Peter Jackson in negotiations for 'The Hobbit'

<span style="font-size:10.5pt;">Almost one month after Guillermo del Toro dropped out of directing "The Hobbit," "Lord of the Rings" director Peter Jackson is in talks to helm the two films in the franchise. While we wait for the studios involved or Jackson's manager to confirm, there are lots of questions that remain before "The Hobbit" can actually begin production, let alone reach the big screen. First, MGM, the debt-laden studio that owns 50 percent of the rights to the classic tale, is facing an uncertain future. The studio failed to attract bids high enough to satisfy its creditors during an auction earlier this year, and the latest plan may see Spyglass Entertainment running the studio in a prepackaged bankruptcy, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Talks are continuing and no decision has yet been made, though some resolution is needed before the studio's debt waiver expires in mid-July. Some Hollywood insiders question whether production could actually proceed if there's a chance that those rights could wind up in bankruptcy court along with the rest of MGM's assets (it's the same reason why the "Bond" franchise is tied up since MGM owns half of those rights, too), but sources close to the "Hobbit" project insist that MGM's financial woes aren't a factor in this production.

The rest is here.</span>

Edited June 27, 201015 yr by Sylph

I can't believe they're still trying to make this thing happen...

I can't believe they're still trying to make this thing happen...

Why not? It's almost a definite blockbuster (two of them) and every LOTR fan is going to run to the theaters to see it.

I am so excited to hear there is still a chance that Jackson might direct. I really, really want this to happen, especially with him in charge.

Why not? It's almost a definite blockbuster (two of them) and every LOTR fan is going to run to the theaters to see it.

I am so excited to hear there is still a chance that Jackson might direct. I really, really want this to happen, especially with him in charge.

Many other directors have been attached to this project over the years and it never pans out. Wasn't Jackson originally approached in the first place? He needs to make up his mind already, or it may never happen and it may never get the backing he would want if he ultimately agrees. I wonder how long they're going to drag it out again, they may as well do it with another director if Jackson keeps stalling. Would it be as good? Who knows, but it could certainly be done without him.

This film franchise has simply been an idea for years that never pans out.

Edited June 27, 201015 yr by Y&RWorldTurner

Looks like it's really happening this time:

http://www.deadline.com/2010/06/urgent-peter-jackson-negotiating-to-direct-the-hobbit-films/

Well, a lot of movies get stuck in development hell. Usually, we just don't know about it Anyway,

Looks like it's really happening this time:

http://www.deadline....e-hobbit-films/

I'm really glad for this. Hope its made official soon. David Yates would have been a great second choice, though.

I'm actually indifferent regarding this, The Hobbit is a children's book... I don't know. We'll see.

I think I'm probably more excited about the 2nd one, which is supposed to finish off THE HOBBIT and connect it up until the beginning of LOTR. If that's still the plan.