Spider-Man director Sam Raimi has put his name in the hat to direct the big screen version of �The Hobbit�.

'Lord of the Rings' director Peter Jackson will not be directing the film, as he is suing studio New Line over a financial dispute.It has been reported that New Line need to start production soon or risk losing the rights.

Talking to Entertainment Weekly, Raimi expressed a clear interest in the project: �If Peter didn't want to do it, and Bob (Shaye-head of New Line) wanted me to do it - and they were both okay with me picking up the reins -  that would be great. I love the book. It's maybe a more kid-friendly story than the others�.

Raimi�s future with his current franchise, the 'Spider-Man' series, is in doubt after star Tobey Maguire said this third instalment would be his last.