WB & MGM Pushing Peter Jackson to Direct 'The Hobbit'

Over at firstshowing.net they say that Warner Bros and MGM, the studios behind 'The Hobbit' are "doing all they can" to get Peter Jackson to direct the now directorless film.

"...Jackson said that he wasn't opposed to the idea a few weeks ago, but wasn't really that interested either, only if they they can't find anyone else and if his other production agreements allows him to fit it in. Well, once you hear some of these alternative candidates, you might crying out for Jackson to direct this highly anticipated adaptation as well.

Fleming says that "nobody has been offered the helming job" yet, but they want Jackson to "complete the franchise he started with three LOTR films." He helped co-write the scripts for The Hobbit and is producing, so it would obviously be an easy fit. "Warner Bros and MGM braintrust will keep pursuing him until Jackson gives a definitive no." As for some other potential candidates? Fleming says David Dobkin (of Shanghai Knights, Wedding Crashers, Fred Claus), which is just plain idiotic; David Yates (of the last four Harry Potter movies: Order of the Phoenix, Half-Blood Prince, and Deathly Hallows Part I & II) which SlashFilm reported; and finally, the infamous Brett Ratner (of Rush Hour 1-3, Red Dragon, X-Men: The Last Stand)."

I was getting used to the idea of del Toro directing, and sense PJ had approved of him and they were so alike I was even liking the idea. But now I just don't know what's going to happen. Please please please just make a good movie, whoever the director will be.