Updated 12:15 p.m. PT Friday, June 25, 2010
By Borys Kit and Matthew Belloni
It looks like Peter Jackson might direct the two "Hobbit" movies after all.
Jackson is in negotiations to helm the films, which were left without a captain after Guillermo del Toro parted ways on May 30. Obstacles to a deal remain, including agreeing on a schedule that will allow Jackson to fast-track the films for release in 2012 and 2013, but insiders are cautiously optimistic that a pact can be worked out.
Talks, which have been going on for a week or two, heated up in recent days between Warner Bros./New Line and Jackson's team. Complications include the shaky financial situation of partner MGM, which owns the "Hobbit" rights and could hold up the production timetable. A significant delay would be a dealbreaker for Jackson.
Del Toro left the project over similar timing concerns. His move caught observers by surprise because the filmmaker had devoted so much time to work with Jackson drawing up plans for the movies, and working on the script with Jackson, Fran Walsh and Phillippa Boyens. He moved his family to New Zealand. Casting was even in the early stages.
But since his departure, Warners/New Line, which runs point on the production over partner MGM, never did a full-on search for a director, even as some names surfaced as possible contenders. Why? Because Warners/New Line was trying to woo Jackson back to Middle-earth.
Jackson has other commitments -- the director has been working on secret projects -- and wasn't sure he wanted to devote another chunk of his life to the tales of J.R.R. Tolkien. But because of the complicated nature and the advanced stage of the undertaking -- Middle-earth was being built from the ground up when del Toro left so unexpectedly -- it wasn't simply filling a chair with a warm body.
To Warners/New Line, Jackson is the most logical choice not only because he made the "Lord of the Rings" movies but also because he is deeply involved as a producer on the "Hobbit" films.
Insiders say the next few days will be crucial in the negotiating process between Jackson's camp and the Warners/New Line side.
so everything has basically come full circle with this.....now hopefully MGM's financial mess is sorted out hopefully very soon!
Posted by: monal valia | June 25, 2010 at 11:13 AM
Yes!
Posted by: japete | June 25, 2010 at 11:38 AM
This man can direct Middle earth
Posted by: Bahriddinov | June 25, 2010 at 01:58 PM
@oldhippy - Seems unlikey as Jackson is a new zealander... His parents almost certainly weren't in SF.
Posted by: Kiwi Girl | June 25, 2010 at 08:36 PM
Don't you think Peter Jackson will ruin the series.Why PJ is moving in wrong direction,he has far more interesting things to do..
Posted by: cheap holidays to Tenerife | June 25, 2010 at 10:03 PM
I want to see the movie now!
Posted by: Majed | June 26, 2010 at 12:33 PM
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes!!!!!!!
It is as it should be, no better man to do this job then Peter Jackson, the Hobbit will be phenomenal!!
YEEEES!!
Posted by: Ahrador | June 26, 2010 at 01:41 PM
Please let this happen!
Posted by: Zachariah Granville | June 26, 2010 at 07:25 PM
Good news everyone! I guess they resolved that contract dispute from the LotR series. Now if he can just resist the Hollywood machine that has a hobbit (heh) of ruining blockbuster movies by injecting lowest-common denominator formulas and actors they are trying to push that have no business in a fantasy film like this.
Posted by: movie review | June 26, 2010 at 11:46 PM
I'm glad Peter Jackson is being considered for the making of the Hobbit. It will keep the continuity flowing and he will I think make the best film. I thought it a big mistake when it was anounce that he was being overlooked, the Lord of the Rings was awesome.
Posted by: tenerife holidays | July 05, 2010 at 06:07 AM
I'm glad Peter Jackson is being considered for the making of the Hobbit. and i want to watch the movie now!
Posted by: sto credits | July 12, 2010 at 06:02 PM
hahah,of course,no better man to do this job then Peter Jackson,:)support him.
Posted by: tera gold | July 23, 2010 at 07:55 PM
Well said, such a person should be a good sentence, or the future will be more rampant.
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he has far more interesting things to do..
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