I was told that Stern was outbid for the Hobit licence by JJP, and the person who mentioned to me has had discussions with Jack directly about making the Hobit.
Accordingly, one would assume that JJP will want to do something with it now. The movie will sell like LOTR did, so i reckon the Hobit will be a hot pinny licence as well given the artwork is done properly on the machine. Even if he sells 1000 units only, he is making profit given his production line will be up n running.
I just hope Stern and JJP have a price war now so we all get new pinnys for less.