Del Toro quits as 'Hobbit' director

LOS ANGELES, May 31 (UPI) -- Production delays have forced Guillermo del Toro to back out of directing two films in New Zealand based on J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit," officials said.

Del Toro could not commit six years to living in New Zealand, but will continue to develop the scripts for the two movies with Executive Producer Peter Jackson, Radio New Zealand reported Monday.

"After nearly two years of living, breathing and designing a world as rich as Tolkien's Middle Earth, I must, with great regret, take leave from helming these wonderful pictures," del Toro said in a statement.

Del Toro said he wished the production the best of luck, The Hollywood Reporter said.

"I remain an ally to it and its makers, present and future, and fully support a smooth transition to a new director," del Toro said, noting the decision to back out of directing the films was the most difficult of his life.

Jackson said he would meet with New Line and Warner Bros. this week to discuss a new director.