Peter Jackson confirms third Hobbit film

Oscar-winning director Peter Jackson has confirmed that there will be a third ‘Hobbit’ film.

Writing on his Facebook page he said: “On behalf of New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Wingnut Films, and the entire cast and crew of 'The Hobbit' films, I’d like to announce that two films will become three."

Jackson had previously announced that talks were taking place at this year’s Comic Con in San Diego.

[Related story: Giant new Hobbit poster revealed]

Here is his statement in full...

It is only at the end of a shoot that you finally get the chance to sit down and have a look at the film you have made. Recently Fran, Phil and I did just this when we watched for the first time an early cut of the first movie - and a large chunk of the second. We were really pleased with the way the story was coming together, in particular, the strength of the characters and the cast who have brought them to life.  All of which gave rise to a simple question: do we take this chance to tell more of the tale? And the answer from our perspective as the filmmakers, and as fans, was an unreserved ‘yes.' 

We know how much of the story of Bilbo Baggins, the Wizard Gandalf, the Dwarves of Erebor, the rise of the Necromancer, and the Battle of Dol Guldur will remain untold if we do not take this chance.  The richness of the story of The Hobbit, as well as some of the related material in the appendices of The Lord of the Rings, allows us to tell the full story of the adventures of Bilbo Baggins and the part he played in the sometimes dangerous, but at all times exciting, history of Middle-earth.

So, without further ado and on behalf of New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Wingnut Films, and the entire cast and crew of “The Hobbit” films, I’d like to announce that two films will become three. 

It has been an unexpected journey indeed, and in the words of Professor Tolkien himself, "a tale that grew in the telling."

Cheers,
Peter J

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s 'The Hobbit' Gandalf is absent for large portions of the story. In appendices written by Tolkien for 'The Lord of the Rings', these holes in the story are filled in, which has allowed Jackson to expand his Hobbit story for film.

It's from these appendices that Jackson will be drawing further story elements from.

The Necromancer mentioned by Jackson later becomes Sauron in 'The Lord of the Rings'. The Battle of Dol Guldur takes place to destroy the Necromancer's last remaining fortress.

The news means that production on the film is likely to resume, having finished earlier this month in New Zealand while the plan was still for two films.

'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' is set for release on 14 November 2012.