'Lord of the Rings' director 'stable' after surgery

'Lord of the Rings' director Sir Peter Jackson is in stable condition in the intensive care unit of Wellington Hospital after surgery for a perforated ulcer.

Publicist Melissa Booth said today that Sir Peter was “doing well” but would be in the hospital for at least a few more days.

She said doctors expect Sir Peter to make a full recovery.

Sir Peter was admitted to Wellington Hospital last Wednesday after complaining of acute stomach pains.

His illness has delayed the start of filming of 'The Hobbit', the two-part prequel to his Academy Award-winning 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy.

Production of 'The Hobbit' had previously been troubled by financial issues and the departure of its initial director Guillermo del Toro.