Sequels If Raimi goes to The Hobbit...howabout Peter Jackson for Spider-Man 4???

[Advanced Dark]

Sam Raimi Will Direct The Hobbit? Written by Robert Sanchez Sunday, 28 January 2007 There has been speculation about this since last November but according to a major newspaper, Sam "Spider-Man" Raimi is considering directing The Hobbit.

Last November, TheOneRing.net reported that Sam was a potential replacement for Peter Jackson since he and the studio could not "make nice". Now the LA Times is quoting sources that say that Sam is indeed looking to travel to Middle Earth once he is done with Spiderman 3.
LA Times has the following:

In a move that would have ramifications for several major multi-nationals, and millions of fans, "Spider-Man" maestro Sam Raimi has been telling associates, as well as his corporate masters at Sony, that he is thinking of directing "The Hobbit," the prequel to J.R.R. Tolkien's masterwork, "The Lord of the Rings." At least two top-level insiders – who declined to be named -- have heard the words out of the director's mouth.

A year ago, such a swap of franchises would have been unthinkable, given that Peter Jackson co-wrote and directed the Oscar-winning "Rings" trilogy, but that was before the slugfest erupted between the once-rotund director and New Line honcho Bob Shaye.

Jackson is suing the studio over money he says is owed to him from the the "Rings" films, which grossed more than $3 billion at the box office and another $1 billion on DVD. In the last few weeks, Shaye has declared Jackson persona-non-grata at New Line, stating publicly that, "He will never make any movie with New Line Cinema again while I'm still working at the company."

According to a New Line source, the studio isn't just contemplating one "Hobbit" movie, but two. The prequel tells the story of hobbit Bilbo Baggins and how he first discovers the magical but sinister ring, the very object that drives the action in "Lord of the Rings."

Still, while Raimi might be an irresistable replacement for Jackson, his ascension to the directing chair is far from a sure thing. New Line says it doesn't have a deal with the director, and Raimi hasn't met with Shaye or production president Toby Emmerich. More potentially problematic is the fact that MGM owns the distribution rights to the film. An MGM spokeman insists that MGM remains firmly in the Jackson camp: "We support Peter Jackson, and when the dust settles, we believe he is the one who will be making this movie."

A call to Raimi's office was directed to his agent, Richard Lovett, at CAA. The agency did not comment.

For Sony, losing Raimi – who gave "Spider-Man" its distinctive visual theatrics – would be a blow. Studio chief Amy Pascal has said she wants to make six installments of the "Spider-Man" tale. Just this week, the studio announced it was rehiring David Koepp, who wrote the first film, to write "Spider-Man 4."
These could be all speculation or maybe the LA Times is just rehashing old rumors. We will keep on this story and let you know what we find out. The real question is, would Bruce Campbell have a cameo?

Wills they swap like Ratner & Singer???

 

[Catman]

I doubt Jackson would direct Spider-Man 4. He's already busy with other projects. Secondly, (I've said this a MILLION times) if Raimi does not direct Spidey 4 he will not abandon the franchise. I am almost certain that he will stick around as a producer/creative consultant.

 

[Advanced Dark]

Sure Raimi might produce but then who would direct, and Jackson might be busy but it's a matter of what project is ready to shoot first. Who else would I want to see tackle Spiderman???

Just some fun ideas:
1) Ridley Scott...it'd be a nice but I doubt he'd do it.
2) Don't flame me but I think Rob Cohen could make a great film given great material like his Dragon film...but he's been making poor choices lately.
3) Richard Donner...yeah he's still alive and kicking and could do it just fine.
4) Robert Rodriquez...it could get interesting
5) James Cameron...3d digitial. yummy. You never know.

 

[Catman]

We've often discussed who would direct a Spidey flick after Raimi was done. At this point in the game I'm not sure. It just seems like everyone is busy with their own comic book adaptation. Brett Ratner did X3. Ang Lee already did Hulk. Rodriguez is doing the Sin City films. Wheldon is doing Wonder Woman. Nolan is working on the Batman films. Jon Favreau is directing Iron Man.

When Spider-Man 1 & 2 were released it was easy to choose a director. Now, everyone is directing one so who's available? Kevin Smith?! He's doesn't have the guts to do a film like this. He could if he wanted to, but he's just afraid for some reason. I love Kevin Smith as a person and a writer, but sometimes I can't respect him as a director. He never tries to challange himself.

