Mr. Smartypants meet Bilbo Baggins.

Funnyman Stephen Colbert will hang with the citizens of Middle Earth as the actor has been cast in one of Peter Jackson‘s upcoming Hobbit movies.

The Comedy Central host of The Colbert Report confessed his fandom of the J.R.R. Tolkien books and of Jackson’s Lord Of The Rings trilogy of movies to Playboy magazine:

“Peter Jackson invited me to the set last year,” he told the magazine. “I flew out and watched them shoot some scenes and went to some locations. I saw a 25-minute cut, and it was amazing. Jackson knows I’m a big fan of the films.”

That started the speculation of a possible Colbert role in one of the forthcoming prequels. The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed Colbert is indeed part of The Hobbit trilogy, but he will not appear in the first film, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, which hits theaters December 15th.

Colbert, whose part is unknown, will appear in one of the following films – The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug (out Dec 13, 2013) or The Hobbit: There And Back Again bowing July 18, 2014.

Orlando Bloom, Elijah Wood, Ian McKellan, Hugo Weaving, Cate Blanchett, Andy Serkis and Christopher Lee are all reprising their roles for the films. Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Evangeline Lilly and Lee Pace also star.

[image: HRC/WENN]

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Here’s the brand new behind the scenes production video from the set of the upcoming Hobbit movies.

Peter Jackson has regained a lot of that weight that he lost, he looks more like he did while he shot The Lord of the Rings. Of course it’s not like he has time for the gym while shooting these mega-movies. It’s great to see things coming together, these movies are going to be great.

Source: YouTube

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The Hobbit films from director Peter Jackson have been given official titles and release dates. The first film will be called The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey to be released on December 14, 2012. The second will be The Hobbit: There and Back Again which will come out on December 13, 2013. Here’s the official press release:

New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. Pictures and MGM have announced the titles and release dates for filmmaker Peter Jackson’s two-film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s enduringly popular masterpiece “The Hobbit.” The first film, titled The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, will be released on December 14, 2012. The second film, titled The Hobbit: There and Back Again, is slated for release the following year, on December 13, 2013.

It’s great to finally see everything coming together for these highly anticipated prequels. The titles fit perfectly, I’m glad they didn’t decide to just call them The Hobbit: Part 1 and The Hobbit: Part 2 like so many of these other two parters have been doing lately. Having titles and official release dates means we’ll get to see promotional materials by Christmas and hopefully a teaser trailer by Thanksgiving!

Source: /Film

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Orlando Bloom is officially reprising his role of Legolas in the upcoming two part Lord of the Rings prequel The Hobbit.

Director Peter Jackson has confirmed that Orlando Bloom will reprise the role of the Legolas—the role he played in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy—in the epic two-part screen adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit,” now filming in New Zealand.

“10 years on, I’m thrilled to be working with Orlando again. I look older – he doesn’t! Orlando created an iconic character with his portrayal of Legolas, and we’re excited to be revisiting Middle Earth with him once more.”

This is news that most people had given up even hoping for, but the news came down the line on The Hobbit‘s official Facebook page this morning. It’s actually interesting how many characters are confirmed for this movie that don’t show up in the book. The news doesn’t say how he is involved with the story, but I’m sure it will be more than a cameo.

Source: Facebook
[image: WENN.com]

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Here’s the first teaser trailer for the upcoming Steven Spielberg film The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn.

This teaser really doesn’t give anything away, but it certainly shows off the unique animation/live-action hybrid style. I get the feeling more and more movies are going to employ this style in coming years. It’s great to finally have another Spielberg film on it’s way after his most recent and disappointing Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. This is the first movie in a trilogy, Peter Jackson is directing the next one. I really hope these movies are as good as they have the potential to be!

Source: YouTube

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Peter Jackson has confirmed that Ian Holm (who played Bilbo in Lord of the Rings) will return to play old Bilbo in The Hobbit. Here’s what Jackson said:

One comment that came up from the recent video blog was the Bilbo voice at the end—many of you assumed it was Sir Ian Holm. Whilst Ian will be returning as the older Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit, that recording was actually Martin Freeman’s voice, taken from a script read through we recorded when the cast first arrived. I have to admit, I wasn’t sure who it was when I first heard it, either. Cheers, Peter J

Not the most exciting news in the world, even for a big fan like I am. I’m glad he’s back, but the majority of The Hobbit is about the young Bilbo Baggins who is played by Martin Freeman in the films. I’m betting the parts with old Bilbo will be the bookends at the beginning and end of the film, since it’s supposed to be old Bilbo writing the story about his young life.

Source: TheOneRing.net
[images: WENN.com]

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Here is your first look at the production of the upcoming films from Peter Jackson The Hobbit.

This is geek heaven here, finally we get to see the beginning. I must admit, I was a little excited to watch this ten minute video even though it didn’t show much of the actual production. Just a glimpse of the first shots is near the end of the video, but this is a must watch for the huge fans of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy like I am. It’s been a long time coming and finally, it’s on the horizon! I’ll post part 2 as soon as it’s released!

Source: YouTube

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Actor Andy Serkis has been appointed by Peter Jackson as second unit director for the upcoming films The Hobbit Parts 1 & 2. Serkis will reprise his role as Gollem for the film in addition to his new duties.

Andy Serkis, who played the iconic Gollum in Peter Jackson’sThe Lord of the Rings, is taking on a new role in The Hobbit 1 and 2. In addition to reprising his role as the tragic creature, Serkis also has been tapped by Jackson to serve as second unit director on the two films, which are now in production in New Zealand.

“I think I understand Peter’s sensibility and we have a common history of understanding Middle Earth,” Serkis told The Hollywood Reporter. “A lot of the crew from The Lord of the Rings was returning to work on The Hobbit. There is really  a sense of Peter wanting people around him who totally understand the material and the work ethic.”

Serkis has already done some directing, including performance capture on a couple video games including Heavenly Sword. But, he said, “When Peter asked me. There was this email out of the blue. It was a fantastic surprise.”

The fact that he’s being given this opportunity will open the doors for him in the future. Peter Jackson gave him an amazing upgrade here, talk about a dream role. Serkis is already planning to direct again in the future, good think Peter Jackson is giving him the keys to the kingdom!

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

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The Hobbit has officially begun it’s shoot in New Zealand and here are the first two on set photos!

This film has been a long, long time coming. It’s great to see it’s finally really happening. It’s also great to see Peter Jackson back in the world he so excellently portrays, about 70 pounds lighter than the first time he took us there. I’ll keep you posted as this major movie finally comes together.

Source: /Film

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Official word has come, The Hobbit is finally set to start shooting on March 21st!

Many wondered whether Peter Jackson’s recent health troubles would cost the films their planned December 2012/2013 release dates, but fear not. His surgery may have caused “a slight delay” (as it was officially referred) in the start of filming, but he’s out of the hospital and recovering at home. The new start date is March 21.

The press release reads:

This date has been chosen following practical considerations of the filming schedule requirements, actor availability and the NZ seasons. Shooting will take place at Stone Street Studios in Miramar and on location around New Zealand.

Peter Jackson didn’t have much to say in the announcement, but it was nice to hear from him nonetheless.

“Despite some delays we are fully back on track and very excited to get started.”

I’m glad it’s finally happening, after so many delays on top of delays! Lord of the Rings fans across the globe are probably as happy as I am at the news. 2012 and 2013 will see the releases of parts one and two of the hugely anticipated prequel. Hopefully it will all be worth the long wait.

Source: /Film

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