Del Toro Directs "The Hobbit"

New Line Cinema states that Guillermo del Toro has taken on the challenge of directing The Hobbit and its sequel.

The renowned filmmaker has set up plans to make the films back to back, the Los Angeles Times reports. For this reason, Del Toro is jetting off to New Zealand where he will stay for four years, until the productions are done and dusted. Peter Jackson has been elected as executive producer for the films.

Del Toro's previous work has granted him great success. Pan's Labyrinth, which he both wrote and directed, was nominated for six Oscars in 2006 and received three awards, states the Associated Press. He also directed the upcoming Hellboy II: The Golden Army. This film is said to be executed in a manner that strongly reflects the surreal angle for which Del Toro is recognized.