So, I don't know, dude. I guess Sony is gonna have to pick up the phone and call Tim Burton. "Yo, dude, you seem to be good with these depressed outsiders. If you can stay faithful to the comic and the continuity already established you got the job!"

 

[Shifty]

If Sam doesn't return for SM4 then Tobey probably wouldn't. But New Line's rights to the The Hobbit ends soon and if MGM stalls the film long enough, then Peter Jackson could have a shot at it. Producer Saul Zaentz has said that his company will retain the rights and at that time Peter will be offered to direct/write the films. Zaentz had some money problems with New Line as well. S

 

[Catman]

^ True.

 

[Mr Jide]

I think that the spidey films are the sort of property that directors who aren't afraid to direct it and who may be scheduled to shoot another film will drop what they're doing and hop on board. I read an interview with steven speilberg a few years back and he said that he regrets not directing the spider-man movie. These movies rae huge money makers above all else. The only reson why potential directors wouldn't direct it isn't because of time constraints, being uninterested or anything else BUT because they're afraid to "f--k it up".

 

[NewYorkSpider]

I would like to see James Cameron direct SM4. I wish Raimi would stay though.

 

[Catman]

I think that the spidey films are the sort of property that directors who aren't afraid to direct it and who may be scheduled to shoot another film will drop what they're doing and hop on board. I read an interview with steven speilberg a few years back and he said that he regrets not directing the spider-man movie. These movies rae huge money makers above all else. The only reson why potential directors wouldn't direct it isn't because of time constraints, being uninterested or anything else BUT because they're afraid to "f--k it up".

Like I said before...its too late, man. In 2004 if Raimi would have said, "I won't direct Spider-Man 3" there would have been a s--tload of directors avilable. Now, everyone is working on their own superhero flick. So, Sony is gonna have to start thinking outside the box.

 

[Advanced Dark]

^ What and hire a cosmotoligist to direct it? LOL

We're likley talking 2010 so there's plenty of time and surely a director will put things on hold for this film if Sam walks. Eventually he will walk and someone else will step in. Bring on Fincher.

 

[Miguel]

"Mary Jane! I am Harrathorn son of Normanthorn, where is Lizuviel, the evening star? The third in my line must be begot; find her that we may get to begetting! The Newest Goblin must be ready for Spider-Man 6!"

I really couldn't resist. And I'd hope they wouldn't swap -just- like Ratner and Singer.. the X-Men movies already were unmemorable, Ratner simply came in and made sure 'the Last Stand' was deserving of being, hopefully, the last.

Seriously though, no opinion, really. I know nothing about Jackson's real directing pros/cons, so I abstain from opening my motormouth.

 

[Buford The Sly]

The Hobbit is not coming anytime soon. MGM seems like they have their heels dug in with Jackson. New Line will not win that pi**ing match.
Although I would love to see Raimi's take on the Hobbit, I seriously doubt that he will be directing it.

 

[NinjaTurtleFan]

We've often discussed who would direct a Spidey flick after Raimi was done. At this point in the game I'm not sure. It just seems like everyone is busy with their own comic book adaptation. Brett Ratner did X3. Ang Lee already did Hulk. Rodriguez is doing the Sin City films. Wheldon is doing Wonder Woman. Nolan is working on the Batman films. Jon Favreau is directing Iron Man.

When Spider-Man 1 & 2 were released it was easy to choose a director. Now, everyone is directing one so who's available? Kevin Smith?! He's doesn't have the guts to do a film like this. He could if he wanted to, but he's just afraid for some reason. I love Kevin Smith as a person and a writer, but sometimes I can't respect him as a director. He never tries to challange himself.

So, I don't know, dude. I guess Sony is gonna have to pick up the phone and call Tim Burton. "Yo, dude, you seem to be good with these depressed outsiders. If you can stay faithful to the comic and the continuity already established you got the job!"

Kevin Smith would write the screenplay, but he'd never direct it. He's too nervous to pull off a big action-packed movie like Spider-Man.

When he said he wanted to do "Iron Fist" he was contemplating the idea, than he decided to back away from the project and let it be.

 

[DACrowe]

Jackson wouldn't take it. Not that I would want to see a 3 hour bloated Spidey flick anyway (I love LOTR and liked KK but overindulgence is an understatement about the director).

But that goes back to the main problem.

