Pre-production is about to get under way on the two "The Hobbit" movies says Variety.

Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens are expected to write the scripts under the direction of Peter Jackson and Guillermo del Toro.

Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn), Ian McKellen (Gandalf) and Andy Serkis (Gollum) have already been in contact in regards to starring in the film, the three "Lord of the Rings" characters playing important parts in the story.

Director Guillermo del Toro says "I am all for keeping the actors who originated the parts, as much as availability and their willingness will allow."

del Toro will also produce "Hater", an adaptation of David Moody's 2006 novel for Universal Pictures. Glen Mazzara (FX's "The Shield") will adapt the work for the screen.