Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.After more delays in obtaining a go-ahead for production on the highly-anticipated Hobbit films, Guillermo del Toro ( Pan's Labryrinth, Hellboy films) has pulled out of directing the two-part prequel to The Lord of the Rings.
His decision came after continued postponements due to the MGM studio's financial difficulties, and a still uncertain start date.
The director will complete the screenplays along with Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens ( The Lord of the Rings, King Kong, The Lovely Bones) about the story of Bilbo Baggins' journey to the Lonely Mountain to reclaim a treasure taken by a dragon.
He made the announcement in TheOneRing.net, expressing his hope that Jackson would direct: "I am faced with the hardest decision of my life. After nearly two years of living, breathing and designing a world as rich as Tolkien's Middle Earth, I must, with great regret, take leave from helming these wonderful pictures."
Jackson responded to fans in TheOneRing emphasizing that Guillermo's vision and creative DNA are in the scripts.
With several other films in development, including Pinocchio, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Frankenstein, del Toro couldn't commit to stay in New Zealand for six years instead of three years.
MGM's limbo state has also affected the shooting of the next James Bond film which is on hold.
RC
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments