del Toro’s Exit Leaves The Hobbit In Limbo
The news of Guillermo del Toro’s exit from The Hobbit dealt a serious blow to the future of the project. After two years in development hell and constant delays, del Toro felt his only recourse was to make a clean break. Although he says he will continue to write the screenplays for the planned two movies alongside Peter Jackson and others.
It’s not surprising when you consider no one has been cast to play Bilbo Baggins. The producers wanted to be shooting by this summer, but that’s difficult to do when you have no lead actor. Perhaps James McAvoy’s signing on to play Professor X in X-Men: First Class was the final straw. McAvoy was rumored to be on a short list being considered for the role of Bilbo.
Whatever the case, The Hobbit, no matter how the producers spin it, is on life support. The easiest solution to this quagmire would be to have Peter Jackson take the helm. He’s already working on the script and executive producing. What’s one more hat to wear? However, his agent says that ain’t gonna happen, according to Deadline.
If Jackson doesn’t take the reigns, which director out there has the time and ability to commit to the job? David Fincher would be a fine choice, but his plate looks pretty full with one film in post-production and another in pre-production. What about Alfonso Cuarón? His schedule looks less congested and with a Harry Potter flick and the amazing Children of Men under his belt, he definitely has the vision and skill to pull it off.
For now, the future of The Hobbit remains a mystery. Such is life in Hollywood.
