Hollywood Insider just received word from New Line and MGM that everything has been resolved in The Hobbit debacle between Peter Jackson (pictured) and New Line. Jackson will executive produce the pic for a 2010 release, but the studios are still in search of director. Production on The Hobbit will begin immediately, though no script has been written, which means they will have to work around the strike. A rep for MGM says, “This is a slamdunk for everybody.”
In a New Line press release to be sent out today, Peter Jackson says , “I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to put our differences behind us, so that we may begin a new chapter with our old friends at New Line. ‘The Lord of the Rings’ is a legacy we proudly share with Bob and Michael, and together, we share that legacy with millions of loyal fans all over the world. We are delighted to continue our journey through Middle Earth. I also want to thank Harry Sloan and our new friends at MGM for helping us find the common ground necessary to continue that journey.”
Stay tuned for more throughout the day…
–Additional reporting by Nicole Sperling.
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Wow.
This is perfect. No one else could make this film like Peter Jackson can. Now if they would only cast me as one of the extras…
I wish Peter Jackson was directing this, but I’ll still be first in line to go see this movie.
I am so thrilled to hear those words. Now I have something to wait for…
Good Luck and Pete and WETA!!
I agree with Marc,no one else but Jackson can do this.Lord of the Rings is the only triology that I can say got better and better. I’m excited that Hollywood East may be coming to Connecticut. And like most I also would love to be an extra or maybe a small part. Sometimes fantasies come true. Go for it Peter. Ed
Im very dissapointed Jackson isnt directing… probably wont see it
Thank you Golden Compass for bombing!
Okay, i’m confused. Here they’re reporting Jackson isn’t directing, but over at Yahoo! Movies, they have the title “Peter Jackson to direct The Hobbit”…see for yourself http://movies.yahoo.com/mv/news/ap/20071218/119800488000.html….What do you think?
remove the “….What” in my previous comment to view the web page
Even though Peter Jackson is not directing IT, his involvement will ensure a good movie because he knows Tolkien.
He was said to be found at a millionaire&celebs club Meet Rich Dcom not long before, and he was hot there.Quite a few girls and ladies wrote to him.OMG!
He’s just not signed to direct now. He may still come around. JJ Abrams was Exec Producing Star Trek and then decided to direct it. I would be surprised if he didn’t. The main thing in his way are the TinTin movies he’s doing with Spielberg.
YES YES YES YES YES!!!
HAPPY HOBBIT HOLIDAZE!!!
YES YES YES YES YES!!!
HAPPY HOBBIT HOLIDAZE!!!
yeeessssss!!!
Jackson could wind up directing it — and probably will, I’d guess. If not him, then how about Ridley Scott, George Miller, or Peter Weir?
I freaking thrilled, cannot wait to see this movie or to see all 5 movies in a row!! Now that is entertainment!!! I would love to be an extra also!!!!!
Yay, a movie being rushed into production without any actual director or a semblance of a script. Well, I guess that’s never stopped modern Hollywood!
?
Ok this is a definite start…now he just has to decide to actually direct the thing. His direction would ensure that the movie was awesome!
That’s great. And 2010? The final Harry Potter installment anyone?
I want to know who’s going to play Bilbo!
According to Variety, Sam Raimi is the main name for a director at this stage.
I would prefer Jackson, but Raimi should be adequate, and Jackson will oversee the production ensuring high quality and faithfullness to Tolkein.
And yes, I imagine that the failure of New Line’s very expensive LOTR replacement, Golden Compass, encouraged New Line to shell out the money they owed Jackson so he would be involved.
Look at that photo of Peter. HE should play Bilbo.
Happy! So happy!
peters executive producer not director? hmmm, so basicly its, ‘lets find a way to have jackson involved, but as far away from it at the same time.’
I’m out
WOW very quick to make a decision. It may rain in Paris…I won’t go!
WOW, very quick to make a decision. Hey it MAY rain in Paris, therefor I will never go!
I would also love to be an extra in this film. Anyone have information on where it is being filmed? New Zealand again?
That’s great. Why isn’t Peter Jackson directing the film?