How Alan Horn's Move to Disney Studios Affects 'The Hobbit'

This story first appeared in the June 15 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.

our editor recommends

New Disney Chief Alan Horn Discusses His Plans for the Studio (Exclusive)

What Hollywood Thinks of Alan Horn as Disney Chairman

Alan Horn to Run Disney Studios (Exclusive)

How Former Warner Bros. President Alan Horn Got His First Producing Credit on 'The Hobbit'

One lingering question that emerged following Disney's May 31 announcement that Alan Horn would become chairman of its film studio: Will Horn remain a producer on The Hobbit? He will.

PHOTOS: Hollywood's Top Earners

According to sources, director Peter Jackson and his team, as well as executives at Warner Bros. and New Line, agreed that Horn could keep the credit if he chose, and Disney CEO Robert Iger has given his blessing.

Horn, who had been Warners president until Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes ushered him out in April 2011, received the credit in recognition of his role in overcoming serious obstacles to getting the two-part Hobbit off the ground.

STORY: How Alan Horn Got His First Producing Credit on 'The Hobbit'

Of course, Horn cannot occupy himself with the films as chairman of rival Disney, a job he starts June 11, but a source says the pictures, which were filmed simultaneously during a 250-day shoot, have wrapped principal photography and are in good shape. (Part one, An Unexpected Journey, hits theaters in December.)

This insider says the bulk of Horn's work is done, but he is said to be planning one last trip to New Zealand to visit the Hobbit team at the end of June.