Speculation had been rife on the Internet across the past few days that the much-anticipated big screen version of The Hobbit would, contrary to original plans, be cut down to one movie rather than two.

The suggestion had been made that because of restrictions over what the film makers had the rights to actually use where the book itself was concerned (i.e. the book, and nothing else), the project may have to be curtailed else a potentially huge rights bill would be added to the budget.

Speaking to Guillermo del Toro last night, as part of an exclusive Den Of Geek interview that you can read next Tuesday on the site (and the man is as friendly and passionate in conversation as his reputation foretells), we asked him if there was any truth in this, and whether the second film was in any doubt:

“Absolutely, categorically not to my knowledge. There’s going to be a second film, but the shape of what it is and how it happens will be determined by the process. I’m afraid that whenever I try to vary an answer to a question, I end up getting in hot and boiling water because people just put a headline on it! If I say I’m feeling sick, or I have the flu, the headling is Del Toro Sick! The Hobbit Cancelled!”

I’m afraid that whenever I try to vary an answer to a question, I end up getting in hot and boiling water because people just put a headline on it! If I say I’m feeling sick, or I have the flu, the headling is Del Toro Sick! The Hobbit Cancelled!”

He also has a tantalizing comment about the first Hobbit movie: "I think you will see a lot of stuff you have never seen; not just outside the trilogy, but in the history of cinema."

I'm with you on Hugh Bonneville for Bilbo, but...

isn't Brian Blessed too old? If not, he would make a great Beorn!