Production Begins On The Hobbit

Few motion pictures have gone through what The Hobbit has: location issues, script delays and a hospitalised Peter Jackson are just some of the problems that arose for the upcoming two-part fantasy in years gone by, however today New Line Studios have confirmed the latest instalments in the Lord of the Rings trilogy have entered production in New Zealand. The film...well, we'll let the press release speak for itself: "Set sixty years before The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached by Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen), Bilbo finds himself joining a company of dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage). Their journey will take them into the Wild, through lands swarming with Orcs and Sorcerors. Although their goal lies to the East, first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever-Gollum (Andy Serkis)-and also gains posession of a single, gold ring tied to the fate of all Middle-Earth..." Returnees from previous films include Elijah Wood as Frodo and Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, with more casting announcements expected in the coming months. The Hobbit is set for release in two parts in December 2012 and '13 respectively, and Peter Jackson couldn't feel more at home if the above photo of his return to the set is anything to go by!