This is the worst thing to happen in scifi and fantasy films since the creation of the Jar Jar Binks character in the Star Wars universe.
Disney Secures Rights to J.R.R. Tolkien’s, The Hobbit
Tuesday, April 1, 2003 Posted: 11:26 AM EST (1926 GMT)
Kissimmee, Florida (AP)
"Disney films, in what Hollywood insiders have labeled a coup over Lord of the Rings director, Peter Jackson, has acquired the rights to J.R.R. Tolkien’s, The Hobbit from Rankin-Bass. When asked for comment Jackson replied, “I have always said that part of me would love to have somebody else make The Hobbit, so I could watch it as an audience member. On the other hand, it would feel odd.” Odd indeed.
Response from fans of Peter Jackson’s two Ring’s films to date, The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) and The Two Towers (2002) has been anything but positive. Internet message boards are already a buzz like angry hornets over the news.
“It’s very disappointing to say the least,” commented message board participant RingWraith. “I can just see it now. It will be full of musical numbers and singing pots, pans and swords.”
Another board participant, Elf_Mistress quipped, “You watch, Disney will replace the party of thirteen dwarves with seven! I’m so angry. I think PJ should have moved much faster on this to secure the rights.”
Disney is of course delighted to have secured the rights for The Hobbit. Disney CEO, Michael Eisner commented that, “we at Disney couldn’t be happier! We intend to base our animated feature fully on Tolkien’s original work. We won’t disappoint the fans.”
This deal will also help the Disney Corporation financially, especially after its weak earnings for the last fiscal year, which has seen declining profits and stock value. With the closing of the deal Disney stock saw a modest stock gain.
Pre-production work on Walt Disney's, The Hobbit is slated to begin this summer with a release date of Christmas 2004. That date would maintain the consistency of yearly release dates set by the other Lord of the Rings films."
I don't even have words to fully express my disgust and disappointment at this outrage! I want the head of Eisner on a plate! Disney ruins everything it touches with singing animals and silverware. They totally ripped off and ruined Tezuka's Kimba, The Jungle Emporer with their bastardization known as The Lion King (what I call The Lying King). You can read the whole CNN Entertainment article HERE.
;-)
Posted by: Jeff on April 1, 2003 01:52 PMYou're an evil bastard. No more, "I'm a good church going boy" for you evil one.
Posted by: MM on April 1, 2003 02:49 PMI would just have to wonder why we need another animated version of The Hobbit. This sucketh.
Posted by: GerenM on April 1, 2003 04:08 PMThere's a long line of people who are horrified by Disney. I'm sure Hans Christian Andersen turns over in his grave everytime somebody plays a tape of Disney's "The Little Mermaid".
Posted by: Lynn on April 1, 2003 11:32 PMStumbled on this page as I was researching for a Hobbit Parody that I and some on-line friends have just started. How bewildering it was to discover that my PARODY idea of merging the two sets of dwarves (not very original perhaps but with mileage) could become serious reality! Ack! Ack!
Anyhow, after all the time it's taken dear PJ to complete LOTR, I expect Fran would scream like the Wraiths she voiced if he came to her one day and said he's secured the rights for 'The Hobbit'. But common with one of the earlier comments I too wonder why we need another animated version of the Hobbit. Just hope that it is better than Bakshi's LOTR, on which I simultaneously spit and howl with laughter!
i hate to read and i came on this website so read a summary of what chapters 2 and 3 are about and yall dont have it
btw, i live in texas