From our pal John Campea at amcentertainment.com: As most of you have heard by now, this past weekend it was announced that director Guillermo del Toro has stepped down from the upcoming “The Hobbit” films.

Del Toro has been with the film for 2 years now, but according to his official statements, the number of delays in getting production started has now brought shooting the film in conflict with other films he is committed to. We had a chance to talk with several film pundits to get their reaction to the news and what… if anything… this means to the future of “The Hobbit” movies.

In case you were unplugged and off the information grid all weekend, TheOneRing.net broke the story that Guillermo del Toro has stepped away from directing duties on two planned (hoped for) films based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit.” We are assured (by one of the super-good inside sources) that GDT’s DNA in the form of script and design and pre-viz work will remain in place, new director willing. And why would they find a director who isn’t willing or wants to revisit the same work?

After getting over the shock and feeling the loss of our message board member’s departure, and wishing him all the best, the question now becomes: Who will direct “The Hobbit”? We have some ideas and maybe even some insights. Continue reading “Who will helm ‘The Hobbit’?”

Deleece Cook sends along an interview transcript from Newstalk Radio discussing the departure of Guillermo del Toro. The interview features…well…me! Take a listen or a read.

Perma-Listen link here.

Director Guillermo Del Toro has quit as director of The Hobbit movies. The Mexican filmmaker has been working with Sir Peter Jackson to bring the two Lord of the Rings Prequels to the screen. (duration: 10:57):

Jim Mora “After living 2 years breathing designing a world as rich as Tolkien’s Middle Earth, I must with great regret take leave from helming these wonderful pictures”.

And with that, Director Guillermo del Toro has quit as Director of The Hobbit movies. The Mexican Film Maker has been working with Sir Peter Jackson to bring the 2 Lord of the Rings prequels to the screen. But indefinite delays forced on the films by the financial troubles at MGM, which holds part of the rights, and also del Toro’s unwillingness to continue delaying his other projects, these factors have contributed to the split here. Continue reading “Newstalk Radio Talks Del Toro”

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.

Wellington Chamber of Commerce has said that the film is worth “many millions of dollars” to Wellington’s economy and further delays may mean the film does not start shooting until next year.

Del Toro announced yesterday he had quit the The Lord of the Rings prequel over frustration with repeated delays. He had commitments to other films and said his resignation was “the hardest decision I’ve ever taken”. Read more