The Paranomalist

Del Toro steps down as director

Del Toro not directing The Hobbit

Well, fellow Tolkien fans, it’s been a rough few weeks for those of us who were looking forward to the commencement of the filming of the first installment of The Hobbit movie. It was with great disappointment that I learned of Guillermo Del Toro’s departure from the director’s chair. Long before I’d known he had even been considered to direct The Hobbit films I expressed my hope that Del Toro might chosen after Peter Jackson bowed out of the directorial duties. I was thrilled when I later learned that he actually had been tapped for the job.

Now that he’s exited from the project, I certainly do hope that they can find a suitable replacement (what’s James Cameron up to?) to fill Del Toro’s shoes. As a fan of both Hellboy films, as well as the excellent Pan’s Labyrinth, I believe his strong visual style would have brought something very unique and powerful to The Hobbit films. However, I can’t say that I blame the guy. Six years in New Zealand to make both films is quite a daunting commitment, and with MGM’s fiscal problems causing the delay to be indefinite, it makes sense that Mr. Del Toro, one of the world’s most in-demand directors, can’t simply sit on his hands and wait for them to sort out their financial difficulties and green light the filming. Once again, I hope a suitable replacement is found for Mr. Del Toro.

Perhaps Peter Jackson will reconsider returning to the directorial duties, but I have no idea if that’s under discussion or not. I’d be surprised if that is an option, although maybe Mr. Jackson might feel the need to redeem himself a bit after The Lovely Bones (didn’t see it, but I’m aware of the poor reviews and the disappointing box office performance). Not that Jackson should feel the need for redemption — he did a fantastic job with the Lord of the Rings. But seriously: what about James Cameron? Does he have anything going on these days?

The only logical choice for the role of Thorin Oakenshield, gone

GC as Thorin: WhatchutalkinaboutBilbo?

Now, if Del Toro’s departure from The Hobbit wasn’t bad enough, I was crushed and saddened when, just three days earlier, my first choice for the part of Thorin Oakenshield passed away: Mr. Gary Coleman. In my opinion, Thorin Oakenshield was the role Gary Coleman was born to play. Not only was he the correct stature — thus eliminating the need for expensive CGI “dwarfening” — Gary had the acting chops, quick wit and comic timing (don’t forget, the dwarves were pretty funny dudes, if not always intentionally) to pull it off.

The question, of course, remains: could Jackson, Boyens, and company have worked in a “whatchutalkinaboutBilbo?” into The Hobbit films? Perhaps. Remember, “I’m the Juggernaut, bitch!”, taken from the hugely popular MyWay Entertainment parody video found it’s way into X-Men: The Last Stand (YouTube video here), so it might have happened. By the way, I think Vinnie Jones really is the Juggernaut.

Despite the recent spate of disappointing Hobbit news, I am hopeful that the films will be made and completed with the same level of quality that we’ve come to expect from Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films. And to Gary Coleman, if you’re listening, Rest In Peace my friend. I have been a fan for over thirty years, and a fan I remain. You would have added grace, style and character to a great story, as well as some much-needed color to Middle Earth. To me, you’ll always be the only real choice for the role of Thorin Oakenshield.

Note: LOTR geeks don’t need to point out that my bad Photoshop job uses Gimli’s outfit. I know that (being a geek myself).