Wow .. just read that Peter Jackson was informed he will not be directing The Hobbit and another pre-quel:

http://www.theonering.net/staticnews/1163993546.html

How stupid ... honestly LOVED Jackson's theatrical interpretation more than the book. Rumors are that Sam Raimi (Spiderman fame) would be directing, but honestly although I love most of what Raimi did with Spidey, there's others which are just dumb .. .Spiderman2 really dragged with the endless love scenes, and at times one felt like reaching into the screen and shaking Peter Parker to stop whining. Spidey3 looks awesome, but now worried about The Hobbit :(