cant remember the link, but i was reading somewhere that new line only have a VERY short time to make the hobbit before their option on it runs out - think its 2 or 3 years.
then, the rights revert back to tolkien enterprises - and saul zaentz, the head of tolkien enterprises, has said he wants to make the film with pete jackson and his team.
its apparently part of a 2 movie deal - its all very confusing, because there are some references to filming the hobbit in 2 parts, others to a film in between hobbit and fellowship.

also, new line telling jackson where to go follows on from the man himself saying last week that he didnt think it would be possible to make the film while suing them over previous films, so he wouldnt be doing it.
theres also questions over wether ian mckellan and ian holm would be willing to come onboard a hypothetical hobbit movie with another director.

link

I heard that Peter Jackson was bored of making movies and was now producing videogames. Indeed, he is now producing Bungies new game Halo Wars and another franchise that Bungie have in the pipework that has yet to be named.

So maybe he's not going to make the Hobbit movie after all?

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by thelostsailor
Indeed, he is now producing Bungies new game Halo Wars and another franchise that Bungie have in the pipework that has yet to be named.

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Close, but not quite - he's developing a separate Halo spin-off from Wars that is "not for hardcore gamers" - more info here.

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So maybe he's not going to make the Hobbit movie after all?

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Well, he never completely ruled out making more movies, did he?

And now further developments: it's just gotten personal, according to Jackson.

(Edited by Alan 12/01/2007 10:29)

Well let's hope New Line drag their heels for a bit longer, lose the chance to make it and Zaentz gives it to Jackson...