Guillermo del Toro Officially Directing ‘The Hobbit’

Published by Jeff Leins on: April 24th, 2008

It’s official. Guillermo del Toro will direct the two Hobbit movies for MGM/New Line.

I bet you’re asking yourself, “But wait a minute, Jeff, I thought you told us at the end of January that GdT was on board for the Hobbit. What gives?” Well, I’m glad you asked in my pretend scenario. You see, my inquisitive friend, in January GdT was just “in talks” to direct.

After New Line collapsed and was absorbed by Warner Bros, every one of their projects were up in the air, leaving GdT wondering whether he’d be occupied for the next four years in the Shire.

But Toby Emmerich, president of the New Line section of WB, confirmed to Variety that Guillermo del Toro has officially signed for The Hobbit, which will be split into two movies. Del Toro is moving to New Zealand to work with producer Peter Jackson (director of the trilogy) and his special effects studio Weta Productions on the back-to-back films.  He’ll leave as soon as he finishes post-production on Hellboy II: The Golden Army.

The first movie will detail the happenings of J.R.R. Tolkein’s The Hobbit and is scheduled for release in 2010. The second will deal with the 60-year period between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring.

It’s pretty great when good things happen to good people, especially in Hollywood. This couldn’t have come together any better. Peter Jackson isn’t directing again, but will basically be working right alongside GdT, who has proven he’s an excellent filmmaker. I couldn’t be happier about this news.

By the way, Ian McKellen has already offered to return as Gandalf.