Lord of the Hobbit?

Speculation is rife that Sir Peter Jackson may step in to direct The Hobbit movies.

Hollywood websites are reporting Jackson will take over from Mexican Guillermo del Toro, who pulled out over ongoing delays in a start date for filming.

Filming on the $209 million project is hoped to start in January and the earliest likely release date is 2012.

Websites say Jackson met studio representatives at the beginning of June to begin the search for a new director.

It was reported he would not rule out directing The Hobbit if a suitable person could not be found. Earlier this month it was rumoured District 9 director, Neill Blomkamp, would take over from del Toro.