Peter Jackson

$1.89 B

Ranked #2157 in World

About Peter Jackson

Sir Peter Robert Jackson, born on October 31, 1961, is a renowned filmmaker from New Zealand. He gained fame with his critically acclaimed movie "Heavenly Creatures" in 1994, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Jackson was later lauded for directing the highly successful "Lord of the Rings" trilogy and "The Hobbit" series, both based on J.R.R. Tolkien's writings. His other notable works include the documentary "They Shall Not Grow Old" and The Beatles documentary series "Get Back" on Disney+. Jackson's films have received multiple accolades, including 17 Academy Awards for "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

Born

October 31, 1961 in Wellington, New Zealand

Age

64 years

Source Of Wealth

Movies, Digital Effects

Industries

Media & Entertainment

Citizenship

New Zealand

Residence

Wellington

Children

Sir Peter Robert Jackson was born on 31 October 1961 in Wellington, New Zealand. He was raised in Pukerua Bay, a suburb of Wellington. His parents were Joan (née Ruck), a factory worker and housewife, and William "Bill" Jackson, a wages clerk. Jackson developed a passion for films at a young age, inspired by Ray Harryhausen films, Thunderbirds, and Monty Python's Flying Circus. He began making short films with friends using a Super 8 cine-camera given to him by a family friend. Jackson attended Kāpiti College, showed no interest in sports, and had an "obsession verging on religious" with film. With no formal training in filmmaking, he learned about editing, special effects, and make-up through trial and error. After discovering the works of J.R.R. Tolkien after watching the animated film The Lord of the Rings (1978), Jackson left school at 16 and began working full-time as a photo-engraver for The Evening Post, a Wellington newspaper. He saved money from his job to purchase a 16 mm camera and started shooting a film that later became Bad Taste.

Peter Jackson: Family

Jackson's partner is Dame Fran Walsh, a screenwriter, film producer, and lyricist. They have two children together: Billy (born 1995) and Katie (born 1996). Walsh has collaborated on all of Jackson's films since 1989. Jackson is also an aviation enthusiast and owns a collection of airworthy World War I-era warbirds and a Gulfstream G650. He owns the original Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and is interested in building scale models, owning a model-making company (Wingnut Wings). Jackson received criticism for supporting Andy Foster in the 2019 Wellington City Council Elections.

Peter Jackson: Career Highlights

Jackson's career in filmmaking can be broadly divided into several phases, each marked by distinct projects and achievements.

Splatter Phase

Jackson's debut feature film, Bad Taste (1987), was a haphazard fashion splatter comedy made with friends and limited resources.

Despite its low budget and unconventional style, the film gained attention from the New Zealand Film Commission, leading to funding for future projects. Jackson collaborated with various writers, including Stephen Sinclair, Fran Walsh, and Danny Mulheron, and went on to make Meet the Feebles (1989), a black comedy co-written with Sinclair, Walsh, and Mulheron.

Heavenly Creatures and Forgotten Silver

Jackson's critical acclaim came with Heavenly Creatures (1994), a drama based on the real-life Parker-Hulme murder case. The film was nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards. Jackson also co-directed Forgotten Silver (1995) with Costa Botes, a mockumentary about a fictional New Zealand film pioneer.

Hollywood, Weta, and the Film Commission

Jackson's first big-budget Hollywood film was The Frighteners (1996), a comedy-horror film starring Michael J. Fox. However, the film's release was marred by legal proceedings against the New Zealand Listener magazine for defamation over a review of The Frighteners. Jackson also faced conflict with the New Zealand Film Commission over funding and decision-making.

The Lord of the Rings

Jackson's most significant achievement came with the adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic novel The Lord of the Rings. He secured the rights to film the trilogy in 1997 after meeting with producer Saul Zaentz. Originally planned as a two-film production, it was later changed to a trilogy due to tight deadlines. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002), and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) were huge critical and commercial successes, with The Return of the King winning 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

King Kong

Jackson remade the classic 1933 film King Kong in 2005, which was released to critical acclaim and box office success. He collaborated with game designer Michel Ancel for a video game adaptation of the film.

Crossing the Line

Jackson shot a short film in 2007 to test a new digital cinema camera, the Red One.

Set during World War I, the film was shown at NAB 2007.

The Lovely Bones

Jackson's adaptation of Alice Sebold's bestseller, The Lovely Bones, was released in 2009. It received mixed reviews and middling box office returns.

Tintin Franchise

Jackson produced The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn (2011), directed by Steven Spielberg. Spielberg chose Jackson due to his work on The Lord of the Rings and the capabilities of Weta Digital. Plans for a sequel were announced, but the project faced delays and uncertainties.

