Source: Digital Spy | TheOneRing.net | Collider

Well, MGM just can’t seem to get any bidders. Apparently the film studio, who owns the distribution rights to The Hobbit (which Warner Brothers/New Line Cinema is set to produce), is deeply in debt and no bids have been accepted by the debt holders. Thus, filming of the two Hobbit films appears to be delayed.

Andy Serkis, who played Gollum/Smeagol in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and who is reprising his role in the upcoming Hobbit films, told Digital Spy that, “At some point towards the end of this year, I expect it’ll start kicking off.”

Ian McKellen (Gandalf) originally said on his website that he believed filming for the first Hobbit film would begin in July, but now he says, “at a time to be announced.”

The previous release date for the first film was December 2011, with the second film following in December 2012. Now that looks like that probably won’t be the case. As far as a start date for filming, I wouldn’t put too much faith in what the actors say until MGM gets everything into place.

Gees, can’t they just get on with it already?! We all know these films will make tons of money. There’s got to be a suitable bidder out there. Just make the stupid deal already so that this project can get green-lit!