The fucktards associated with Saul Zaentz’s production company are trying to shut down a pub in England. Why? Because it is called The Hobbit and the first part of Peter Jackson’s film is supposed to come out this December. The pub[1] has been in existence for 20 years, during which time Zaentz has owned the rights to Tolkien’s books. It seems to me that this is a clear case of squatter’s rights. But I don’t even see the problem here. Titles cannot be copyrighted. This must be some kind of trademark law run wild.
Stephen Fry (who will be in the upcoming film) tweeted, “Sometimes I’m ashamed of the business I’m in. What pointless, self-defeating bullying.” Indeed.
It is nothing for me to say I will not see the film because of this. Although I think Peter Jackson is very good, I also think his Lord of the Rings is wildly over-rated. Ditto for Tolkien. But there is something that all you with Facebook accounts can do: join the campaign.
Stupid evil fucktards!
[1] Fun Fact: the word “pub” is short for “public house,” just as “tavern” is short for “an establishment where alcoholic beverages are sold to be drunk on the premises.”