THERE ARE MANY GREAT DIRECTORS who could handle a Spidey flick, some better than Raimi. I mean imagine if Steven Speilberg made a Spider-Man movie? Or ina different direction, David Fincher? But this is now "Raimi's franchise" as in he has done 3 instlalments with the same cast and defined what a "Spider-Man movie" is to the gneral public. That means another director would be stepping into his shoes and having to follow another director's blueprints and style instead of trying something on their own.

It is artistically stuffy. That is why when director replacements happen, it is usually a step down (i.e. Brett Ratner for example) because those who could do it better or just as well will probably be turned off of doing their first movie in a franchise with a 4 at the end of the title.

Alas.

 

[Catman]

Bring on Fincher.

Fincher would be an interesting choice. But, I recall that they turned him down cause they didn't agree with his ideas.

Kevin Smith would write the screenplay, but he'd never direct it. He's too nervous to pull off a big action-packed movie like Spider-Man.

The man should get some balls.

THERE ARE MANY GREAT DIRECTORS who could handle a Spidey flick, some better than Raimi. I mean imagine if Steven Speilberg made a Spider-Man movie? Or ina different direction, David Fincher? But this is now "Raimi's franchise" as in he has done 3 instlalments with the same cast and defined what a "Spider-Man movie" is to the gneral public. That means another director would be stepping into his shoes and having to follow another director's blueprints and style instead of trying something on their own.

It is artistically stuffy. That is why when director replacements happen, it is usually a step down (i.e. Brett Ratner for example) because those who could do it better or just as well will probably be turned off of doing their first movie in a franchise with a 4 at the end of the title.

Alas.

Agreed. This isn't the James Bond franchise where each film its is own thing. These films have continuity. A director just can't come in and do something radically different. Whoever directs Spidey 4 will most likely be a work for hire ala Brett Ratner.

 

[Road Warrior]

Speaking of James Bond, maybe Martin Campbell would be an interesting choice. He already has GoldenEye, Mask of Zorro, and Casino Royale under his belt.

 

[zanos]

I don't blame New Line for not wanting to pay Peter Jackson. Why sacrifice one cent when they can keep it all!!!!

 

[SentinelMind]

I think if Raimi doesn't do 4, it'll probably be a lesser known director to do 4. I doubt a big director like Jackson or Spielberg will want to continue something a peer director already started. What's in it for them really? They're already made it big and have their own franchises. However, an up and coming maybe indie director with lots of talent will jump at the chance for a smaller price and will be much more compromising to the studio.

 

[Catman]

^ Thats what I'm expecting to happen. OR they'll hire a big director who's willing to be work for hire kinda like Brett Ratner.

 

[zanos]

I think if Raimi doesn't do 4, it'll probably be a lesser known director to do 4. I doubt a big director like Jackson or Spielberg will want to continue something a peer director already started. What's in it for them really? They're already made it big and have their own franchises. However, an up and coming maybe indie director with lots of talent will jump at the chance for a smaller price and will be much more compromising to the studio.

What about a huge paycheck? Quite frankly I'd come in, tear down everything established by the previous director and start over. Raimi's Spider-man films are so flawed it wouldn't be hard.

 

[Catman]

Raimi's Spider-man films are so flawed it wouldn't be hard.

There's over a billion dollars that disagree with you.

 

[Symbiote Hulk]

PJ directing SM4? Wouldn't be a bad idea....

 

[zanos]

There's over a billion dollars that disagree with you.

Boxoffice doesn't equal quality. This is pretty much a known fact by now. The fact that ppl still are not aware of this astounds me. Besides I think a monkey could have directed SM and made a ton of money with it.

 

[DACrowe]

If you think Sony (or the general public) wants a restart/remake/reboot/re-whatever the **** you wanna' call it-do, then you are sadly mistaken.

If you think in 2009 it starts over with a new cast and origin audiences are going to "applaud a real visionary of the comics," you are more dellusional than any Raimi-worshipper.

Hence why don't expect Sony to be knocking on your door anytime soon, then.

 

[Catman]

Boxoffice doesn't equal quality. This is pretty much a known fact by now. The fact that ppl still are not aware of this astounds me. Besides I think a monkey could have directed SM and made a ton of money with it.

There is exceptions to the rule. Most people are pleased with these films and looking forward to the third installment. Face it, you're in the minority.