Since that announcement four days ago, the news has been pouring in, thanks mostly to TheOneRing.net already getting an interview with the director, who also has been seen on the forums at that site.

In casting news, Ian McKellen is ready to reprise his role (going so far as to list it in his filmography on his own website), as is Andy Serkis, who did the same. And, "all bureaucracy pending," Del Toro wants them both on board.

Del Toro says the only big difference between the way he will make this film compared to how Peter Jackson made the Lord of the Rings trilogy will be special effects. Del Toro plans to use more animatronics enhanced by CGI rather than straight CGI effects. But he's sticking to using the landscapes of New Zealand, where he and his family will move for four years, just like Jackson did.

Del Toro described getting the director job as "an absolute dream come true."