Much speculation has occurred as to whether Jackson might direct a film of The Hobbit, prequel to The Lord of the Rings. His comments to date seem to indicate that he is interested, if the studios can work out the rights. Late in 2004 it appeared unlikely, as MGM (the studio, which holds the rights to The Hobbit) was sold to Sony in the race between Warner Brothers in December of 2004. Jackson said that production on "The Hobbit" will take at least three or four years, which would place a likely release date in 2010.