Rumors have been circulating over the past week that Guillermo Del Toro was being courted to direct both films of  "The Hobbit."  IESB has received a video in which Del Toro confirms he'll be helming the pics.  At the Paris premiere of "The Orphanage," he is asked the question, and the answer, although not in English, is yes.  At the moment, Del Toro's plate is pretty full, including finishing up work on "Hellboy 2: the Golden Army."

In other movie news, Jimmy Bennett has been cast as a very young Kirk in the new Star Trek film.  He's joining Chris Pine, who plays an older Kirk, and at least three Spocks.  Rumors have it that time travel will be a big component of the flick, although flashbacks have not been ruled out, either.  J.J. Abrams is bringing the film to theatres on Christmas Day, even amid questions about the new direction he seems to be taking (sparked by the glimpses seen in the teaer trailer).  Bennett, who turns twelve next Saturday, has appeared in a number of films, including "The Amityville Horror,"  "Poseidon," "Evan Almighty," and "The Polar Express."

(Additional Source: Coming Soon)