https://the-hobbit-movie.com/2010/05/28/the-hobbit-in-limbo/
Earlier today while giving a press conference about his latest movie ʽSpliceʼ Guillermo Del Toro was asked about The Hobbit start date.
“Itʼs not greenlit,” said del Toro, “Thatʼs categorical, weʼve been caught in a very tangled negotiation. There cannot be any start dates until the MGM situation gets resolved. They do hold a considerable portion of the rights.”
“We have designed all the creatures, Weʼve designed the sets and the wardrobe. We have done animatics and planned battles sequences. We are very, very prepared for when it is finally triggered.”
No mention of casting because without a start date they canʼt expect anyone to commit pen to paper.
And talking of commitment, just how long will two of the most sort after movie makers hang around in limbo waiting for MGM to find a buyer? While the time already invested in the movie means neither would probably ʽwalk awayʼ from The Hobbit they may move on to other projects while they wait which could see further delays announced.
MGM has been up for sale to the highest bidder since the end of last year. The trouble is that with debts of over $4 Billion there are no bidders. Its 3 biggest assets are its library of over 4000 movies, the James Bond franchise and its share of The Hobbit and it may have to break up and sell these individually to avoid bankruptcy.
Del Toro was also asked about The Hobbit in 3D rumors and replied it had been discussed once but the budgeting had been worked out without any stereoscopic on the movie.
