Director Peter Jackson 'doing well' after surgery

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - "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 Monday that Jackson was "doing well" but would be in the hospital for at least a few more days. She said doctors expect Jackson to make a full recovery.

Jackson 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.