THE HOBBIT Headed for a Release Delay?

Just two days ago, we reported (via MovieReporter.net) that production on THE HOBBIT had been pushed from early 2010 to the middle of the year, most likely July.   Now comes word from The Wrap that an executive close to the film is saying this delay in production start could push the release date back from Christmas 2011 to sometime in 2012.

While it is still possible that it could come out in December 2011, it looks more likely to be 2012.

Those are the execs exact words.   This doesn’t necessarily mean the delay on the first film in the two-parter is a full year.   It just means the new release date is sometime in 2012.   It could very likely pull a MATRIX RELOADED/REVOLUTIONS-style 1-2 punch and release in Summer then Christmas 2012.

We’ll let you know for sure once official word comes down on a new release date.   Until now, all we know is we aren’t marking our calendars just yet.