Warner Bros and MGM want Peter Jackson for The Hobbit

Here’s some good news for Tolkien fans. Following Guillermo del Toro’s departure from The Hobbit Peter Jackson said that he would consider directing “if that’s what I have to do to protect Warner Bros’ investment”. However Jackson has a few projects lined up with other studios, such as the Tintin sequel, which he would have to work around before committing to Middle Earth again.

Well according to Deadline Warner Bros and MGM are trying to convince Jackson to sit in the director’s chair, and if he doesn’t they may hire Brett Ratner.

My sources say that nobody has been offered the helming job — yet. Instead, Warner Bros and MGM brass are doing all they can to sell Jackson on the seemingly obvious notion that he should complete the franchise he started with three LOTR films that grossed $2.9 billion worldwide. Particularly since he co-wrote the scripts for the two Hobbit movies and already is producing and can shoot both in his backyard.

Yesterday we heard that Harry Potter director David Yates could be a potential candidate to replace del Toro, and Deadline also say that Rush Hour director Brett Ratner and Wedding Crashers director David Dobkin are both interested in The Hobbit. This doesn’t mean that Warner Bros. are interested in them (and I hope they aren’t) but Ratner is known for throwing his name in the ring whenever something becomes available (X3 anyone?).

In an ideal world Steven Spielberg would direct the Tintin sequel, freeing Peter Jackson up to direct The Hobbit. After Guillermo del Toro Jackson is the ideal candidate and it would be a shame if the end product suffered in quality because of studio politics and money issues.