Peter Jackson in talks to direct 'Hobbit' movies

By Borys Kit and Matthew Belloni


It looks like Peter Jackson might direct the two "Hobbit" movies after all.
Jackson is in negotiations to helm the films, which were left without a captain after Guillermo del Toro parted ways on May 30. Obstacles to a deal remain, including agreeing on a schedule that will allow Jackson to fast-track the films for release in 2012 and 2013, but insiders are cautiously optimistic that a pact can be worked out.
Talks, which have been going on for a week or two, heated up in recent days between Warner Bros./New Line and Jackson's team. Complications include the shaky financial situation of partner MGM, which owns the "Hobbit" rights and could hold up the production timetable. A significant delay would be a dealbreaker for Jackson.
Del Toro left the project over similar timing concerns. His move caught observers by surprise because the filmmaker had devoted so much time to work with Jackson drawing up plans for the movies, and working on the script with Jackson, Fran Walsh and Phillippa Boyens. He moved his family to New Zealand. Casting was even in the early stages.

But since his departure, Warners/New Line, which runs point on the production over partner MGM, never did a full-on search for a director, even as some names surfaced as possible contenders. Why? Because Warners/New Line was trying to woo Jackson back to Middle-earth.
Jackson has other commitments -- the director has been working on secret projects -- and wasn't sure he wanted to devote another chunk of his life to the tales of J.R.R. Tolkien. But because of the complicated nature and the advanced stage of the undertaking -- Middle-earth was being built from the ground up when del Toro left so unexpectedly -- it wasn't simply filling a chair with a warm body.
To Warners/New Line, Jackson is the most logical choice not only because he made the "Lord of the Rings" movies but also because he is deeply involved as a producer on the "Hobbit" films.
Insiders say the next few days will be crucial in the negotiating process between Jackson's camp and the Warners/New Line side.

Salt

Movie Info

Genre(s): Action  |  Suspense/Thriller
Written by: Kurt Wimmer
Directed by: Phillip Noyce
Release Date:
Theatrical: July 23, 2010
Running Time: minutes, Color
Origin: USA

Summary

RATING:
Starring Angelina Jolie, Liev Schreiber, and Chiwetel Ejiofor

As a CIA officer, Evelyn Salt swore an oath to duty, honor and country. Her loyalty will be tested when a defector accuses her of being a Russian spy. Salt goes on the run, using all her skills and years of experience as a covert operative to elude capture. Salt's efforts to prove her innocence only serve to cast doubt on her motives, as the hunt to uncover the truth behind her identity continues and the question remains: "Who Is Salt?" (Columbia Pictures)

Not So Fast: Mendes & Craig Will Wait for James Bond's Return

A couple of days ago we wrote about the cancellation of MGM's Bond 23, the next movie in the James Bond

franchise, that MGM couldn't get going because they're all screwed up right now. Well, apparently that news was just a bit exaggerated. I'm sure the production is telling the crew to find different jobs because it's not happening right now, however, Deadline's Mike Fleming firmly states that "Bond isn't going anywhere." A Bond insider tells Fleming: "You are absolutely right, there is no new news. Development will resume once MGM is viable again." So really, there's not much to be worried about, and Bond will be back one day.A couple of days ago we wrote about the cancellation of MGM's Bond 23, the next movie in the James Bond franchise, that MGM couldn't get going because they're all screwed up right now. Well, apparently that news was just a bit exaggerated. I'm sure the production is telling the crew to find different jobs because it's not happening right now, however, Deadline's Mike Fleming firmly states that "Bond isn't going anywhere." A Bond insider tells Fleming: "You are absolutely right, there is no new news. Development will resume once MGM is viable again." So really, there's not much to be worried about, and Bond will be back one day.
Yes, everything is still "on hold" until MGM sorts everything out (Fleming says we'll know "by early fall" if someone like Spyglass or Summit will take over), but that doesn't mean the entire James Bond franchise has been canceled until further notice. We also made a mistake of following what other sites were saying, which was essentially just an exaggeration of the delay. The good news is that Fleming says director Sam Mendes and actor Daniel Craig will both wait until Bond 23 gets back on track. If anything, that's most important, because I'm sure everyone is looking forward to seeing Mendes direct Craig in his third James Bond movie.
You can read our past articles regarding MGM and Bond 23: A few days ago it was reported as canceled but in April we already announced that it had been "delayed indefinitely." We're not sure how soon it'll be until this gets back on track, but you can be sure we'll keep you updated - from one James Bond fan to the next!