So you’ve probably heard by now that New Line has axed Peter Jackson from the project. The reason cited is that they only have the rights for a limited time, and that Peter Jackson’s demands (including a lawsuit over profits from the first Rings movie) will take too long to clear up before he can get started. MGM is appalled, as they want two Hobbit movies directed by Peter Jackson — that’s what they signed up for! They say they’re not giving up on this yet. New Line has suggested Sam Raimi as a replacement, which… doesn’t sound bad, certainly; there are a lot of parallels between the two directors. Still, awkward! Raimi apparently hasn’t even been approached, though.

Now. Thing is, New Line was right: its rights are expiring next year. And in a recent interview, Saul Zaentz — to whom the rights will default — suggested that PJ has been stalling until this happens, knowing that he can just buy the rights himself and make the movie on his own terms. If anything, Zaentz seems tickled with the idea. So no wonder New Line is in such a damned rush! And given that, whatever happens to New Line’s options, MGM will still hold its half of the rights… well, hey. No wonder they’re so much more willing to wait and negotiate.

So basically it sounds like PJ’s involvement all depends on whether New Line can force the issue within the next twelve months or so. If they do, he’s probably out and they’ll be forced to make the movie by whatever means necessary, whatever the outcome. Though I don’t know if MGM will allow that. So. Yeah, New Line’s in an unwinnable situation here. Thus, desperate inanity.