Finally, after months of speculation as to whether Peter Jackson would have a role to play in the film adaptation of The Hobbit - MGM and New Line have announced a partnership on the film which includes naming the Lord Of The Rings Director as executive producer.
Many fans of Jackson had feared issues of litigation over the JRR Tolkein trilogy would put paid to any involvement he might have in making the film about Bilbo Baggins original quest, but the director today said these issues have been resolved.
Jackson said: "I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to put our differences behind us, so that we may begin a new chapter with our old friends at New Line."
They also announced plans for a sequel to The Hobbit - the implication being that the book's action may be carved into two.
Peter Jackson, the Chairman and CEO of MGM Harry Sloan, and the co-chairmen and CEOs of New Line Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne said they have entered into the following agreements:
- MGM and New Line will co-finance and co-distribute two films, The Hobbit and a sequel to The Hobbit. New Line will distribute in North America and MGM will distribute internationally.
- Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh will serve as Executive Producers of two films based on The Hobbit. New Line will manage the production of the films, which will be shot simultaneously.
- Peter Jackson and New Line have settled all litigation relating to the LOTR Trilogy.
Jackson added: "The Lord Of The Rings is a legacy we proudly share with Bob and Michael, and together, we share that legacy with millions of loyal fans all over the world.
"We are delighted to continue our journey through Middle Earth. I also want to thank Harry Sloan and our new friends at MGM for helping us find the common ground necessary to continue that journey."
Sloan said: "Peter Jackson has proven himself as the filmmaker who can bring the extraordinary imagination of Tolkien to life and we full heartedly agree with the fans worldwide who know he should be making The Hobbit.
"Now that we are all in agreement on The Hobbit, we can focus on assembling the production team that will capture this phenomenal tale on film."
Shaye added: "We are very pleased we have been able to resolve our differences, and that Peter and Fran will be actively and creatively involved with The Hobbit movies. We know they will bring the same passion, care and talent to these films that they so ably accomplished with The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy."
The two Hobbit films are scheduled to be shot simultaneously, with pre-production beginning as soon as possible. Principal photography is tentatively set for a 2009 start, with the intention of The Hobbit release slated for 2010 and its sequel the following year, in 2011.
Lynne said: "Peter is a visionary filmmaker, and he broke new ground with The Lord Of the Rings.
"We’re delighted he’s back for The Hobbit films and that the Tolkien saga will continue with his imprint. We greatly appreciate the efforts of Harry Sloan, who has been instrumental in helping us reach our new accord."
For more information about The Hobbit films, please visit www.TheHobbitBlog.com.
