Movies News

Middle Earth reborn! First 10 minute behind the scenes video from 'The Hobbit'

By Anthony Pearson Apr 14, 2011, 10:20 GMT

Peter Jackson looks on as Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) makes a discovery on the Gollum\'s Cave set of "The Hobbit."

As Middle Earth begins to take shape again in New Zealand, director Peter Jackson releases a first 10 minute behind the scenes video focusing on the preparation and start of shooting on J. R. R Tolkien's "The Hobbit."

The Warner Bros. fantasy epic will star Martin Freeman (Bilbo), Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Andy Serkis (Gollum), Ellijah Wood (Frodo), Cate Blanchett (Galadriel), Hugo Weaving (Elrond), Bret McKenzie (Lindir), Richard Armitage (Thorin Oakenshield), Sylvester McCoy (Radagast), Ken Stott (Balin), Graham McTavish (Dwalin), William Kircher (Bifur) James Nesbitt (Bofur), Stephen Hunter (Bombur), Rob Kazinsky (Fili), Aidan Turner (Kili), Peter Hambleton (Gloin), John Callen (Oin), Jed Brophy (Nori), Mark Hadlow (Dori) and Adam Brown (Ori).

Watch the 10 minute behind the scenes video of "The Hobbit" in various resolutions below;



"The Hobbit" is set for release on 2D/3D and 3D IMAX screens across the world from December 2012, with "The Hobbit: Part II" expected December 2013.

"In a hole, in the ground, their lived a hobbit."

"The Hobbit" follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakensheild. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers.

Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever … Gollum.

Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities … A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.