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Last week, we reported that Guillermo del Toro—director of films like Hellboy and Pan's Labyrinth, and long-rumored to be Peter Jackson's choice to direct The Hobbit—was officially confirmed as the helmer for the two-part Lord of the Rings prequel. This week, the man himself has spoken with MTV about the direction in which he'll take the franchise, addressing some fan concerns.

Del Toro knows that he has big shoes to fill, and that it will be a challenge to make these films his own. The director confirms that he will be creating "a large portion" of new creatures and locales for the film, but also that he is "very comfortable living within the walls of the world [Jackson] created during the second half of the second film."

Additionally—and surely to the relief of many fans—del Toro acknowledges that he views The Hobbit as, primarily, a children's story.

And that second film, the one that fits between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring? Del Toro says it will be about "the transition from the golden years to the rise of Sauron. It's essentially the beginning of civil war and uprisings. It's a very interesting time."

The director says he expects to be working with returning Middle-Earthers Andy Serkis (Gollum) and Howard Shore (composer) on this film, though whether Ian "Bilbo Baggins" Holm will be involved is still in question. One cast member, however, has been confirmed: Sir Ian McKellen will indeed be reprising his role as Gandalf in the upcoming films.

Expelled producer says he is not a creationist (National Post)
Ruloff: "I'm the furthest thing from a creationist"

Stein defends religion, attacks science (National Review)
Expelled host says "science leads you to killing people"

Prince Caspian emphasizes action (Los Angeles Times)
Filmmakers face challenges with epic battle sequences

Mel Gibson returns to acting with Edge of Darkness (Variety)
Screenplay from The Departed's William Monahan

Another Katherine Patterson novel adapted for big screen (Variety)
The Great Gilly Hopkins is latest from Terabithia novelist

Filmmakers plan doc on Flix Club scandal (FilmStew)
Say they see good arguments on both sides of the story

J.J. Abrams talks new Star Trek film (Associated Press)
Says new movie will not just be for Trekkies

HSM3 begins filming in Salt Lake City (AP)
Disney's High School Musical to get another sequel

Jonah Hill in negotiations for Transformers 2 (Entertainment Weekly)
Superbad star will be comic relief, Shia's sidekick

Kidman eyes the role of Dusty Springfield (New York Entertainment)
Reuniting with The Hours' Michael Cunningham

Real-life Wilson discusses Charlie Wilson's War (Washington Times)
Congressman says film didn't give enough credit to Reagan

Christian film The Stopping Place targets boomer generation (PR.com)
New DVD release explores ministry as second career possibility

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