The making of The Hobbit may be on hold due to a lawsuit filed by Christopher Tolkien, the 83 -year-old son of J.R.R. Tolkien. The younger Tolkien is in a court battle trying to keep The Hobbit from being made.

According to Christopher Tolkien, his family is still owed money from New Line Cinema — over $150 million from the purchase rights and 7.5% of the profits.

Prior to the Tolkien lawsuit, The Hobbit was due to be released in December 2010. Now, production is on hold, with the next court hearing scheduled for June 6.