Hobbit Movies

The first and only movie based on J.R.R. Tolkien's popular children's book, The Hobbit, appeared in 1977 when the Rankin/Bass studios produced a television special. The animation was so-so and the storyline was abbreviated. Many die-hard Tolkien fans did not like the Elves or the songs. Nonetheless many people have grown up with this "Hobbit" movie and it remains a favorite at Tolkien and science fiction and fantasy conventions.

When Peter Jackson produced a three-film adaption of The Lord of the Rings (released in 2001, 2002, and 2003) fans around the world hoped he would follow up with a prequel based on The Hobbit. After several years of dithering and haggling, the powers-that-be have conferred the role of producing and directing two live-action movies based on "The Hobbit" upon director Guilermo del Toro.

Although del Toro may be best known for his work on "Hellboy II: The Golden Army", many fans hope his adaption of Tolkien's beloved story will be both faithful to the book and to Jackson's franchise. Peter Jackson is acting as a consultant for del Toro. What that means in the final production process is not yet known, but several actors from the Jackson films have indicated they want to reprise their roles or otherwise appear in the "Hobbit" movies.

Tolkien fans around the world now have to wait to see what happens. In the meantime, there have been several commercial stage productions based on The Hobbit and there may be more. This enchanting children's tale lives on in the minds and hearts of generations of Tolkien readers and afficianados.

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