As we creep closer and closer to The Hobbit actually kicking off production, all sorts of rumours have been swirling around about the first film and how it might start shooting later than thought.

But while he can't offer solid info about a filming date yet (the greenlight has yet to flash) Guillermo del Toro did hop on to the forums of fan site The One Ring to allay fears of trouble.

"We may say what we want but until there are two scripts delivered and budgets and schedules to support them we will be all under a yellow light of development. THAT we have not stopped.

"As I have reported in the past, we are scouting, designing (my last 3 hour meeting with Weta was this morning) and will not stop. BUT the greenlight and thus commencement can only be granted by the studio. Pete as producer and me as director will do everything we can in the meantime."

The studio, meanwhile, appears 100% behind GDT and Jackson: "Is there any trouble brewing with WB? Not at all. All I can say is that they reacted to our delivered script with great delight and we have been receiving strong support in our development."

He goes on to mention that dragon character Smaug's animation is being developed, and that many other tests of the likes of armour and prosthetics are continuing apace.

Del Toro does admit that everything is still in flux while they lock down the second script, but from his attitude - he's even planning to go a little more radio silent than usual since he'll be so busy working on the movies - it certainly sounds like all is on track.

Naturally, Empire will continue to bring you all the latest Hobbit info.