TheOneRing.net has translated a German interview from Moviereporter.net in which The Hobbit executive producer Peter Jackson explains the delay in filming while doing interviews for The Lovely Bones:
We’re currently working on the second script which we hope to have completed by the end of this year or beginning of next. When the scripts are completed, we can begin with the exact calculation of the necessary budget. We hope to start filming in the middle of next year. However, we’ve received no green light from the studio yet.
The films, which are split up into two parts, are still set for a December 2011 and 2012 release date. It was first reported the films will shoot for 370 days, so as the date gets closer I’m sure we will get more information on the specifics, including casting and possible release. I love the trilogy and I’m very intrigued at what del Toro will be able to do with the series.