Filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro is leaving the Peter Jackson produced "The Hobbit" project which would've had the "Hellboy" helmer directing back-to-back films based on J.R.R Tolkien's classic book. Citing the recent delays, Del Toro says he's not able to commit to the film's 6-year production haul, although he will still be attached to co-write the film's screenplay.

In a written statement to TheOneRing.Net, Del Toro writes,
"In light of ongoing delays in the setting of a start date for filming "The Hobbit," I am faced with the hardest decision of my life. After nearly two years of living, breathing and designing a world as rich as Tolkien's Middle Earth, I must, with great regret, take leave from helming these wonderful pictures. I remain grateful to Peter, Fran and Philippa Boyens, New Line and Warner Brothers and to all my crew in New Zealand ..."Full details here