You guys probably know this already, but since it's not on here yet - and I'm too lazy to search and bump the thread if it is :p - I've decided to put the topic up.

In this month's Wizard, they've confirmed that not only is Del Toro directing - with Jackson producing and WETA creating the FX again- The Hobbit, but he will also make a 2nd film that will connect the 60 year gap between The Hobbit and LOTR.
Also, like the LOTR series, both movies will be filmed consecutively in New Zealand for release in 2011 and 2012.

With this confirmed, Del Toro's other projects will be pushed back including: Dr, Strange, Tarzan, and Deadman.

Well, what do you guys think?

Rather have Jackson direct...

2nd film that will connect the 60 year gap between The Hobbit and LOTR.

Sounds like total fail. :(

Why can't they just fit the book into one movie? They did it pretty well with the LotR.

Where does it say the book is split in two? The Hobbit will take up one film, and the gap between the books will be another film. Unless I'm understanding incorrectly

That just doesn't make sense to me. There's not enough material set between the books to make anything decent. It has to be wrong.

Sounds like total fail. :(

coming from del toro.
we can expect something VERY lotr-like, with an ending that few can understand.

Where does it say the book is split in two? The Hobbit will take up one film, and the gap between the books will be another film. Unless I'm understanding incorrectlyYou got it right.

I think the second film is going to be about the last part in the Silmarillion. Although short, it might be an elaborated version of "...Of The Rings of Power and the Third Age".

Either way, I'm looking forward to it. I think Del Toro will do a great job with his fantasy style of story telling.

Also, it seems he's getting Neil Gaiman to write the screenplay for Dr. Strange

Peter Jackson's still involved. I don't he would be, if he felt it would result in epic fail. His presence should be enough to keep the movie on track. Del Toro isn't a bad director either. I think people just like to worry themselves, honestly.

Must say I can't see the logic of there being a second film either. Though it'd certainly be interesting to see a film based on the Silmarillion.

However, am still very much looking forward to The Hobbit regardless.

Peter Jackson's still involved. I don't he would be, if he felt it would result in epic fail. His presence should be enough to keep the movie on track. Del Toro isn't a bad director either. I think people just like to worry themselves, honestly.

No,Peter Jackson's not involved. He'll be busy with another movie when The Hobbit is being filmed