The delays to the two-part movie adaptation of The Hobbit have proved too much for director Guillermo del Toro. He broke the news to fansite The One Ring that he has made "the hardest decision of his life" in stepping aside as director of the project.

Peter Jackson – who directed the three Lord of the Rings films and is producing The Hobbit – says he understands why Del Toro has found it hard to stretch his commitment from three years to six, and will now set about finding a new director.

Who would be top – and bottom – of your wish list of names when it comes to taking Del Toro's place in the director's chair? Terry Gilliam – no stranger to production delays – for his love of fantasy? Michael Bay to talk the studio bosses into giving him the cash for a no-nonsense CGI blockbuster? Let your imagination run wild ...