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Jackson to Helm Hobbit

His Rings lawsuit resolved, Jackson embarks on prequel

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 18, 2007 5:46 PM CST
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(Newser) – Peter Jackson has resolved his lawsuit with New Line and plans to helm two much-hyped Hobbit films, the first due out in 2010, according to an Entertainment Weekly interview with MGM chief Harry Sloan. Jackson will co-write and may direct one or both films—unless he and New Line's Bob Shaye pick someone else. "I don’t want to tell you what’s legally in the contract, but we wouldn’t" hire an outside director.

The Hollywood scribe strike must be settled before Jackson can team up with screenwriters, Sloan said, and a potential actors' walkout could also slow the projects. Sloan ducked naming possible stars, but admitted that Jackson has stayed in touch with Lord of the Rings troupers. "I think we’d be hopeful that some would reappear," Sloan said.

Director Peter Jackson arrives at the 63rd annual Golden Globe Awards, in this Jan. 16, 2006, file photo in Beverly Hills, Calif. Jackson and New Line Cinema have reached agreement to make J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, a planned prequel to the blockbuster trilogy The Lord of the Rings,...
Director Peter Jackson arrives at the 63rd annual Golden Globe Awards, in this Jan. 16, 2006, file photo in Beverly Hills, Calif. Jackson and New Line Cinema have reached agreement to make J.R.R. Tolkien's...   (Associated Press)
A clip from Peter Jackson's 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy.
A clip from Peter Jackson's 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy.   (KRT Photos)
Peter Jackson, mastermind behind the 'Lord of the Rings' films.
Peter Jackson, mastermind behind the 'Lord of the Rings' films.   (Getty Images)
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Jackson preps for new 'Hobbits'
E! Online

No firm decision on Hobbit directors
Reuters

 
Peter Jackson • New Line Cinema • Lord of the Rings • hobbits • Writers Guild of America • Hollywood writers' strike • Screen Actors Guild • J.R.R. Tolkein • Metro Goldwyn Mayer • MGM • actor

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