Whenever "The Hobbit" finally arrives in theaters, it will certainly be one of the most anticipated releases in a while. Now it seems that the buzz will only increase, as "Lord of the Rings" director Peter Jackson has reportedly signed on to direct both parts of "The Hobbit," which are loosely slated to hit theaters in 2012 and 2013.
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According to Deadline, the speculation about Peter Jackson directing "The Hobbit" has now turned official, which should get the project back on track. For some time now, the highly buzzed about adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" has been struggling in preproduction without a director.
Source
And from the official (!) press release:
The two films based on "The Hobbit" are now greenlit and will begin principal photography in February 2011, under the direction of Peter Jackson
Press Release
I won't believe they're actually making the movie until it hits the theatres.