You'll have probably already read about Peter Jackson's open letter to his fans, explaining exactly why he won’t be making Lord Of The Rings prequel The Hobbit – he’s suing New Line Cinema over accounting issues raised in a partial audit of the first Rings film.
If you haven’t read it, don’t worry, New Line exec Robert Shaye has, and he’s not happy.
Speaking to Sci Fi Wire, Shaye was asked about the chances of Jackson directing The Hobbit. “It will never happen during my watch,” he said.
According to Shaye, Jackson received, “a quarter of a billion dollars paid to him so far, justifiably, according to contract, completely right, and this guy ... turns around without wanting to have a discussion with us and sues us and refused to discuss it unless we just give in to his plan. I don't want to work with that guy anymore.”
Jackson responded in an official statement, making his feelings on the matter clear. “It is regrettable that Bob has chosen to make (the argument) personal. I have always had the highest respect and affection for Bob and other senior management at New Line and continue to do so.”
The case continues...
