Here’s a nice tidbit of happy fantasy news to tide you over while we’re waiting for the premiere of A Game of Thrones in just a couple of weeks: The Hobbit films have begun production. Producer/director Peter Jackson’s (The Lord of the Rings) two-film series based on the Tolkien classic (and LOTR prequel) has left its many pre-production problems in the dust, as filming has officially begun.
From The Geek Files:
The two films, with screenplays by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Guillermo del Toro and Peter Jackson, will be shot consecutively in digital 3D using the latest camera and stereo technology. Filming will take place at Stone Street Studios, Wellington, and on location around New Zealand.
The flicks are slated for release in late 2012 and 2013, and the post was sure to confirm that several LOTR actors will reprise their roles, including Andy Serkis (Gollum), Elijah Wood (Frodo) and – best of all – Cate Blanchett (Galadriel).
There’s even a new “official” description. Imagine it being read by a whispery Cate:
The Hobbit is set in Middle-earth 60 years before The Lord of the Rings. It 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.
What do you think, geeks? Can Jackson top his own epic trilogy with the new series? Or are you too excited about A Game of Thrones to care right now?
