Take a deep breath and try to contain yourself, Lord of the Rings fans, and take a look at Academy Award winner Peter Jackson’s first official trailer for next year’s epic prequel, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
Based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s famed Hobbit novel, the prequel reunites many of the stars of the original trilogy, with the additon of Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins, not to mention a score of actors as the host of dwarves who accompany Bilbo on his adventure to find a legendary dragon named Smaug.
Written by Guillermo del Toro, alongside Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens, the film is set for release in 2012, likely in early December if the film follows in the footsteps of its predecessors.
![thedailywhat:
Casting News of the Day: Martin Freeman confirmed as Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson’s live-action adaptation of The Hobbit.
From the Warner Bros. press release:
“Despite the various rumours and speculation surrounding this role, there has only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us,” says Peter Jackson. “There are a few times in your career when you come across an actor who you know was born to play a role, but that was the case as soon as I met Martin. He is intelligent, funny, surprising and brave - exactly like Bilbo and I feel incredibly proud to be able to announce that he is our Hobbit.”
Pre-production on the two-part film commenced last week, and tentative release dates have been set for December 2012 and December 2013.
[thr.]
Frankly, a perfect choice.](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lao4mdXRsT1qzpwi0o1_500.jpg)
![thedailywhat:
First Look of the Day: First glimpse of the Shire as it will appear in the Peter Jackson-produced adaptation of Tolkien’s The Hobbit — presently slated for release in late 2012.
More photos here.
[heyuguys.]
Related: Directed by Neill Blomkamp?
Best part of this is really the last link. Definitely hope the talented Neill Blomkamp directs the fillm.](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l4bnq1jknX1qzpwi0o1_500.jpg)
