Guillermo del Toro, who recently abandoned his plans to direct a set of films based upon J.R.R. Tolkien’s book The Hobbit, posted an emotional letter to Tolkien fans on the website TheOneRing.net explaining his reasons for leaving the project. Well, sorta. The director acknowledged some logistical and contractual difficulties that influenced his decision to leave, but mainly kept details extremely vague. He is very sad though! After mentioning that he has left behind a great deal of design work for his successor as director of the movies, he noted that he’ll probably tear up if he sees his work turn up in the finished picture. Aw, hang in there, dude! [ArtsBeat/NYT]