Washington, Dec 19 : `Lord Of The Rings' prequel `The Hobbit' has been postponed until 2012.

It was announced that the new film, which is based on JRR Tolkien''s novel, would be directed by Guillermo Del Toro.

Oscar winner Peter Jackson is producing the project, and is also penning the screenplay with Del Toro, reports Contactmusic.

Sir Ian McKellen will be reprising his role of Gandalf, and Andy Serkis is expected to play Gollum once again.

The Shooting of `The Hobbit', which was planned to begin in New Zealand this winter, has been postponed until 2010 - with the release day pushed back to 2012.

However the cause for the delay is unknown. (ANI)