yet. He also explains why they are doing two Hobbit movies.

My favorite moment of this clip from Rope of Silicon is at about the six minute mark when Peter takes out his camera and takes a picture of the Comic Con audience, asking the guy in the back to smile. "This is a moment to remember for the rest of my life."

Hellboy II: The Golden Army - Mini-review

Director Guillermo del Toro is a genius. He has such an incredible imagination. He carries a little notebook around with him everywhere, in which he makes notes and draws color sketches for the movies he's working on. The first Hellboy was very different from other super hero movies, but then in Pan's Labyrinth we saw the full extent of his creativity, and those who've seen his Oscar winning film will see echoes of Pan's Labyrinth in Hellboy II. They've let del Toro loose and let him go wild. It's a visual feast! The Troll Market scene can't help but remind you of the Star Wars cantina scene as it's chock full of fantastical monsters the like of which you've never seen. Hellboy remarks that no one looks at him there, as he fits right in. My favorite line from the scene is from what looks like a baby held by another monster. The baby pipes up, "I'm not a baby. I'm a tumor!"

The villain in Hellboy II is based on Celtic mythology, and the ancient elf kings. For once, there is some real sympathy for a super hero villain. He doesn't just want to take over the world -- Prince Nuada is angry that the ancient truce has been broken, and the humans have destroyed the magical creatures' forest homes. I never understood why the elvin royalty would choose to live in a subway basement rather than Ireland (or the endless forests of Alaska for that matter), but that's just quibbling. The story holds together (no lame Wanted Looms of Fate, here.)

I loved this movie! It was a little scarier than I was expecting as based on my memories of the first Hellboy, we brought our seven year old. Big mistake. One of the first monster scenes has tooth fairies. Not nice tooth fairies, but little bug-like flying fairies that like to EAT teeth and bones, and we watch them devour a few humans. We had to cover Ben's eyes for that part. The angel of death with eyes on his wings rivals any creepy monster in Pan's Labyrinth, too.

Ron Perlman is so perfect as the cigar chomping Hellboy. Thank you again, Guillermo del Toro, for reviving his career and bringing him back for the first Hellboy. I was so pleased that there was a childhood scene for Hellboy II, so that we get to see the wonderful John Hurt again as his adoptive father. There's some real emotion in this film, too, and of course the set up for the next film with Hellboy's relationship with fiery Liz (Selma Blair). I give this film an enthusiastic three and a half stars. See it on the big screen if you can. It's just awesome, and had me bouncing up and down in my seat over the fact that even as I type, Guillermo del Toro is probably scribbling away in his Hobbit notebook!!

James McAvoy to play The Hobbit?!

The internets are buzzing this morning with news from WENN! Can you think of anything more perfect? It hadn't occurred to me before I read it, but it is just the best news!

Scottish actor James McAvoy has been tipped to take the lead role in the new movie version of Lord Of The Rings prequel The Hobbit.

J.R.R. Tolkien's novel is set to be turned into a major blockbuster under the direction of Guillermo del Toro and filming is due to begin in New Zealand later this year.

Sir Ian McKellen will reprise his role as Gandalf and McAvoy is rumoured to be the favourite to take the lead role of hobbit Bilbo Baggins.

The character was played by Ian Holm in the previous films of the fantasy franchise, but he is due to be replaced by a high profile star for the new movie.

A source tells British newspaper the Daily Express, "A number of names have been doing the rounds, including Daniel Radcliffe and Jack Black, but James (McAvoy) is the one the film's bosses really want.

"They're expected to have talks soon so hopefully it could be confirmed in the not too distant future."

And director del Toro adds, "I can tell you it's down to a few names that we all agree upon. For our first choice, completely magically we all have the same name."

Gandalf is a lock!

Yippee! Sir Ian McKellan has confirmed that he'll be back as Gandalf in the two Hobbit films! As if anyone else would do! From BBC News:

"Yes, it's true," he told Empire magazine. "It's not a part that you turn down. I loved playing Gandalf."

Two Hobbit films are planned for release in 2010 and 2011. They will be prequels to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson.

Guillermo del Toro has been named as the director of the movies, to be made back-to-back in New Zealand.

"I spoke to Guillermo in the very room that Peter Jackson offered me the part and he confirmed that I would be reprising the role," Sir Ian said.

He also said del Toro would be starting the script in about six weeks after he has finished filming current project, Hellboy 2.

According to studio New Line, the first film will be an adaptation of The Hobbit and the second will be an original story focusing on the 60 years between the book and the beginning of the Rings trilogy.

"As to how it's going to work over two films and what going to happen on screen, well Guillermo has not got down to working out the major details yet - I can tell you it's going to be amazing though," Sir Ian said.

Guillermo del Toro to direct "Hobbit"!!!!

It's official! Guillermo del Toro, director of Pan's Labyrinth and Hellboy, has signed on to helm "The Hobbit"!

Del Toro's moving to New Zealand for the next four years to work with Jackson and his Wingnut and WETA production teams. He'll direct the two films back to back, with the sequel which will deal with the 60-year period between "The Hobbit" and "The Fellowship of the Ring," the first of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.