AceShowbiz -

Determines to move along without Peter Jackson in developing "The Hobbit", New Line founder and co-chairman Robert K. Shaye revealed to The New York Times that he has an intention to release the flick in 2009 though there was no workable script yet for the film.

In the same occasion, Shaye, however, did not give any comments on the reports about offers made to "Spider-Man" helmer Sam Raimi to direct the project. Raimi previously was claimed by TheOneRing.net to have been approached for a possibility to lead the project though it was unknown whether he accepted the invitation.

"Hobbit", the prequel of "The Lords of the Rings" trilogy, is based on J.R.R. Tolkien's book of the same name which tells about Frodo Baggins' uncle, Bilbo, who gets picked up by thirteen dwarves to accompany them on a treasure hunt, a journey that later brings him to the discovery of the One Ring.