Peter Jackson Confirms MarketSaw's Exclusive That THE HOBBIT Could Shoot In November - And 3D Is Still On His Lips!! Oh And He May Direct It!!!

Peter Jackson has confirmed that November would be the earliest that THE HOBBIT could being shooting - We exclusively gave you that information back in March.

FURTHER, Jackson spoke about the budget of the movie (from Stuff): "US$150 million budget was a ballpark figure, but it could be higher if it was filmed in 3-D." Read that guys - this is the man himself talking 3D here.

So just when did Jackson's team find out about Guillermo del Toro's departure? Saturday. That must have been a shocker for them - but Jackson did say it was amicable.

And in a not so surprising move, Jackson has stepped forward to say that he would take over the reins of directing the movie if need be - if it can be worked out with other commitments: "If that's what I have to do to protect Warner Bros' investment, then obviously that's one angle which I'll explore. The other studios may not let me out of the contracts."

So, in the end it sounds like there is a real possibility of Peter Jackson directing THE HOBBIT in 3D. That has a familiar ring to it doesn't it? :-) More when I get it!