Some may remember after the fallout of Peter Jackson New line and MGM began courting other directors to take the project. One that apparently was asked was Sam Raimi. The la times today said something to make it seem like Raimi might have taken it:
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In a move that would have ramifications for several major multi-nationals, and millions of fans, "Spider-Man" maestro Sam Raimi has been telling associates, as well as his corporate masters at Sony, that he is thinking of directing "The Hobbit," the prequel to J.R.R. Tolkien's masterwork, "The Lord of the Rings." At least two top-level insiders – who declined to be named -- have heard the words out of the director's mouth.
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