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.