[Scarlett.]

Guillermo Del Toro has announced that he will no longer direct the upcoming movie adaptation of The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien.

The Mexican director blamed the "ongoing delays" of filming the novel but called the decision the "hardest" of his 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," he told fan website The One Ring.

"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."

Lord Of The Rings director Peter Jackson, who is producing The Hobbit, added that he was sad to see Del Toro leave.

Jackson said: "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 is one of the most remarkable creative spirits I’ve ever encountered and it has been a complete joy working with him."

Del Toro recently revealed that the movie still did not have a start date.

Digital Spy

[KG.]

Sad news, Del Toro is one of the finest directors, he would've added something unique to the films, and given them that edge that we didn't see in LOTR, something different.

No idea who they will find to replace him who can do an equally good job, but whoever it is, if they mess up The Hobbit, they can bugger right off.

[BB_Eye]

Originally Posted by Chewy

"Both as a co-writer and as a director, I wish the production nothing but the very best of luck."

They're gonna need it

[setanta]

Well, I honestly think we won't be seeing The Hobbit on the big screen for quite a long time. I mean, if they do decide to run with it now chances are it'll be all over the place, unless of course Jackson decides to helm it himself.

[BB_Eye]

Originally Posted by setanta

Well, I honestly think we won't be seeing The Hobbit on the big screen for quite a long time. I mean, if they do decide to run with it now chances are it'll be all over the place, unless of course Jackson decides to helm it himself.

It just seems so weird to me that the actual director would bail out on such an insanely large, expensive project. Most of these delayed fiascos end up being a product of the director's own megalomania and ego. Some successful (Apocalypse Now), some not so much (Dune) and others an utter disaster and a testament to how the tail can wag the dog when it comes to a producer-director relationship (Heaven's Gate). I just hope they can somehow salvage the project or else whoever takes over from Del Toro; their career will be in serious jeopardy.

I really don't think directors will be lining up for this one.

[setanta]

No they wont, but apparently Del Toro's contract was for 3 years and the producers suddenly realised that it would be a 6 year commitment which he was unwilling to undertake. I can understand that. If your director is signed on for 3 years you can't change the goalposts afterwards.

[MojoNixon]

Originally Posted by BB_Eye

I really don't think directors will be lining up for this one.

Uwe Boll might....

[Scarlett.]

Oh god Uwe Boll xD