Oh, how could I have neglected to link to this SciFi.com item that’s been making the rounds. It seems Bob Shaye, who co-founded New Line Cinema in 1967, has resolved never, ever, ever to work again with Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson:
“He got a quarter of a billion dollars paid to him so far, justifiably, according to contract, completely right, and this guy, who already has received a quarter of a billion dollars, turns around without wanting to have a discussion with us and sues us and refuses to discuss it unless we just give in to his plan. I don’t want to work with that guy anymore. Why would I? So the answer is he will never make any movie with New Line Cinema again while I’m still working for the company.”
But don’t worry, Hobbit fans. The movie production rights to that book will revert from New Line to Saul Zaentz in the near future, and Zaentz is on record as wanting Jackson to direct that movie — presumably with MGM, which has distribution rights — so all you have to do is wait for New Line to exit the picture. My question is, how will this affect future DVD re-issues of Lord of the Rings?
UPDATE: Jackson has responded. Variety has the scoop. See also Nikki Finke at Deadline Hollywood Daily for his full statement.
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