Oscar-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson has announced he is currently engaged in writing three new screenplays, dispelling any rumors of retirement. The director, known for his acclaimed work on “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies, has not directed a feature film since completing the latter in 2014. Despite this hiatus from narrative filmmaking, Jackson has remained active in the industry, directing notable projects like the Beatles docuseries “Get Back” and the 3D documentary “They Shall Not Grow Old.”
In an interview with ScreenRant, Jackson emphasized his ongoing commitment to filmmaking. “No, no. I’m certainly not retired,” he stated. “We are currently working on three different screenplays. I’m at the moment writing three different scripts.” He hinted at upcoming projects related to his cherished “Lord of the Rings” universe, as well as further explorations of his Beatles retrospectives.
Among these projects is “The Hunt for Gollum,” which will be directed by Andy Serkis in 2024. Jackson expressed his enthusiasm for this endeavor, noting, “We are producing and have been writing ‘The Hunt for Gollum.’” His experience with documentaries, particularly with the Beatles, has been fulfilling, and he anticipates continuing these creative pursuits.
While Jackson remains tight-lipped about the specifics of the screenplays, he revealed a personal passion project that intertwines cinema with real-world science. He expressed his fascination with the possibility of de-extincting the Giant Moa, a large prehistoric bird, through advances in biotechnology. “To me, de-extincting the Moa would be just as exciting, if not more exciting, than any film I could possibly make,” he remarked.
This ambitious idea connects to his involvement with Colossal Biosciences, a company focused on de-extinction efforts. Colossal describes itself as “the world’s first and only de-extinction company,” aiming to restore extinct species and set new standards for the science behind these efforts. Last year, the company made headlines by successfully using fossil DNA to bring two dire wolves back from extinction, a feat that underscores the potential of their groundbreaking work.
Jackson’s enthusiasm for both storytelling and scientific exploration illustrates his multifaceted career and dedication to pushing creative boundaries. As he continues to write and produce, audiences can anticipate fresh narratives that blend his cinematic legacy with innovative ideas.