The Hobbit officially becomes three films!

For some time now we have been hearing rumors that Peter Jackson has wanted to extend The Hobbit into three films. Jackson even hinted at this during San Diego Comic Con. But now all the rumors and all the guessing can finally come to an end. Peter Jackson has officially released a letter to fans on his Facebook page addressing the issue. Lets take a look at what Peter Jackson had to say to his fans and fans of the franchise.

"It is only at the end of a shoot that you finally get the chance to sit down and have a look at the film you have made. Recently Fran, Phil and I did just this when we watched for the first time an early cut of the first movie - and a large chunk of the second. We were really pleased with the way the story was coming together, in particular, the strength of the characters and the cast who have brought them to life.  All of which gave rise to a simple question: do we take this chance to tell more of the tale? And the answer from our perspective as the filmmakers, and as fans, was an unreserved ‘yes.' 

We know how much of the story of Bilbo Baggins, the Wizard Gandalf, the Dwarves of Erebor, the rise of the Necromancer, and the Battle of Dol Guldur will remain untold if we do not take this chance.  The richness of the story of The Hobbit, as well as some of the related material in the appendices of The Lord of the Rings, allows us to tell the full story of the adventures of Bilbo Baggins and the part he played in the sometimes dangerous, but at all times exciting, history of Middle-earth.

So, without further ado and on behalf of New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Wingnut Films, and the entire cast and crew of “The Hobbit” films, I’d like to announce that two films will become three. 

It has been an unexpected journey indeed, and in the words of Professor Tolkien himself, "a tale that grew in the telling."

Cheers,

Peter J"

Peter Jackson does have a point. Given all the sources of material (The Hobbit, the appendixes in The Lord of the Rings and possibly some points from Unfinished Tales) there's certainly enough for three films. However, you still have to wonder how much of these movies will be Tolkien's story and how much will be Jackson's story. "We know how much of the story ... will remain untold if we do not take this chance." This comment alone has to make you wonder what was being cut from a 255 page book that two films wasn't enough to fit everything in. However, Peter Jackson did an amazing job with The Lord of the Rings and bring that tale to life so I have faith that he will bring the same dedication to The Hobbit.

How do you feel about The Hobbit being split into three films?

Source: Facebook - Peter Jackson