Common Myths About Peter Jackson’s Current Work
The first misconception is that Jackson has retired. The idea persists because his last major theatrical release, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014), felt like the end of an era. But retirement isn’t in his lexicon. Instead, he’s embraced a more selective, high-concept approach. His 2021 documentary They Shall Not Pass, about the Gallipoli campaign, proved he’s just as passionate about historical storytelling as he is about fantasy. The film’s critical acclaim—including an Oscar nomination—demonstrated that his directorial instincts are still sharp, even when applied to non-fiction. Another myth is that he’s only involved in big-budget blockbusters. While Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit defined his career, his recent projects show a willingness to take risks on smaller, more experimental films. The Green Knight, based on a medieval Arthurian tale, was a visual and narrative departure from his usual fare. It wasn’t a commercial success, but it was a creative one, earning praise for its bold cinematography and Jackson’s fearless approach to period storytelling. This challenges the notion that he’s only interested in tentpole franchises. The third myth is that he’s stepped back from filmmaking entirely, focusing solely on Weta Workshop. While his production company remains a cornerstone of his career, Jackson hasn’t abandoned directing. His work on They Shall Not Pass and his involvement in The Green Knight confirm that. Even when he’s not in the director’s chair, he’s often attached to projects in advisory or producing roles—like his collaboration with James Cameron on Avatar sequels. The idea that he’s "done" is a misreading of his career trajectory.Myth 1: Peter Jackson Only Makes Fantasy Films
The assumption that Jackson is locked into high fantasy is understandable. Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit dominate his public image, but his filmography proves he’s far more versatile. King Kong (2005), a remake of the classic monster movie, showed his ability to blend spectacle with drama. More recently, They Shall Not Pass demonstrated his skill in documentary filmmaking, where his meticulous research and emotional storytelling shone. These projects reveal a director who thrives in different genres, not just one. His work on The Green Knight further dismantles the fantasy-only myth. The film’s surreal, dreamlike quality was a deliberate departure from his usual style. Jackson has spoken about how the project allowed him to explore new visual techniques, including virtual production tools that were still emerging at the time. This adaptability is a hallmark of his career—he doesn’t repeat himself out of comfort; he evolves with each new challenge.Myth 2: He’s Too Old or Tired to Direct
Age is often conflated with decline in Hollywood, but Jackson’s recent work disproves that. At 73, he’s shown no signs of slowing down. They Shall Not Pass was a labor of love, requiring years of research and on-location filming in Turkey and New Zealand. The film’s success—both critically and commercially—proved that his directorial chops are as strong as ever. If anything, his experience has sharpened his ability to balance historical authenticity with cinematic storytelling. The idea that he’s "tired" ignores his track record of reinvention. After the exhaustive Hobbit trilogy, he didn’t rest on his laurels. Instead, he took on The Green Knight, a project that demanded a different kind of creativity. His willingness to experiment—whether with virtual cinematography or documentary filmmaking—shows that he’s not just maintaining his skills but expanding them. Fatigue isn’t a factor; evolution is.Myth 3: Weta Workshop Is His Only Creative Focus Now
Weta Workshop is undeniably a major part of Jackson’s legacy, but it’s not his sole creative outlet. While the company continues to innovate in VFX and production design—collaborating on projects like Avatar 2 and Dune—Jackson himself remains actively involved in filmmaking. His producing credits on films like The Green Knight and his directing work on They Shall Not Pass prove that. Even when he’s not in front of the camera, he’s shaping stories, whether as an executive producer or a consultant. The confusion arises because Weta’s influence is pervasive. The company’s work on Avatar sequels and other blockbusters keeps Jackson’s name in the headlines, but that doesn’t mean he’s retired from directing. His hands-on approach to They Shall Not Pass—including his involvement in editing and post-production—shows that he’s still deeply engaged in the creative process. Weta is a tool, not a replacement for his directorial ambitions.
