The Ring is Lost: Peter Jackson Not Directing The Hobbit Films

[Reciprocity]

The announcement comes after an ongoing dispute between Jackson's Wingnut Films and New Line, regarding "differing accounting practices," revealed during an audit of the income from The Fellowship of the Ring. This is a disaster. Whoever makes the films will not be able to get the support from the fan base. The movies will be savaged before they ever air and with good reason. I have no faith in New Line or MGM. Peter on the other hand I had peace of mind that he would do his best for us fans. I predict The Hobbit will be such a flop they will not make the second movie.


From Mr. Jackson & Ms. Walsh, by way of TheOneRing.net:
http://www.theonering.net/staticnews/1163993546.html
"However last week, Mark Ordesky called Ken and told him that New Line would no longer be requiring our services on the Hobbit and the LOTR 'prequel'. This was a courtesy call to let us know that the studio was now actively looking to hire another filmmaker for both projects.

Ordesky said that New Line has a limited time option on the film rights they have obtained from Saul Zaentz (this has never been conveyed to us before), and because we won't discuss making the movies until the lawsuit is resolved, the studio is going to have to hire another director.

Given that New Line are committed to this course of action, we felt at the very least, we owed you, the fans, a straightforward account of events as they have unfolded for us."

[CatholicEdHead]

1. They can fit the Hobbit into one movie

It is not that full of material compared to the LOTR books. Where would movie one end? Riding the Barrels out of Mirkwood?

[WindRavenX]

2. wow, huge bummer

:(

[NewJeffCT]

3. That sucks

I know Ian McKellan had welcomed the chance to play Gandalf again in a Hobbit prequel... I'm sure this will change things.

[Little Wing]

4. Cool, now he can focus on his life's one mission

Bad Taste 2

[Reciprocity]

5. News for today.

MGM
An MGM spokesman said that "the matter of Peter Jackson directing 'The Hobbit' films is far from closed."
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117954301.html?categoryid=13&cs=1

From TORN (TheOneRing.net)

Let your Voice be Heard!
TheOneRing.net and the entire Tolkien community spent the last day reacting to the jaw-dropping letter we received from Peter Jackson concerning The Hobbit. Thanks to the support of many Ringers, we've compiled a contact list of individuals and companies who have a say in the decision making process and the events that have lead to Peter Jackson and his team dropping involvement with The Hobbit. We encourage you to make your voices heard and send letters and emails to the entities on this list.
The list
http://www.theonering.net/perl/newsview/8/1164129588