The Hobbit movie news from Comic Con

We spoke with many people about the Hobbit in an attempt to gather any information available. Comic Con attendees were told by Guillermo del Toro "As a fan, I hope those movies get made. And I hope to God Peter Jackson directs them. They�re beautiful and they�re needed in the world."

Now while this sounds like the movie(s) are not even an active project, Metal Life Magazine did learn that legendary artist John Howe was holed up in New Zealand actively working on The Hobbit art. John is officially listed as a member of the art team and the fact that he is working on the art tells us The Hobbit is under way.

Cast and crew have not been announced although there are many rumors. We will have to wait and see how the financial status of MGM affects this project however. Perhaps Warner Bros can step in.

"Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" set for release Jan

Miramax Films have set January 21, 2011 as the release date for their new horror movie, "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark." Produced by Guillermo del Toro and Mark Johnson, directed by Troy Nixey, the film is about a young girl who accidentally awakens malevolent creatures in her father's house. Sent to live with her father and his girlfriend while they are renovating their house, strange events begin to happen. She must convince the grown ups that these creatures are real and that they are in danger before all is lost.

Starring Katie Holmes, Guy Pearce, Bailee Madison and Jack Thompson, this movie promises to deliver a few surprises and should start the year off right.

Guillermo del Toro to make HAUNTED MANSION movie

SAN DIEGO, Calif. � July 22, 2010 � Guillermo del Toro surprised the 6,500 fans gathered today at Comic-Con with the announcement that he is currently developing a new film for The Walt Disney Studios based on the classic Disney theme park attraction, The Haunted Mansion.

�Dark imagery is an integral part of the Walt Disney legacy. After all, Disney himself was the father of some really chilling moments and characters - think Chernabog from Fantasia or Maleficent as the Dragon or the Evil Queen in Snow White,� said del Toro. �I couldn't be more excited to be a part of my own adaptation of the original theme park attraction Walt envisioned and that remains- for me- the most desirable piece of real estate in the whole world!"

�Millions of people from around the world visit The Haunted Mansion each year, but no one has ever had a tour guide like Guillermo del Toro,� said Rich Ross, Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios. �Guillermo is one of the most gifted and innovative filmmakers working today and he is going to take audiences on a visually-thrilling journey like they�ve never experienced before.�



Since August 1969, foolish mortals have dared to trespass on the macabre grounds of Disney�s Haunted Mansion. A hallowed landmark in Disneyland�s New Orleans square, it�s the dwelling place of 999 happy haunts dying to meet new visitors each day. The plantation-style of the mansion�s facade is a sweet deception for visitors. Inside, ghostly doom buggies line the hallways. Since its construction, the mysteries of the mansion have transcended the attraction with stories surfacing about horrifying encounters with the supernatural. Versions of the daunting edifice have been built at other Disney theme parks in Orlando, Tokyo and Paris.



Editor's Note: Perhaps, this time, we will get a proper Haunted Mansion since it sounds like Mr del Toro will not be making this into a silly comedy.