del Toro Officially Signed for Hobbit Movies…Finally

The worst kept secret in the world.  

At last, our long international nightmare is over. Variety is reporting that Guillermo del Toro has made a deal to direct two movies based on JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit. The predecessor to The Lord of the Rings trilogy covers the sixty years prior to The Fellowship of the Ring, the first LOTR book.

Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh are exec producing with New Line (or what’s left of it) and MGM Worldwide Motion Picture Group. No word on a script yet, though I think everyone expects that Jackson, Walsh, and Philippa Boyens, the LOTR adapters, will handle the writing.

After putting the finishing touches on July release Hellboy 2: The Golden Army, del Toro plans to move to New Zealand for four years to become part of Jackson’s Wingnut/WETA production family (yes, leftover sets from LOTR will be used! Now that’s how you come in under budget, wee little aspiring filmmakers). No dates have been set, but Variety thinks the four year window means shooting will begin next year, with the films released late 2011 and 2012.

Well, there’s not a lot to say here–del Toro has seemed to have been a popular choice since his name first came up, other than those still holding out for Jackson to give in and direct. That latter group shouldn’t be worried, though; obviously, the two directors share a certain aesthetic. Casting hasn’t come up yet, but you can bet Andy Serkis will reprise his Gollum role. Ian McKellen has said he wants in if they want him, same with Elijah Wood, if there’s a role for him. Sean Astin undoubtedly will be looking for work and glad to do anything. Other than that, let the speculation begin!