Peter Jackson has ulcer surgery in New Zealand

[January 27, 2011]  WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) -- "Lord of the Rings" director Sir Peter Jackson has undergone surgery for a perforated ulcer in his native New Zealand.

Publicist Melissa Booth says Jackson was admitted to Wellington Hospital the night before suffering from severe stomach pains and is now recovering from surgery.

She said Thursday that Jackson was resting comfortably and is expected to make a full recovery.

Jackson's illness will delay the start of filming for "The Hobbit," the two-part prequel to the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. The movies are based on the novels by J.R.R. Tolkien.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.