Peter Jackson may direct The Hobbit after all

Peter Jackson is in talks to direct the two Hobbit films, it seems. Guillermo del Toro was set to direct the films, but had to bow out after two years of work because MGM's financial woes continue to delay filming. When del Toro first announced his departure, Jackson was vocal about his possible interest in directing, but rumors were soon squashed by his manager and news that he had other conflicting directing deals. Deadline reports that Jackson's camp has been dealing to get him out of his previous commitments.

Part of the deal, it seems, may be for MGM to actually let the projects start filming sooner rather than later. This isn't confirmed. Harry Potter director David Yates and Neill Blomkamp have both been rumored to direct in recent weeks, but we may get lucky. Peter Jackson may complete his series. More as it develops.