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{{disambig-more|The Hobbit|[[The Hobbit (disambiguation)]]}}{{film infobox
{{Currentevent}}
| image= [[File:The Hobbit films logo.png|250px]]
{{disambig-more|The Hobbit|[[The Hobbit (disambiguation)]]}}
{{Film infobox
| image=[[File:The Hobbit (film series) - logo.jpg|250px]]
| name=The Hobbit
| name=The Hobbit
| director=
| director=[[Peter Jackson]]<ref name="HBTitles">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.thehobbitblog.com/?p=2563|articlename=Titles and Release Dates Announced|dated=31-May-2011|website=[http://www.thehobbitblog.com/ The Hobbit Blog]|accessed=21-Dec-2011}}</ref><br/>[[Andy Serkis]] (Second Unit Director)<ref name="HBAndy"/>
| producer=[[Peter Jackson]]<br />[[Mark Ordesky]]
| producer=Peter Jackson<br/>[[Fran Walsh]]<br/>[[Carolynne Cunningham]]<br/>[[Philippa Boyens]] (Co-Producer)<br/>[[Ken Kamins]] (Executive Producer)<br/>[[Zane Weiner]] (Executive Producer)<ref name="HBTitles"/>
| writer=[[Guillermo del Toro]]<br />[[Peter Jackson]]<br />[[Fran Walsh]]<br />[[Philippa Boyens]]<ref name="mtv1">[http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1596511/story.jhtml Guillermo Del Toro Says 'Hobbit' Writing Team Has Chemistry]. ''MTV Movie News'' (7 October 2008). Accessed [[October 11]], [[2008]].</ref>
| writer=[[Guillermo del Toro]]<br/>Peter Jackson<br/>Fran Walsh<br/>Philippa Boyens<ref name="HBTitles"/>
| narrator=
| narrator=
| starring=[[Martin Freeman]]<br>[[Richard Armitage]]<br>[[Graham McTavish]]
| starring=[[Martin Freeman]]<br/>[[Ian McKellen]]<br/>[[Richard Armitage]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/><br/>''[[The Hobbit (film series)#Confirmed cast|See cast section below for more]]''
| music=[[Howard Shore]]
| music=[[Howard Shore]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
| cinematography=
| cinematography=[[Andrew Lesnie]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
| editing=
| editing=
| distributor=[[MGM]]<br />[[New Line Cinema]]
| studio=[[New Line Cinema]]<br/>[[MGM]]<br/>[[WingNut Films]]<ref name="HBTitles"/>
| released=2012/2013
| distributor=[[Warner Bros.|Warner Bros. Pictures]]<ref name="HBTitles"/>
| released='''''An Unexpected Journey''''': 14 December, 2012<br/>'''''The Desolation of Smaug''''': 13 December, 2013<br/>'''''The Battle of the Five Armies''''': 17 December, 2014<ref name="HBTitles2">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.thehobbitblog.com/the-hobbit-trilogy-titles-and-release-dates/|articlename=The Hobbit Trilogy titles and release dates|dated=2-September-2012|website=[http://www.thehobbitblog.com/ The Hobbit Blog]|accessed=2-September-2012}}</ref><ref name="TABAMoved">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2013/02/28/69532-third-hobbit-moved-from-july-to-december-2014/?fb_source=pubv1|articlename=Third ‘Hobbit’ movie release moved from July to December 2014|dated=28-February-2013|website=TORN|accessed=1-March-2013}}</ref>
| runtime=
| runtime=
| country=New Zealand<br />United States
| country=New Zealand<br/>United Kingdom<br/>United States
| language=English
| language=English
| budget=US$500 million
| budget=<!--US$500 million<ref name="NZHPJDirector"/>--><!--$500 million seems too high and the source seems only to speculate the budget.-->
| website=[http://www.thehobbitblog.com/ Official Blog]
| website=[http://www.thehobbitblog.com/ Official Blog]
| imdb_id=0903624
| imdb_id=0903624
}}'''The Hobbit''' is the current working title for two upcoming live action films based upon [[J.R.R. Tolkien|J.R.R. Tolkien's]] [[The Hobbit|novel of the same name]]. They are conceived as prequels to [[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]] with which they will form one "continuous journey".<ref name="mtv2">[http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/10/07/hobbit-films-will-be-one-continuous-journey-promises-guillermo-del-toro/ 'Hobbit' Movies Will be One 'Continuous Journey,' Promises Guillermo Del Toro]. ''MTV Movies Blog'' (7 October 2008). Accessed [[October 11]], [[2008]]</ref> The film will be distributed by [[MGM]] and [[New Line Cinema]]. [[Peter Jackson]] will serve as executive producer, co-writer and director for the two movies. Filming began on March 21, 2011.<ref>[http://www.inthenews.co.uk/news/entertainment/film/hobbit-filming-to-begin-in-march-$21385473.htm Hobbit filming to begin in March]</ref>
}}
'''''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey|An Unexpected Journey]]''''', '''''[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug|The Desolation of Smaug]]''''', and '''''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies|The Battle of the Five Armies]]''''', known collectively as '''''The Hobbit''''', are three live-action films based upon [[J.R.R. Tolkien|J.R.R. Tolkien's]] [[1937]] [[The Hobbit|novel of the same name]].<ref name="HBTitles"/><ref name="HBTitles2"/> The three films are being directed by [[Peter Jackson]] and are conceived as prequels to Jackson's earlier project, [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]].<ref name="PJCasting1"/><ref name="PJFilmThree"/>
 
