It’s looking like Peter Jackson directing The Hobbit has moved from “all-but-a-done-deal” to a done deal. The New York Times is reporting that Jackson has finalized his deal to direct both parts of The Hobbit. However, the Times is also reporting that the ongoing dispute with New Zealand’s unions could continue to delay the film further. If the production decides to leave New Zealand, then it will have to draw up a new budget and that will most likely lead to another delay. As of right now, production is slated to begin in February with the first film slated to come out in December 2012 and the second film to be released the following year. Both films will be in 3D.

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