[Suzerain of Sheol]

He's been director for a while, now, after Del Torro backed out because of the delays.

Fran Walsh is his wife, actually. :p

And, watching the interviews with both of them (and the third member of their unholy trinity, Phillipa Boyens) I get the distinct impression that at least an overwhelming majority of the deviations were them trying to (and I quote Boyens here) "improve Tolkien".

Also, just saw this:

Evangeline Lilly will be playing a new character—the Woodland Elf, Tauriel. Her name means 'daughter of Mirkwood' and, beyond that, we must leave you guessing! (No, there is no romantic connection to Legolas.) What is not a secret is how talented and compelling an actress Evangeline is; we are thrilled and excited she will be the one to bring our first true Sylvan Elf to life.

Anyone want to take a stab at how this could possibly fit into the story and work well? I'm at something of a loss, and honestly not very happy to hear this, even with the disclaimer.