[[Martin Freeman]] plays the films' title role of [[Bilbo Baggins]].<ref name="PJCasting1"/> [[Thorin|Thorin Oakenshield]] is portrayed by [[Richard Armitage]],<ref name="PJCasting1"/> and [[Benedict Cumberbatch]] plays the dragon [[Smaug]].<ref name="PJCasting4"/> Several cast members from [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]] reprise their roles, including [[Ian McKellen]] as [[Gandalf|Gandalf the Grey]], [[Cate Blanchett]] as [[Galadriel]], [[Andy Serkis]] as [[Gollum]], [[Hugo Weaving]] as [[Elrond]], [[Christopher Lee]] as [[Saruman]], [[Orlando Bloom]] as [[Legolas]] and [[Elijah Wood]] as [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]].<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
 
Filming in [[New Zealand]] began on [[21 March]], [[2011]] and ended on [[6 July]], [[2012]];<ref name="BBCNews1">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-12803125|articlename=Hobbit filming finally under way|dated=21-March-2011|website=[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ BBC News Online]|accessed=21-Dec-2011}}</ref><ref name="PJFilming"/> Like ''The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy'', ''The Hobbit'' films were produced back-to-back and released over three consecutive years: '''''An Unexpected Journey''''' was released in North America on [[14 December]], [[2012]], '''''The Desolation of Smaug''''' on [[13 December]], [[2013]], and '''''The Battle of the Five Armies''''' on [[17 December]], [[2014]].<ref name="HBTitles"/><ref name="HBTitles2"/><ref name="TABAMoved"/>
 
[[Peter Jackson]] initially planned to produce two films, but following the conclusion of principal photography, and on seeing early cuts of these films, he decided that he wanted 'to tell more of the tale'. Therefore on [[30 July]], [[2012]], Jackson announced that 'two films will become three'.<ref name="PJFilmThree"/><ref name="FilmThreePR">{{webcite|author=[[New Line Cinema]], [[MGM|Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios]], and [[Warner Bros.|Warner Bros. Pictures]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/notes/the-hobbit/peter-jacksons-long-awaited-filmed-adaptation-of-the-hobbit-to-be-a-trilogy/413954741973470|articlename=PETER JACKSON’S LONG-AWAITED FILMED ADAPTATION OF THE HOBBIT TO BE A TRILOGY|dated=30-July-2012|website=Facebook|accessed=30-July-2012}}</ref>


==Plot==
==Plot==
The Hobbit films are set to be released in December 2012 and 2013, they will cover the events in ''[[The Hobbit]]'', and possibly [[Gandalf]]'s visits to [[Dol Guldur]]. The main plot however will be of [[Bilbo Baggins]], Gandalf and [[Thorin and Company]] as they set forth to the [[Lonely Mountain]].
The three ''Hobbit'' films follow [[The_Hobbit#Synopsis|the plot]] from [[J.R.R. Tolkien|J.R.R. Tolkien's]] ''[[The Hobbit]]'' in addition to added details revealed in [[The Lord of the Rings Appendices|the Appendices]] to ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.


