Jackson, Del Toro Still Working On 'Hobbit'

The Hobbit
Peter Jackson is predicting production of "The Hobbit" films will start in the middle of next summer, a few months later than expected.

Jackson made the projection in a recent interview with a German web site to promote "The Lovely Bones," which he directed and produced.

Jackson explained he's hoping to complete the second "Hobbit" script -- written with Fran Walsh, Phillipa Boyens and director Guillermo del Toro -- by the beginning of next year, which would trigger calculation of the budget and setting a start for lensing in New Zealand. "The Hobbit" films are being exec produced by Jackson and Walsh with MGM and New Line co-financing.