The Hobbit Scripts Are Finished, But Waiting For Approval

Last week, Peter Jackson said that the two-part adaptation of The Hobbit has been delayed. This week, he said that the scripts to both parts are finished, but no actors have been determined, MTV.com reports. Jackson is a producer on the project and says he’s “optimistic” that the film will begin shooting by the end of the year although the studio hasn’t even greenlit the project.

“We haven’t signed any actors up yet,” Jackson admitted. “We couldn’t do that until [MGM Studios greenlights] the movie.” He said that they’d love to have any actor that played a part in Lord of the Rings that has a role in The Hobbit as well. As far as we can tell, that would cast Ian McKellen as Gandalph and Hugo Weaving as Elrond. Ian Holm will doubtfully play Bilbo Baggins in the film since it’s a prequel.

Jackson admitted that they’re currently working through the film’s budget.