New Production Video for ‘The Hobbit’ With Andy Serkis and Ian McKellen

(Written for BritScene)

Peter Jackson has unveiled another peek behind the production of The Hobbit this week, as he continues his video journal with the first video release of 2012 as the cast begin shooting for part 2 of Jackson’s adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien‘s novel of the same name, the prequel to The Lord of the Rings trilogy and one of this year’s most anticipated films.

The new production video follows the cast and crew as they continue filming on location in New Zealand, as we get commentary from unit director Andy Serkis, who also plays Gollum, cast members Martin Freeman, Aidan Turner, William Kircher, Dean O’Gorman, Adam Brown, Jed Brophy, Mark Hadlow, and Stephen Hunter, all in character, and even a brief catch-up with Sir Ian McKellen off-set.

These pre-DVD extras are a brilliant insight into the film’s production as we get to know the cast and crew involved, and get a glimpse at both the stunning locations and the characters in their full costume. As if we couldn’t wait for the film’s release already.

 

The first part in the adaptation, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins (Freeman) who is swept into a quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining the company of thirteen dwarves through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins, Orcs, deadly Wargs, 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, Bilbo gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring – a simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

The film also stars fellow Brits Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Andy Serkis as Gollum, Orlando Bloom as Legolas, Benedict Cumberbatch as the voice of Smaug, Ian Holm as older Bilbo, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Richard Armitage, Stephen Fry, James Nesbitt, and Luke Evans, as well as many other The Lord of The Rings actors reprising their roles such as Elijah Wood and Cate Blanchett.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will be released in 3D, 2D and IMAX 3D theaters on 14th December, and you can see the new video below, fresh from the Facebook page of Peter Jackson himself.