During an interview with the Los Angeles Times, the founder of the company, Bob Shaye commented, "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.’"
New Line is anxious to start moving with the movie The Hobbit, and this means making amends with Peter Jackson. The company still owes Peter Jackson money from the first two films.
Shaye explained, "Peter and Fran have always wanted to ‘The Hobbit’ but whether that happens is yet to be decided."
Ian McKellan has also stated that the discussions between Jackson and New Line Cinema, and his partner Fran Walsh, must be resolved before he takes the part of Gandalf in The Hobbit.