Guillermo del Toro, long rumored to be the director for The Hobbit, says the movie is moving forward in capable hands. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, del Toro says that everything is still in the talking phase: "There have been a lot of discussions of cast and crew, agreements on the direction the movies would go, and if and when I come on board. But other than that, frankly it's all immaterial until everything is signed and put on paper."

The Hellboy and Pan's Labyrinth director is quick to remind fans that patience will be needed; he hasn't officially signed a contract yet, and even if he does, it's a "huge endeavor"—at least a five-year commitment, he says. "It's two movies back-to-back that are massive. So a lot has to be sorted out. All I can say is, creatively we are all in sync and eager to commit and move forward."

Del Toro admits that the recent folding of New Line Cinema has delayed the project a bit, but he does have some encouraging news for fans of the original Lord of the Rings trilogy; though he declines to discuss specifics, he does confirm that he will be working with the original screenwriting team of Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens.

In other movie news:

Stein screens movie for lawmakers in Missouri (News-Leader)
Stumps for education law reform by showing Expelled

Scientific community skeptical about Expelled (Minnesota Daily)
Film is "plea for open-mindedness and tolerance"

Gibson seeks to conceal Passion lawsuit details (USA Today)
Director wants financial information to be hidden from the public

Armie Hammer cast as Graham in Billy: The Early Years(Variety)
Actor is also Batman in Justice League movie; Martin Landau also cast

Film to tackle "Happy Holidays" vs. "Merry Christmas" (FilmStew)
An Ounce of Courage is destined to ruffle some feathers

Animated Life of Mohammed film cancelled (The Hollywood Reporter)
Dutch government pulls the plug on anti-Muslim movie

Ebert still can't speak; may need more surgery (/Film)
Preparing for upcoming film fest held in his name

Steve Martin, Diane Keaton reunite for new comedy (Variety)
Father of the Bride stars together again for One Big Happy

Robbins, McAdams cast in The Lucky Ones (New York Times)
New film from The Illusionist director Neil Burger

Kidman, Dench in talks for Nine (The Hollywood Reporter)
Musical from Rob Marshall also starring Javier Bardem

Herzog to write, direct Piano Tuner (The Hollywood Reporter)
Lush, Victorian-era period drama marks new ground for director

Farrow going to Darfur for China protest (AP)
Group criticizes China's role as Sudan's main trading partner

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