FacebookMaking a movie is a team effort, and even a visionary genius like Peter Jackson needs a hand pulling off those mega blockbusters. His upcoming two-part series The Hobbit is no exception.
So which friendly face did Jackson recruit to give him a hand both in front of and behind the camera?
Gollum...er, Andy Serkis! According to the Hollywood Reporter, Jackson has tapped the famed motion-capture actor and specialist to serve as the film's second unit director.
So what does that mean? Well, in addition to reprising his role as the strangely lovable ring obsessive, Serkis will now lead the team responsible for capturing things like various stunt scenes, special-effects sequences and, most likely, additional motion-capture work, while Jackson is off leading the main cast in their Middle-earth exploits.
"I think I understand Peter's sensibility and we have a common history of understanding Middle-earth," Serkis told the mag. "A lot of the crew from The Lord of the Rings was returning to work on The Hobbit. There is really a sense of Peter wanting people around him who totally understand the material and the work ethic."
Though the actor's new directing role may come as a surprise, Serkis does have experience behind the scenes. Not only does his résumé includes directing credits for video games, he and a producing partner are also eyeing plans to launch a motion-capture studio and training center. Who better to learn this fine craft than Gollum himself? Answer: no one.