The Hobbit

Jackson had a long and chequered history of involvement in The Hobbit film adaptation. Legal disputes with New Line Cinema initially prevented Jackson from directing. Eventually, he was finalized as the director, and the films were shot in New Zealand. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012), The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013), and The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014) were released.

They Shall Not Grow Old

Jackson's documentary about the First World War, They Shall Not Grow Old, premiered in 2018. It was created using original footage, colourized, converted to 3D, and enhanced with modern production techniques. The documentary received critical acclaim for its immersive and thought-provoking portrayal of the war.

Mortal Engines

Jackson announced his interest in a film adaptation of the novel Mortal Engines in 2009. He produced and co-wrote the film, which was released in 2018. Directed by Christian Rivers, it received negative reviews and was a box-office bomb.

The Beatles: Get Back

Jackson's documentary about the making of The Beatles' final album Let It Be, The Beatles: Get Back, was announced in 2019. It utilizes techniques developed for They Shall Not Grow Old to transform archival footage. The documentary features the full 42-minute rooftop concert and offers a new perspective on the band's history. It was released as a three-part documentary series on Disney+ in 2021.

Peter Jackson: Companies

Jackson has been involved in the establishment and operation of several companies related to filmmaking and other ventures.

Wingnut Interactive

Jackson formed Wingnut Interactive in partnership with Microsoft Game Studios in 2006.

The company aimed to co-write, co-design, and co-produce a new game set in the Halo universe, titled Halo: Chronicles. However, Halo: Chronicles was canceled in 2009, and Wingnut Interactive shifted to working on original intellectual property.

The Vintage Aviator

Jackson owns The Vintage Aviator, an aircraft restoration and manufacturing company dedicated to World War I and World War II planes.

BATS Theatre

Jackson purchased BATS Theatre in Wellington, securing its future.

Wingnut Wings

Jackson owns Wingnut Wings, a scale modeling company specializing in World War I subjects.

Peter Jackson: Major Achievements

Jackson's major achievements include:

Directing the critically acclaimed and commercially successful The Lord of the Rings trilogy, which won 17 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Director, and Adapted Screenplay.
Remaking the classic film King Kong in 2005 to critical acclaim and box office success.
Creating They Shall Not Grow Old, a documentary about the First World War that received critical acclaim for its immersive and thought-provoking portrayal of the war.
Producing The Beatles: Get Back, a documentary about the making of The Beatles' final album Let It Be, which offers a new perspective on the band's history.
Establishing Wingnut Interactive, a company that aimed to create video games, and later shifting to original intellectual property.
Owning and operating The Vintage Aviator, an aircraft restoration and manufacturing company.
Purchasing BATS Theatre in Wellington, securing its future.
Owning Wingnut Wings, a scale modeling company specializing in World War I subjects.

Peter Jackson: Awards & Achievements

Jackson's films have received numerous nominations and awards, including Academy Awards. The Lord of the Rings trilogy won 17 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Director, and Adapted Screenplay. Jackson's films have won Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects multiple times. He has received various honours, including Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM), Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM), Additional Member of the Order of New Zealand (ONZ), and induction into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame.

Peter Jackson: Personal Life & Legacy

Jackson is known for his attention to detail, multiple angles, macabre humor, and playfulness.

He is a perfectionist who demanded numerous takes during the Lord of the Rings shoot. Jackson is also renowned for insisting on "one more for luck" during filming. Jackson's films have had a significant impact on the film industry, particularly in the areas of visual effects and filmmaking techniques. He has inspired a new generation of filmmakers and continues to be a major figure in the world of cinema.

Peter Jackson: Trivia

Jackson appears in most films he directs, similar to Alfred Hitchcock's cameos.
Jackson's children, Billy and Katie, and partner Fran Walsh also make cameos in his films.
Jackson has made cameos in non-directed films, such as Hot Fuzz and Entourage.
Jackson's extensive property portfolio is estimated at NZ$150 million.
Jackson owns a Gulfstream G550 and a Gulfstream G650, used for personal and charitable purposes.
Jackson is the Chairman of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Trust and hosts a biennial air show.
Jackson has participated in the American Red Cross "Zombie Blood Drive" with other artists.

Wealth History

Timeline

31 October 1961

Born in Wellington, New Zealand.

1978

Watched the animated film The Lord of the Rings, which sparked his interest in J.R.R. Tolkien's works.

1987

Debut feature film: Bad Taste, a splatter comedy made with friends and limited resources.

1989

Meet the Feebles, a black comedy co-written with Stephen Sinclair, Fran Walsh, and Danny Mulheron.

1994

Heavenly Creatures, a critically acclaimed drama based on the real-life Parker-Hulme murder case.

1995

Forgotten Silver, a mockumentary co-directed with Costa Botes, about a fictional New Zealand film pioneer.

