The Hobbit Is Coming

Shorties the world over rejoice!

So yes, it is true. We've been slacking a bit here at Zboneman.com. Well, not slacking exactly. We've all just been really busy. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that this is not a big time money making operation. Folks like The Boneman and myself don't exactly make bank. We do this stuff because we love it. Recently, the great one has been knee deep in schooling for what will hopefully be a lucrative venture. At the same time, he's been actively shopping "Fanclub" around to Hollywood suits. As for yours truly? Well, I've been pretty busy myself. Currently, I'm in the midst of working on a short film for a three week film making competition. I've also been hard at work with a t.v. show called Film Fanatics. Add to that the daily rigors of a nine to five grind and all important family time, and you have a man that's been spread pretty thin. While I'm not one to make excuses, I figured a little explanation was in order. On the horizon, a plethora of reviews including The Ruins, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, What Happens in Vegas, Prom Night (yuck), and Under the Same Moon along with Kyle's batch of musical news.

In the meantime, what better way to make a comeback then with some truly dynamite news. This is easily the biggest news of the month, particularly if you're a big movie fan–more importantly, if you're a big Hobbit fan. It seems after months of speculation and legal entanglements, The Hobbit will finally make it's way to the big screen. And in fact, there will be two films. The second feature will bridge the gap between The Hobbit and Fellowship of the Ring. Wow! Talk about a major undertaking. So who will helm The Hobbit? Today, Variety and Aint-it-cool-news ran the answer. For those who've followed this project, it should come as no surprise. Forget about those premature Sam Raimi rumors from a year back. The director of The Hobbit will be...

GUILLERMO DEL TORO!!!!

I'm so fucking excited about this I don't even know where to begin. It comes as no surprise that del Toro is taking on the project. His name has been bandied about for months. Unfortunately, all the crazed legality issues surrounding the project had things stalled for a while. As of Thursday, April 24th, it's official. del Toro is directing the film. Cooler still, Peter Jackson will be heavily involved serving as both producer and a creative consultant. Kick ass news!!!!! When I first heard del Toro might take on the Hobbit, I was instantly excited at the prospect of his being involved. If Jackson isn't going to direct, I can't think of a better man for the job. Anyone who has doubts should rent Pan's Labyrinth–the best film of 2006 and clearly one of the best films of the last decade. Up first for Mr. del Toro? Hellboy II, a film that's already garnering tremendous buzz. Personally, it's the fourth film I'm most excited about this summer (trailing only Indiana, The Dark Knight, and Wall-E). It should also be noted, it's an extremely close fourth place. In fact all of these films are in a virtual tie for me. Anyway, del Toro doing The Hobbit! I can't wait. I honestly believe it will live up to Tolkien's book and it will most certainly work perfectly as a companion piece to the cinematic landscape Peter Jackson created. Now, I can only hope we don't have to wait ten years for this mother! Currently, Jackson is working on The Lovely Bones. My guess is as soon as that's finished, it's back to Middle Earth. We'll keep you posted on all developments.