Rings team to script Hobbit films

The writing team which penned the Lord of the Rings trilogy are to join director Guillermo del Toro on two films based on The Hobbit, it has been confirmed.

Peter Jackson, his partner Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens will script the two movies with del Toro, according to statement from New Line Cinema,

Initially, it was thought hat Jackson – who directed the Rings trilogy – would be unable to commit to the project due to scheduling clashes.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, however, a gap in his schedule has enabled him to join the team.

The film is scheduled to go into production late next year, with the first film slated for release in 2011.

JRR Tolkien's source novel The Hobbit was published in 1937 and tells the story of Bilbo Baggins and his quest to find lost treasure.

Sir Ian McKellen is to return as Gandalf while Andy Serkis will reprise his role as Gollum.

Titles related to this article

Related/similar articles

• Extraordinary Rendition: Jim Threapleton interview (1 May 2008)
• Del Toro: Bilbo Baggins role decided (28 May 2008)
• James McAvoy: I'm not playing Bilbo (16 June 2008)
• McKellen keen to reprise Magneto role (16 July 2008)
• McKellen to play Gandalf in The Hobbit (23 July 2008)
• Fantasia: Guillermo del Toro and the Best Fantasy Films of the C21st (19 August 2008)