Nov 97, 2007 - Peter Jackson will team up with Neill Blomkamp on the sci-fi movie, District 9. Blomkamp co-wrote the script with partner Terri Tatchell, and Jackson's involved as a producer through his production company, WingNut Films. Sony Pictures Entertainment picked up the North American distribution rights for District 9 which will mark Blomkamp's feature film directorial debut.

Jackson will be hands-on as producer and his WETA Workshop facility is prepping to do the visual effects for District 9.

Jackson and Blomkamp had been gearing up to work on the feature film adaptation of Halo but that project's been moved to the back burner. Instead, the twosome will tackle District 9. Production's aiming for a spring start in South Africa.

In a press release issued by Sony, Co-Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment Amy Pascal said, "We have seen some of Neil's enormously creative work launching Halo 3 and he is a true talent who understands how to use visual effects in full service of the story. With Peter Jackson and his team at WETA workshop working with Neil, we believe District 9 can be a true event tentpole on our release slate."

Multiple Oscar winner Jackson (The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King) is currently knee deep in production on The Lovely Bones. Shooting on that much-anticipated movie is taking place in Pennsylvania before packing up and heading to New Zealand. Rumors are also circulating that Jackson will come to a deal with New Line Cinema to direct The Hobbit somewhere down the line.

Source: Columbia Tristar Motion Picture Group