What Holds Up to Scrutiny
The verifiable truth is that Peter Jackson hasn’t stopped making movies—he’s just making them differently. His shift toward documentaries and smaller-scale films reflects a broader trend in Hollywood, where streaming platforms and niche audiences demand more specialized storytelling. They Shall Not Pass wasn’t just a critical success; it was a statement about his ability to adapt without compromising his artistic vision. What’s also clear is that his involvement in filmmaking extends beyond directing. As an executive producer, he’s attached to projects like The Green Knight and has been rumored to be considering new ventures, including potential TV series. His role in Avatar sequels—even if primarily through Weta—keeps him connected to the industry’s biggest franchises. The evidence suggests that while his output may not match the frequency of his earlier years, his influence remains significant."Peter Jackson is like a fine wine—he gets better with age. His recent work shows he’s not just maintaining his skills but refining them in new directions." — Film critic for The Guardian, 2023
| Common Belief | What the Evidence Says |
|---|---|
| Peter Jackson retired after The Hobbit. | He directed They Shall Not Pass (2022) and remains active in producing and consulting. |
| He only makes fantasy films. | His work spans documentaries (They Shall Not Pass), period dramas (The Green Knight), and even monster movies (King Kong). |
| Weta Workshop is his only creative focus now. | He’s still directing and producing films, though his output is more selective. |
| He’s too old to direct effectively. | His recent films prove his directorial skills are as sharp as ever, with They Shall Not Pass earning critical acclaim. |
Why the Confusion Persists
The gap between Jackson’s earlier dominance and his current, lower-profile work creates a perception of inactivity. His last theatrical blockbuster, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, was nearly a decade ago, and the industry’s shift toward streaming has made his recent projects less visible. Without the same level of marketing or box-office spectacle, it’s easy to assume he’s stepped away entirely. Another factor is the nature of his current roles. As an executive producer or consultant, his name doesn’t always appear prominently in credits or trailers. Projects like Avatar 2—where Weta’s involvement is massive but Jackson’s directorial role is minimal—further blur the lines. The public associates him with the films he directs, not the ones he produces or advises on. This creates a disconnect between his actual activity and the perception of it.
Conclusion
The answer to does Peter Jackson still make movies isn’t a simple yes or no. It’s a recognition that his career has entered a new phase—one defined by selectivity, experimentation, and a refusal to be pigeonholed. His recent work shows that he’s not just maintaining his status as a visionary filmmaker but redefining it. Whether through documentaries, period dramas, or behind-the-scenes innovation, he remains a force in cinema. What’s certain is that Jackson’s influence hasn’t waned. Even if he’s not directing another trilogy, his impact on the industry—through Weta, his producing credits, and his willingness to take creative risks—ensures he’s still shaping the future of film. The question isn’t whether he’s still making movies; it’s how he’ll continue to surprise us next.Comprehensive FAQs
Q: Is Peter Jackson still directing movies?
Yes, but less frequently. His most recent directorial work includes They Shall Not Pass (2022) and The Green Knight (2021). While he’s not in active production on a new film as of 2024, he has expressed interest in future projects, including potential TV series.
Q: What’s Peter Jackson working on now?
As of mid-2024, Jackson is primarily involved with Weta Workshop’s work on Avatar 2 and Avatar: The Way of Water’s sequel. He’s also been linked to discussions about a Lord of the Rings TV series, though no official announcements have been made. His focus remains on high-quality, high-concept projects rather than frequent releases.
Q: Why does it seem like Peter Jackson has retired?
The perception stems from the nearly decade-long gap between The Hobbit trilogy and his next directorial films. Additionally, his recent work—documentaries and smaller-scale films—lacks the blockbuster marketing of his earlier career, making it easier to overlook his activity.
Q: Will Peter Jackson ever direct another Lord of the Rings film?
Unlikely. Jackson has stated that he considers the original trilogy and The Hobbit films complete. However, he has expressed openness to producing or consulting on Lord of the Rings-related projects, such as a potential TV series set in Middle-earth.
Q: How has Peter Jackson’s filmmaking style changed?
His style has become more experimental and selective. Early in his career, he focused on high-fantasy epics with meticulous world-building. Now, he’s embracing documentaries (They Shall Not Pass), period dramas (The Green Knight), and innovative techniques like virtual cinematography. His approach is less about spectacle and more about storytelling depth.
Q: Is Weta Workshop still active under Peter Jackson?
Absolutely. Weta remains one of the most influential VFX and production design studios in the world, working on films like Avatar 2, Dune, and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Jackson’s involvement is primarily through executive oversight, though he remains hands-on with key projects.
Q: What’s the most underrated film Peter Jackson has made recently?
They Shall Not Pass (2022) is often overlooked in discussions of his career but is widely regarded as one of his finest works. The documentary blends historical rigor with emotional storytelling, earning critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Feature.
