Looks like New Line Cinema just royally screwed up any hopes for a decent version of The Hobbit. Apparently, Peter Jackson’s outstanding lawsuit with New Line prompted the studio to sever ties with Wingnut films and look for another director to take on the project.

I really doubt that another filmmaker could bring the Hobbit to the screen and even if, by some miracle, they found the right genius for the job, it seems unlikely that Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis or any other LOTR cast member would participate. Of course New Line is a business, have the rights to the films, and would be stupid not to move forward with The Hobbit in some capacity, but fan loyalty is strong and unforgiving and this would constitute a big “fuck you” to Jackson/Walsh/Boyens boosters.

If Mark Ordesky and Wingnut can’t figure this out, here’s hoping Saul Zaentz gets the rights back and they get to make it at another studio. In any event, good for Peter and Fran for sticking to their guns and doing right by the fans. As for Mark Ordesky, I’ll be fast-forwarding through his bits in LOTR special features thank you very much.