Why Was The Hobbit Trilogy Made: The Role of Greed and Financial Motivations

The making of the Hobbit trilogy has always been a topic of discussion and debate, with many questioning the underlying motives of those behind the films. One common theory is that the trilogy was primarily created to maximize profits, with greed being the driving force behind the decision to expand the story from a single film to three long movies.

Financial Motivations and Peter Jackson#39;s Involvement

According to various reports, the Hobbit trilogy was not originally intended to be a series of films. However, it evolved from the desire to generate more revenue, a common practice in the film industry. Peter Jackson, the director and creator of the trilogy, mentions that the project came about after he believed it would be a financial disaster. Nevertheless, he agreed to make the films, hoping to at least ensure some quality output despite the risks.

Historically, Peter Jackson's films have often been driven by financial considerations. For instance, the original Lord of the Rings trilogy was expanded into three films to increase box office earnings and meet the expectations of fans who clamored for more content.

Expanding the Story for Entertainment and Financial Gain

The Hobbit movies, originally planned as a two-part film, were expanded into three to fill the time and create a more engaging cinematic experience. The extended films included additional characters such as Legolas, Galadriel, and Saruman, drawing from the broader universe of Tolkien's works. This decision was partly financial, as Lionsgate, the studio behind the films, aimed to replicate the success of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

One key factor in the expansion was the desire to give audiences more of Middle-earth, which had been a significant success with The Lord of the Rings. The filmmakers felt that fans would willingly watch for longer to see more of their favorite characters, thus justifying the longer run times. The Battle of Five Armies, originally a 10-minute scene, was expanded to an hour, further increasing the appeal to the audience and ensuring higher box office accolades.

Greed and the Integrity of the Story

While the expansion of the Hobbit trilogy in terms of run time and additional content is understandable, many critics argue that the primary motivation was greed. Some believe that the filmmakers and studio executives ignored the integrity of the original story, prioritizing financial gains over the true spirit of Tolkien's work. Critics argue that The Hobbit was originally written as a children's book, which was far shorter than The Lord of the Rings. Turning it into a trilogy only served to dilute the story and cater to the expectations of adult audiences who wanted more of Middle-earth.

The success of the Lord of the Rings trilogy set a precedent, and it was logical for the studio to attempt to replicate that success. However, the expansion of the Hobbit franchise was largely driven by the desire to maximize profits. This decision eventually led to a series of criticisms, with many fans feeling that the Hobbit trilogy did not do justice to Tolkien's original work.

Conclusion

The Hobbit trilogy's creation was a complex interplay of financial motivations and creative impulses. While the filmmakers aimed to create a compelling cinematic experience, the overarching motive was often financial gain. This expansion of the trilogy into three films was not without controversy, with many questioning the integrity of the original story. Ultimately, the success of the Lord of the Rings trilogy set the stage for the ambitious expansion of the Hobbit series, a move driven by greed and the pursuit of greater profitability.