It is finally official: The Hobbit has a director.. Director Guillermo del Toro ( Hellboy, Pan’s Labyrinth ) has officially signed on as the director of The Hobbit and The Hobbit Sequel..

Del Toro said he was moving to New Zealand for four years to work with Peter Jackson and his Wingnut Films and Weta brands.. Both films will be shot back - to - back and will also be filmed in New Zealand, like Jackson’s The Lord Of The Rings films..

The sequel dealing with the 60 - year period between The Hobbit and 2001’s The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring..

A script hasn’t been written yet, but it is believed that the The Lord Of The Rings team of Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens will all write the script alongside del Toro..

Prep on The Hobbit will kick off this Summer, including the ‘ reforestation ‘ of The Shire sets to look as much like they did in ‘ Rings ‘ as possible..

He’s already been in contact with the likes of Andy Serkis, Sir Ian McKellen, Howard Shore, John Howe, Gino Acevedo, and Richard Taylor in regards to the film to ” ensure that whatever we do we keep continuity with the other films..”

del Toro proudly says that he’ll use as much practical filming as possible..

” I would like to avoid is the recreation of the natural environments in CG, I don’t like doing that.. The movie is essentially a journey movie, I think you need to use locations as much as possible..”

This is definitely a glorious day in the world of Middle Earth! Production is now moving forward and all contracts have been signed to finally start work on The Hobbit.. Warner Brothers will be distributing the film in the US and MGM will be distributing it internationally..

The Hobbit is set in a time ” between the dawn of Faerie and the Dominion of Men,” and follows the quest of home - loving Bilbo Baggins to win his share of the treasure guarded by the dragon, Smaug.. His journey takes him from light - hearted, rural surroundings and into darker, deeper territory, meeting various denizens of the Wilderland along the way.. By accepting the disreputable, romantic, fey and adventurous side of his nature and utilizing both his wits and common sense during the quest, Bilbo develops a new level of maturity, competence and wisdom..

Now that it’s been officially confirmed, it sounds like Guillermo won’t be doing At the Mountains of Madness for a very long time and won’t be doing Hellboy III at least until he finishes both Hobbit movies in 2011.. I’d say this is a very promising future for del Toro and I can’t wait to see his interpretation of the beloved Tolkien universe.. Now I’m even more excited for Hellboy II: The Golden Army this summer..

Tomorrow’s Entertainment recently caught up with Sir Ian McKellen and got the actor to admit that he was indeed coming back for The Hobbit and The Hobbit Sequel.. And it seems he is quite ecstatic about reprising his role as Gandalf the Grey..

McKellen stated..

” Yes, it’s true.. I spoke to Guillermo in the very room that Peter Jackson offered me the part and he confirmed that I would be reprising the role.. Obviously, it’s not a part that you turn down, I loved playing Gandalf.. We talk occasionally and he’s looking forward to coming out of retirement, yes.. Guillermo will be getting around to starting the script in about six weeks when he’s finished ( Editing) Hellboy II: The Golden Army..”

About The Hobbit Sequel, Ian said..

” Well I’ve read The Hobbit so I’ve got a good idea of what the story would be.. But as to how it’s going to work over two films and what is going to happen on screen, well Guillermo has not got down to working out the major details yet - I can tell you it’s going to be amazing though..”

With X - Men Origin: Wolverine under way, we asked about the proposed Magneto spin - off, McKellen noted..

” They are making a Magneto spin - off but I don’t think it will involve me because it’s about the younger Magneto, it’s a back - story.. Would I be willing to return to play a young Magneto? A cameo in my own movie? I don’t think so.. I don’t think I could get away with playing a 19 - year - old..”

The studios have not given a start date on production and don’t yet have a script.. The general thought is that they will start shooting next year and release the films in late 2011 and 2012..

Discuss: What are your thoughts on Guillermo del Toro officially directing The Hobbit? Is he the next best replacement for Peter Jackson?