Peter Jackson Films 1996 - Present
Lord of the Rings, King Kong + Future Projects Tintin and The Hobbit
Peter Jackson's filmography from 1996 to present, listed by year of release and including synopses. Plus a look at future projects for Jackson circa 2008-9
Peter Jackson's most recent films are undoubtedly amongst the most widely recognised and highly praised on the planet. The Lord of the Rings trilogy amassed an unbelievable haul of 17 Oscars between them, and brought the magical world of Tolkien's books to life. The contrast to his early films (see tie in article Peter Jackson Films 1987 – 1995) is dramatic, but nevertheless a line can still be drawn through all Jackson's films. Many are united by theme or by familiar faces, but all are subject to Jackson's unerring desire to bring to the screen a film he himelf would want to see.
Filmography 1996 - Present
The Frighteners (1996)
This underrated film deserves a new lease of life in view of Jackson's new found success with Lord of the Rings. It is a story about a ghostbusting con-artist, wonderfully played by Michael J. Fox, who bites off more than he can chew. Produced by special effects maestro Robert Zemeckis the film serves to unite Jackson's affections for horror, comedy and FX, but unfortunately it failed to make much of an impact at the box office. It remains an interesting film for fans, and coincidentally stars John Astin, father of Sean (Samwise Gamgee in Lord of the Rings), as one of the ghosts.
Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
The first part of the trilogy introduces the lovable Hobbits at home in the beauty of The Shire, before committing Frodo to a quest of unfathomable difficulty – to destroy the dark lord Sauron's ring of power. He is joined by a ragtag band of brave souls on this mission, including his Hobbit friends, the ranger Aragorn, Legolas the Elf, Gimli the Dwarf and the great wizard Gandalf the Grey.
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
The dark army is on the rise. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli forge an alliance with Rohan to defend against the evil. Gandalf, thought to have fallen at the jaws of the Balrog, returns reincarnated as Gandalf the White whilst Merry and Pippin make friends with the tree-like Ents. The journey continues for Frodo and Sam, despite the fellowship being broken up by death and destruction, and they head for Mordor with the duplicitous creature Gollum.
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (2003)
The final part of the story is a battle of epic proportions, as Orcs fight against Men, and Aragorn is primed to fulfill his destiny as the true King in order to defeat Sauron. Frodo has to contend with the demonic power of the ring confusing his mind, as he finally reaches mount Doom, whilst Gollum prepares a final trap of his own in order to win back the ring for himself.
King Kong (2005)
Peter Jackson had been pursuing funding for this re-make even before Lord Of The Rings. After the incredible success of the Middle Earth epics, this was no longer a problem. Andy Serkis, who so memorably brought Gollum to life through performance capture, returns to weave his magic as the giant gorilla and Naomi Watts performs admirably in the role made famous by the 'Queen of Scream' Fay Wray.
Films for 2008/09
Jackson is currently working on an adaptation of Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones and is attached to a number of projects in the capacity of producer including Halo, District 9 and, most excitingly, the forthcoming Hobbit films. He's also committed to direct one of three proposed Tintin films.
This filmography is preceeded by the article Peter Jackson Films 1987 - 1995.
For further information about Jackson's future projects and his astounding rise to fame, please see the two part biography articles Peter Jackson - The Early Years and Peter Jackson - New and Recent Films.
