From TheOneRing.net :

PJ ‘may direct The Hobbit’: Sir Peter Jackson says he will step into the breach and direct The Hobbit himself if it becomes the only way to ensure the US$150 million (NZ$219m) film is made after the sudden departure of director Guillermo del Toro.

Well, that’s something I guess. I’ve also read that he can’t because of contractual issues with other movie companies. Someone I read recommended Alfonso Cuaron…. now THAT could be interesting too. Keep your fingers crossed.

From TheOneRing.net:

Guillermo Del Toro departs “The Hobbit”: Guillermo Del Toro announced today that he is no longer directing the two movies based on J.R.R Tolkien’s “The Hobbit”, but will continue to co-write the screenplays.

C’mon MGM, get the deal done! I can’t believe we lost this visionary director for this project! At least he’ll continue on as writer, so that’s something.

From SCI FI Wire:

McKellan talks The Hobbit: Ian McKellan told reporters that he was to dine with The Hobbit director Guillermo del Toro on Thursday to discuss reprising his Lord of the Rings role of Gandalf the wizard in the prequel, based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s book.

“I’m having supper with Guillermo del Toro this evening,” McKellan said in a group interview on Jan. 8 in Universal City, Calif. “You’re asking me about 12 hours too early.”

Preproduction on The Hobbit is underway. “I’ve been promised I am [going to be involved],” McKellan said while promoting his upcoming AMC miniseries The Prisoner. “And as Guillermo del Toro’s directing it, I should be so lucky. And in New Zealand, a place I love, so it’s almost an ideal job for me.”

Are you getting excited yet? I know it’s still 3 years until the first film is to be released, but I’m already very excited. With McKellan back as Gandalf (can there ever be any other choice?), Jackson executive producing and writing, and del Toro directing, can it get any better?

I’m right where I was back in [[Let’s Party|1999]]… excited and a little nervous.