In a blow to "Lord of the Ring" and Peter Jackson fans, New Line contacted him saying that they wouldn't be needing his services for the upcoming prequel to the series the "Hobbit."
Jackson writing to a huge fan site said:
"However last week, [New Line exec] Mark Ordesky called Ken and told him that New Line would no longer be requiring our services on the 'Hobbit' and the 'LOTR' 'prequel'. This was a courtesy call to let us know that the studio was now actively looking to hire another filmmaker for both projects."
Part of the issue was that a lawsuit was file by Wingnut Films against New Line concerning an audit (the right-to-audit clause is typically a part of all film contracts) that had been performed on "The Fellowship of the Ring," which evidently showed some discrepancies that needed to be dealt with.
New Line wanted Jackson's involvement in the Hobbit to be predicated upon New Line settling the lawsuit. Jackson refused to do that, which brings us to the decision.
The film rights to the series were obtained by New Line from Saul Zaentz, and they claim (for the first time) that they have a limited window on the option they secured. In other words, they're claiming that if the lawsuit continues to go forward, they'll lose their rights to the movie; an odd time to let it be known for the first time.
For all of us that are fans of the way that Peter Jackson portrayed the Tolkien trilogy, this is quite a disappointment, and could have a significant impact on the success of the prequel, if it isn't done in the same vein as Jackson and partner Fran Walsh have done it. It's quite a risk to take.
Unfortunately this is a move that doesn't take into consideration the fans that have made the franchise such a dynamic success.
Other sources for the story:
Jackson dumped from new Rings films
'Hobbit' and Jackson: Now this is a sad break-up
Jackson Removed from The Hobbit
Peter Jackson Waves Goodbye to "The Hobbit"
Jackson will not direct Hobbit
Jackson says MGM and New Line don't want him involved...
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