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When Guillermo del Toro announced he was no longer directing THE HOBBIT, fans were immediately wondering two things – Who will step in to direct now, and why doesn’t Peter Jackson (who did such a great job with THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy) step in and take over directing chores? Today we may have the answer to both. Heatvisionblog.com is reporting that Jackson might direct the two movies after all. According to their report, Jackson is in negotiations to helm the films. It’s not a done deal yet, as they still have to settle 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.
I think I speak for everyone when I say PLEASE LET THIS HAPPEN. We can almost certainly all agree that Jackson is the most logical choice to do this, and it would certainly help keep a more uniform look to all of the J.R.R. Tolkien movies. More as it develops. Are you as excited about this as we are?
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
IF this project actually gets off the ground, then I will be THRILLED to have Peter Jackson at the helm(s Deep) – see what I did there?? As much as I admire and respect Mr. del Toro, I feel more confident about The Hobbit being in Jackson’s hands. This man knows his Tolkien.