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While there was a short time of euphoria over the announcement the Peter Jackson had mended fences with New Line Cinema and was named as executive director of "The Hobbit," today that came crashing down, as Jackson's manager, Ken Kamins, said he won't be directing the films. The response across the Internet was immediate and very disappointing. It's like giving with one hand and taking away with the other.

According to Kamis, Jackson had concerns on how long it has taken to get the project underway.

“Peter won’t be directing the films because he felt the fans have waited long enough for The Hobbit," Kamis said. "It will take the better part of every day of the next four years to write, direct, and produce the two Hobbit films. Given his current obligations to both The Lovely Bones and Tintin, waiting for Peter, Fran [Walsh], and Philippa [Boyens], to write, direct, and produce The Hobbit would require the fans wait even longer. By serving as executive producers and having approval over all creative elements of both films, Peter can ensure that the films will be made with the same intimacy and care as if they were writing and directing themselves.”

Yet when you consider how long the legion of "Lord of the Rings" fans waited for that trilogy to be brought to the big screen, they seem to be willing to wait longer to ensure the same experience they received from that series, will be continued on with "The Hobbit." Most people responding to the news said they'd rather wait than have the series become less than it was under Jackson.

While there have been very capable names thrown around in the past of who would direct and write The Hobbit if Jackson wasn't involved, the same love and passion for the books and characters Jackson has probably wouldn't be translated through someone else's vision of the story, even if Jackson had the final creative say.

Now we'll see if Jackson responds to the desire of the fans and simply allows the project to be developed over a longer period of time. If fans are willing to wait ... why not?

With the ongoing writers' strike, and shooting on "The Lovely Bones" set to end in February, maybe Jackson won't feel so burdened as he does at this time, and will rethink his decision.

The other major project Jackson has on his plate is the popular Tintin, another trilogy he's working on with Steven Spielberg and Kathleen Kennedy, scheduled to begin principle shooting in September 2008.

If fans keep voicing their opinions, it's definitely a possibility that Jackson will heed their wishes and wait. I for one hope he does.