New Line still courting Jackson

New Line Cinema would love to get production on The Hobbit underway, but seem intent on wooing Peter Jackson back to the franchise first.

Eager to move ahead with “The Hobbit,” New Line has quietly been trying to mend fences with “Rings” filmmaker Peter Jackson, who has sued the company over his share of profits from the first “Rings” films. When asked if it was true that company insiders had been in talks with Jackson’s reps, Shaye replied, “Yes, that’s a fair statement. Notwithstanding our personal quarrels, I really respect and admire Peter and would love for him to be creatively involved in some way in ‘The Hobbit.'”

No word yet on whether Jackson is receptive.

Thanks to TheOneRing.net for the find!