Filming of The Hobbit is being pushed back after director Peter Jackson underwent surgery for a perforated ulcer, according to Hollywood Reporter. The delay, expected to be “slight,” will affect the beginning of filming, which was supposed to kick off next month (see “Warners Will Distribute ‘The Hobbit’”). 

The films are slated to release in December of 2012 and December 2013, a schedule that already seemed aggressive given the extensive post-production effects work that will be required.