SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL DEALS

Jackson, who directed the epic "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, is set for a late-2009 start for "The Hobbit", a prequel to "Lord of the Rings." But he had yet to find a scriptwriter to join Guillermo del Toro, who is also on hand to direct the film. The Hollywood Reporter, citing unnamed sources, said Wednesday Jackson has decided take up the duties himself.

The newspaper said Jackson had conducted an eight-month search for a writer to tackle the adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic fantasy novel, centered around the adventures of the young Hobbit Bilbo Baggins. Jackson had earlier said he would not be writing "The Hobbit" because of other commitments.

Jackson, however, saw his schedule open up, and he and Del Toro were facing deadlines that required any new writer to already be familiar with Tolkein's complex Middle Earth mythology, making Jackson's participation as screenwriter make more sense, the Reporter said.

 BREAKING STORIES

Keanu heading to Caltech for science talk

Helgenberger, Rosenberg split up

Buscemi, Scorsese may team up for pilot

Frasier and Lilith to reunite in 'Fame'

AMPTP: SAG strike would be self-defeating

'Slumdog' wins big at British indie awards

Kerr and Bloom not betrothed

Swedish film fest honors 'Frozen River'

Howard says 'Frost/Nixon' a memory lesson

Streep not used to 'movie star' role

Cleric says Disney a corrupting influence

Sources: Paltrow staying with billionaire

SAG calls on members to back strike

'Wall-E' release tops all DVDs in sales

Cruises and Beckhams meet for holiday

Caine discusses 'Italian Job' cliffhanger

Report: Ryder's borrowed jewels missing

'Narnia' exhibition opens at Philly museum

Batman not killed off in comic

Dad pleads guilty to picking film over kid