Production officially begins on The Hobbit; set photos released

Well here we go! MGM, New Line, and Warner Brothers issued a press release announcing the beginning of production on The Hobbit, taking place in New Zealand.  A Facebook page for the film has also been launched by director Peter Jackson, with a couple of set photos(rather blah ones, if you ask me) already unveiled.  The key bit from the press release is a complete listing of the cast, with the promise of more names to come. Check that out below!


Martin Freeman takes the title role as Bilbo Baggins and Ian McKellen returns in the role of Gandalf the Grey. The Dwarves are played by Richard Armitage (Thorin Oakenshield), 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). Reprising their roles from “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy are Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, Andy Serkis as Gollum and Elijah Wood as Frodo. Jeffrey ThomasMike Mizrahi also join the cast as Dwarf Kings Thror and Thrain, respectively. Further casting announcements are expected.