The Hobbit could be a Long Journey Reckons Jackson

By James Wray Mar 12, 2005, 18:56 GMT

Tolkien published 'The Hobbit' first but his life's work, 'The Silmarillion,' did not see print until after his death

"The Hobbit" was J.R.R. Tolkien's first published foray into Middle-earth and follows a younger Bilbo Baggins as he goes on an adventure.

Jackson made the comments at Sydney's Powerhouse Museum where he was visiting the Lord of the Rings exhibit, which is showing. The director was having a short break from filming "King Kong."

When asked how long it would be before he worked on "The Hobbit" he replied: "Three or four years would be accurate, I would say."

Fans hopes were raised earlier in the year when Time Warner, who own New Line Cinema, were engaged in a bidding battle with Sony for MGM, whose United Artists label owns international distribution rights for "The Hobbit." Sony ended up buying the studio after Time Warner withdrew. This leaves the rights split between the two companies and the chances of a quick prequel to "The Lord of the Ring" less likely.

On the set of 'King Kong'

"But I think it's gonna be a lot of lawyers sitting in a room trying to thrash out a deal before it will ever happen."

Meantime Jackson fans can look forward to "King Kong," the remake of the 1939 classic in which an expedition exploring the remote Skull Island captures a gigantic ape (King Kong) and brings it back to New York. A beautiful young actress, who accompanies them, is put in danger when Kong's love for her causes him to break out. 

The movie is due to open December 14/15 worldwide.

You can read more about "King Kong" in our database and if you are a Tolkien fan try our sister site War of the Ring.

Details on Tolkien's book in our database.