We're headed back to the Shire when The Hobbit: An Expected Journey comes out this weekend. We got a long look at the Middle Earth trip in the fanciful trailer, and if you want more, check out the slew of pictures from the film, including shots of Gandalf and Bilbo, a behind-the-scenes look at the actors and director Peter Jackson, and gallery shots of the various dwarfs, elves, and trolls that will be part of Bilbo's grand adventure.
Cate Blanchett and Ian McKellen celebrated the royal premiere of their new film, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, in London today. Cate and Ian were joined by costar Martin Freeman and Lord of the Rings' Dominic Monaghan. Although this Hobbit film, the first of three, is being released after the Lord of the Rings trilogy, it is actually based on the novel that inspired the original Lord of the Rings book series. They weren't at the London premiere, but LOTR's Liv Tyler and Elijah Wood attended last week's NYC screening of The Hobbit.
Prince William also attended the premiere but without his pregnant wife, Kate Middleton. Unfortunately, Kate had to cancel her planned appearance earlier this week due to her continued battle with acute morning sickness.
Thousands of fans came out in New Zealand today to celebrate the world premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Cate Blanchett was one of the stars that hit the red carpet, signing autographs and posing for photos on her way into the screening. Elijah Wood, Martin Freeman, Evangeline Lilly, and director Peter Jackson, who brought his daughter, also showed their support for the big event. Evangeline debuted a dramatic new look on the arm of costar James Nesbitt while Elijah waved to the overwhelming crowds as he emerged from the Hobbit house that was constructed at the front of the Embassy Theatre. It's just the beginning of press for the movie, which hits theaters on Dec. 14.
The first trailer for The Hobbit that premiered way back in December certainly captured the same kind of sprawling epic feel of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy, but it was kind of underwhelming. However, the latest trailer for the first film in the adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's novel gives us more of what made the previous series so entertaining — it's funny! Here, we see the dwarves goofing around, we get more of Martin Freeman embodying the carefree Bilbo (along with why he's going on this unexpected journey), and we see far more of Gollum, being creepy and making everything unnecessarily plural.
I'm still not sure that the Hobbit series really needed to expand to three films, but I'm more exciting about seeing the first installment after watching this preview. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey comes out Dec. 14, so check out this trailer prior to the Christmastime release after the jump.
Director Peter Jackson took to Facebook today to officially announce that The Hobbit will be three movies, rather than two, as originally planned. In his statement, he wrote that he and partner Fran Walsh had recently watched the footage and asked themselves, "Do we take this chance to tell more of the tale? And the answer from our perspective as the filmmakers, and as fans, was an unreserved 'yes.'" Jackson continued on to say, "So, without further ado and on behalf of New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Wingnut Films, and the entire cast and crew of 'The Hobbit' films, I'd like to announce that two films will become three."
There is no word yet on whether this decision will affect the previously announced release dates for the two movies, An Unexpected Journey and There and Back Again.
Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Christmas isn't even here yet, but we already have a 2012 holiday treat to look forward to in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Though that's 12 months off, the good news is that we have the first trailer right here! If you're expecting something of the same caliber as The Two Towers, you might be a little disappointed; this preview is low on action and high on introduction and backstory. We meet young Bilbo (Martin Freeman), who is just trying to live his hobbit life in Bag End when he's rudely interrupted by an adventure-seeking Gandalf (Ian McKellen). What follows is a quick introduction to his long list of travel companions, and then a brief glimpse at what's in store in the first part of the adventure.
As excited as I am for this movie, I can't help but feel a teensy bit underwhelmed by this trailer. The production value looks amazing of course, but I was hoping the preview would incite a little more excitement. That said, we've got a whole year to build up the hype, so in the meantime, watch the trailer after the jump.
The first installment of Peter Jackson's The Hobbit won't arrive until December 2012, but here's an exciting treat for fans: the first official photos from the movie! In this prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) sets out on a quest to retrieve a treasure guarded by a dragon. He's joined by a crew of dwarves (and Gandalf!), and you can get a glimpse of Bilbo's dinner party in the photo below.
It's that time again! The changing of the seasons to Spring means it's time for another of my reading lists. I have 15 books — classic and contemporary — that are in the process of being adapted into movies. Check out the literary offerings that I've compiled, and see the stars who are already lined up to bring the pages to life.
The big screen adaptation of The Hobbit has encountered its fair share of bumps in the road, but it sounds like the Lord of the Rings prequel is finally under way. To review, Elijah Wood will have a small part as Frodo, while Ian McKellan and Andy Serkis will reprise their roles as Gandalf and Gollum, respectively.
As extra reassurance to fans that the film is officially in the works, the studio has released these two official stills from the movie featuring director Peter Jackson just chillin' in the Shire. It's enough to get me excited about another trip to Middle Earth, what about you?
After rumours swirled about Elijah Wood's involvement in Peter Jackson's adaptation of The Hobbit, we now have official word. EW has confirmed that the actor will reprise his role as Frodo Baggins, even though Frodo does not appear in the book. Wood will take part in the beginning of the film to frame the story. However Jackson decides to work him in, we're just glad to see Frodo getting some screen time!
