Well this is a huge one if it is indeed true. My friend Stephanie over at IESB has broke something of a MONSTROUS story. As you know, the other day we posted that New Line and Peter Jackson’s people were FINALLY talking again, trying to resolve the legal issues they are embroiled in… and maybe even discussing The Hobbit.
But IESB has learned that it looks like New Line has pretty much offered The Hobbit to Sam Raimi, and is looking to get Jackson on board as a producer.
All indications from our inside sources are saying that while Raimi was seriously considering the (Clash of the) Titans offer, he has a much bigger fish to fry and has possibly chosen to go in the direction of Middle Earth instead. While we are being told that negotiations are still underway for the prequel and final deals won’t be reached immediately, Raimi is leaning towards directing The Hobbit as his next big project.
Where does this leave the legendary Peter Jackson? Although New Line’s Bob Shaye and Jackson had a much publicized dispute over “the green,” the LA Times recently spoke with Shaye and he had this to say,
Eager to move ahead with “The Hobbit,” New Line has quietly been trying to mend fences with “Rings” filmmaker Peter Jackson, who has sued the company over his share of profits from the first “Rings” films. When asked if it was true that company insiders had been in talks with Jackson’s reps, Shaye replied, “Yes, that’s a fair statement. Notwithstanding our personal quarrels, I really respect and admire Peter and would love for him to be creatively involved in some way in ‘The Hobbit.'”
All sources indicate that although Jackson won’t be back to direct, our source is telling us that Raimi is looking to helm The Hobbit with Peter Jackson attached to produce.
Wow. That would be HUGE. It is considerable that Jackson has FINALLY agreed to at least talk to New Line again (he’s been refusing up to this point, thus dragging the problem out). Perhaps this has opened a door for all involved and The Hobbit can benefit.
If said from day 1 that all things being equal I’d like to see Jackson back to direct… BUT… I’ve also said that getting Sam Raimi in there would be fantastic. IF this is true (big if), then a Jackson/Raimi team up for The Hobbit would be Titan sized fun. Let’s see what happens.
