Guillermo Del Torro Steps Down As 'The Hobbit' Director

By Sharmaine Jones

It's official: Guillermo Del Torro has announced that he has stepped down as “The Hobbit” director, after working over 24 months to bring two "Lord of the Rings" prequels to the big screen. Toro credits studio delays and schedule conflicts for the decision.

Known for directing “Pan's Labyrinth,” the “Hellboy” franchise, and “Blade II,” Del Toro shared his decision on the the "Lord of the Rings" fan web site, TORN:

“In light of ongoing delays in the setting of a start date for filming “The Hobbit,” I am faced with the hardest decision of my life”, says Guillermo. “After nearly two years of living, breathing and designing a world as rich as Tolkien’s Middle Earth, I must, with great regret, take leave from helming these wonderful pictures. I remain grateful to Peter, Fran and Philippa Boyens, New Line and Warner Brothers and to all my crew in New Zealand. I’ve been privileged to work in one of the greatest countries on earth with some of the best people ever in our craft and my life will be forever changed.

The blessings have been plenty, but the mounting pressures of conflicting schedules have overwhelmed the time slot originally allocated for the project. Both as a co-writer and as a director, I wish the production nothing but the very best of luck and I will be first in line to see the finished product. I remain an ally to it and its makers, present and future, and fully support a smooth transition to a new director”.

The Hobbit will be two motion pictures, co-produced by New Line Cinema and MGM. They are scheduled for release in Dec 2012 and Dec 2013.

Not for one second do we question Del Toro's dedication to the film. He committed three years and moved his family to New Zealand! Unfortunately, postponements would have kept the director on board for six years, putting all of his future projects on hold. Del Toro will continue to co-write the screenplays.

For more on Guillermo Del Toro's upcoming projects, visit MTV Movies Blog!

Source: [ABC News]

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Tags cinema, Guillermo Del Torro, Movies, Movies & CineMás, MTV NEws, The Hobbit