After news broke that Guillermo Del Toro had stepped down from his directing duties on The Hobbit, the focus immediately shifted to who would fill his shoes? Would it be someone entirely new? Or would co-writer and producer Peter Jackson return to Middle Earth behind the camera?
The Peter Jackson rumors heated up yesterday when he responded to The Dominion Post with this quote after being asked about directing The Hobbit, “If that’s what I have to do to protect Warner Bros’ investment, then obviously that’s one angle which I’ll explore.”.
Regardless of Jackson’s statement, the reality is he is already under contract for multiple other projects. Jackson’s manager, Ken Kamins, rebuked the notion to Deadline that Jackson could direct The Hobbit. “Peter has and has had obligations and commitments to other films that would make it impossible for him to direct The Hobbit at this time,” Kamins said. Even if it was offered, which it hasn’t been.”
You can bet finding a new direct for both Hobbit films is a top priority at Warner Bros. and New Line this week. Meetings and potential candidate lists are likely well underway.
