I say yes.
It should fit in with Jacksons work but I dont want a simple paste and copy job.
Del Toro is the right man to put his own flavour in the mix.

I absolutely love Pans Labyrinth, at first I thought I was watching a great kids film when he suddenly hit me with harsch adult reality. And he can pull it off to put both in one movie.
He managed to pull a good Hellboy out of his hat, which to me seems a lot harder than a x-men or spidey flick.
Mimic, Blade II, yeah from what I've seen so far: he's the man.

I totally get what you're saying Brad. I agree that The Hobbit has a similar feel to LOTR,. It's a 'walking' adventure; this time to find treasure 'instead' of Mount Doom, and all sorts of things that sprout up and challenge a certain group/fellowship on their journey. That being said, Hobbit is quite light and more fast paced than LOTR, so I think it would be interesting to have someone other than PJ direct it, even though his influence will only help retain the 'middle earth' feel and strengthen integral LOTR characters like Gandalph and Bilbo . If P.J had been solely responsible there would have been concern that The Hobbit would feel too much like LOTR, but with the help of Toro's creative mix those fears can be lessened. So basically what I'm trying to blabber is that the film shouldnt involve too much Peter Jackson, but yet not too little either, so a great director like Del Toro is a perfect ingredient to the whole mix. I'm sure Del Toro will only grow as a director from this experience and will return (unfortunately 4 years later) with even better films!

Here's to hope!

RaTTleR_NL said: I say yes.
It should fit in with Jacksons work but I dont want a simple paste and copy job.
Del Toro is the right man to put his own flavour in the mix.

I absolutely love Pans Labyrinth, at first I thought I was watching a great kids film when he suddenly hit me with harsch adult reality. And he can pull it off to put both in one movie.
He managed to pull a good Hellboy out of his hat, which to me seems a lot harder than a x-men or spidey flick.
Mimic, Blade II, yeah from what I've seen so far: he's the man.

I totally agree with you dude, Pan's did seen to target children in the beginning , but then just became incredibly real! This is exactly what 'Hobbit' requires, since it's a children's book in a way, but does have adult themes in the mix. Bilbo's charac ter does transform from being reclusive and afraid, to brave and loyal. Such elements if presented correctly can engage adults and children alike. Moreover, I am sure the effects will kick butt, cant wait to see the evil Smaug! Goullum (once again), beorn, trolls, goblins, eagles, wargs etc etc!

BTW Hobbit is my favorite book of all time, the first time I read it was only a couple of years ago (I'm 27!) :)