News - Tuesday, June 1, 2010 8:16

Del Toro Leaves The Hobbit

Source: Dark Horizons

Last week, we reported that Guillermo Del Toro had been speaking positively about the upcoming film adaptation of The Hobbit, saying that he had been moving forward with production work despite the delays caused by MGM’s financial woes. Today, however, comes the news that Del Toro is stepping down as director, despite having put almost two years of work into the project already.

In a statement given to website TheOneRing.net, Del Toro explained his decision. ‘In light of ongoing delays in the setting of a start date for filming The Hobbit I am faced with the hardest decision of my life. After nearly two years of living, breathing and designing a world as rich as Tolkien’s Middle Earth, I must, with great regret, take leave from helming these wonderful pictures. I remain grateful to Peter, Fran and Philippa Boyens, New Line and Warner Brothers and to all my crew in New Zealand… The blessings have been plenty, but the mounting pressures of conflicting schedules have overwhelmed the time slot originally allocated for the project. Both as a co-writer and as a director, I wish the production nothing but the very best of luck and I will be first in line to see the finished product. I remain an ally to it and its makers, present and future, and fully support a smooth transition to a new director”.

Peter Jackson also added a statement regarding the news. ‘We feel very sad to see Guillermo leave The Hobbit, but he has kept us fully in the loop and we understand how the protracted development time on these two films, due to reasons beyond anyone’s control - has compromised his commitment to other long term projects. The bottom line is that Guillermo just didn’t feel he could commit six years to living in New Zealand, exclusively making these films, when his original commitment was for three years. Guillermo’s strong vision is ingrained into the scripts and designs of these two films, which are extremely fortunate to be blessed with his creative DNA”.

Jackson also confirmed that Del Toro will remain involved in the two films, having committed to finishing the screenplays with Jackson, Philippa Boyens and Fran Walsh. Jackson has also been quick to quash rumours that he would step in as director, with his manager Ken Kamins saying ‘Peter has obligations and commitments to other films that would make it impossible for him to direct The Hobbit at this time, even if it was offered which it hasn’t been.’