1996

The Frighteners, a comedy-horror film starring Michael J. Fox, Jackson's first big-budget Hollywood film.

1997

Secured the rights to film Tolkien's epic The Lord of the Rings after meeting with producer Saul Zaentz.

2001

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, the first installment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

2002

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, the second installment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

2003

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, the third and final installment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

2005

Remade the classic 1933 film King Kong, released to critical acclaim and box office success.

2006

Partnership with Microsoft Game Studios announced to form Wingnut Interactive.

2007

Short film Crossing the Line shot to test a new digital cinema camera, the Red One.

2009

Adaptation of Alice Sebold's bestseller The Lovely Bones, released to mixed reviews.

2009

Halo: Chronicles, a planned game set in the Halo universe, was canceled.

2011

Producer for The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn, directed by Steven Spielberg.

2012

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the first installment of The Hobbit trilogy.

2013

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, the second installment of The Hobbit trilogy.

2014

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, the third and final installment of The Hobbit trilogy.

2018

They Shall Not Grow Old, a documentary about the First World War, premiered.

2018

Mortal Engines, a film adaptation of the novel, produced and co-written by Jackson.

2019

The Beatles: Get Back, a documentary about the making of The Beatles' final album Let It Be, announced.

2021

The Beatles: Get Back, released as a three-part documentary series on Disney+.

Peter Jackson : FAQs

What is Peter Jackson's current net worth?

Peter Jackson's current net worth is $1.89 billion.

What is Peter Jackson's current global rank among billionaires?

Peter Jackson holds the 2157th position globally among billionaires.

What is Peter Jackson's current ranking within the New Zealand?

Peter Jackson holds the 4th position in New Zealand.

What was the change in Peter Jackson's net worth compared to the previous year?

Peter Jackson's net worth increased by 153.42 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 1.73 billion dollars.

What is the recent change in Peter Jackson's net worth?

Peter Jackson's net worth increased by 3.88 million dollars recently, a 0.21% increase, with his net worth standing at 1.89 billion dollars.

What are Peter Jackson's main sources of wealth?

Peter Jackson's main source of income comes from Movies, Digital Effects.

In which industry does Peter Jackson primarily operate?

Peter Jackson is primarily involved in the Media & Entertainment industry.

How old is Peter Jackson?

Peter Jackson is 64 years old.

How many children does Peter Jackson have?

Peter Jackson has 2 children.

Who is Sir Peter Robert Jackson and what are his notable accomplishments?

Sir Peter Robert Jackson, born on 31 October 1961 in Wellington, New Zealand, is a renowned filmmaker known for his attention to detail, innovative filmmaking techniques, and contributions to the film industry. His notable accomplishments include directing the critically acclaimed and commercially successful Lord of the Rings trilogy, which won numerous Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for The Return of the King. Jackson has also been recognized for his work on King Kong, The Hobbit trilogy, and the World War I documentary They Shall Not Grow Old.

What inspired Peter Jackson to become a filmmaker, and how did he start his career?

Peter Jackson developed a passion for films at a young age, inspired by movies like those by Ray Harryhausen, Thunderbirds, and Monty Python's Flying Circus. Without any formal training in filmmaking, he started his career by making short films with friends using a Super 8 cine-camera gifted by a family friend. Jackson's career took a significant turn with the creation of his debut feature film, Bad Taste (1987), a splatter comedy made with limited resources, which garnered the attention of the New Zealand Film Commission.

How did Peter Jackson's early influences shape his filmmaking style?

Peter Jackson cites films such as King Kong, Goodfellas, and the special effects work of Ray Harryhausen as significant influences on his filmmaking style. These inspirations are evident in his passion for innovative special effects, attention to detail, and the use of wide-angle lenses for close-ups. His early attempt to remake King Kong at the age of nine and his admiration for Martin Scorsese's fearless camerawork also reflect in his bold and imaginative directorial choices.

What are some of Peter Jackson's contributions outside of directing?

Apart from his directorial work, Peter Jackson has made significant contributions in various areas. He co-founded Wingnut Films and the special effects company Weta Digital, which have both played crucial roles in revolutionizing film production and special effects. Jackson is also known for his charitable activities, including donating to stem cell research and saving a historic Wellington church from demolition. Additionally, he owns The Vintage Aviator, a company dedicated to restoring World War I and World War II planes, and has participated in charitable airshows and other philanthropic activities.

What awards and honors has Peter Jackson received for his work in film?

Peter Jackson has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, highlighting his significant impact on the film industry. His films, especially the Lord of the Rings trilogy, have won 17 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Director, and Adapted Screenplay for The Return of the King. Jackson's contributions have been recognized with various honors, including being appointed a Companion and later a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and an Additional Member of the Order of New Zealand, one of the country's highest honors.