=="Film Two"==
For more specific information see the plot section for each respective film:
Film Two has been recently revealed in an interview with Del Toro and Jackson, to be a continuation of ''The Hobbit''. The interview which was included in Empire magazines 20th Birthday Special, expressed how the pair believed it would be better not to cram ''The Hobbit'' into one movie, but span it over two.


{{quote|We've decided to have The Hobbit span the two movies, including the White Council and the comings and goings of [[Gandalf]] to [[Dol Guldur]]|[[Guillermo Del Toro]]<ref name="EOnline">Chris Hewitt, "[http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=24610 World Excl: Jackson/Del Toro Talk Hobbit]", ''[http://www.empireonline.com/ EmpireOnline.com]'', [[April 17]], [[2009]]</ref>}}
*[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey#Plot|''The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey''#Plot]]
*[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug#Plot|''The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug''#Plot]]
*[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies#Plot|''The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies''#Plot]]


This interview goes with what Jackson and Del Toro said in a web chat with fans, when it was said that the story could take place during the events of the Hobbit; because of the fact that [[Gandalf]] continually disappears in the book. Jackson said "Those gaps are great! There's a lot of stuff going on, which is distracting him".<ref name="Unexpected">[http://www.wetanz.com/holics/index.php?itemid=695&catid=2 Transcript of ''An Unexpected Party'']</ref>
==Development==
===Origins===
[[Peter Jackson]] and [[Fran Walsh]] first considered the possibility of filming ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' in [[1995]]. They hoped to produce three films, the first based on ''The Hobbit'', with the second and third films being adaptations of ''The Lord of the Rings''. Rights to ''The Hobbit'' proved difficult to secure because whilst [[Saul Zaentz]] owned the production rights, [[United Artists]] held the distribution rights. After much wrangling with studios and the script, filming began for the three-film adaptation of ''The Lord of the Rings''. The notion of a ''Hobbit'' film was consequently put to one side. Indeed, after completing his ''Lord of the Rings'' trilogy project, Jackson was averse to the idea of directing an adaptation of ''The Hobbit''.<ref name="HobbitOfficialMovieGuide">[[Brian Sibley]], ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: Official Movie Guide]]'' (2012)</ref>
 
{{Blockquote|If I were to make these films, I would be frustrated because I would be constantly thinking about what I had done on ''The Lord of the Rings''. I would somehow feel that I had to build or improve on that. I thought it would be a fairly unsatisfying experience to have to compete against my own movies.|[[Peter Jackson]]<ref name="HobbitOfficialMovieGuide"/>}}


==Issues concerning production==
===Directorship===
===Directorship===
The Hobbit as a movie has been anticipated by many fans since the release of [[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy|The Lord of the Rings]]. Even before the pre-production began there had been and are still issues which could delay the production of Guillermo del Toro's The Hobbit. In early 2005 it came to the public attention that [[Peter Jackson]] was suing [[New Line Cinema]].<ref name="pj-sues">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4312463.stm Director sues over Rings profits]</ref> This cast doubt on whether or not The Hobbit would ever be made. Jackson later told fans that, due to the dispute, he would neither direct nor produce the film.<ref name="pj-sues" /> In late 2007 it was confirmed that Jackson would not direct, but ''would'' be an executive producer for two Hobbit movies.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7150644.stm Jackson to produce Hobbit movies]</ref> It was later announced that [[Guillermo del Toro]] would direct the films, and that Jackson will be an active 'executive producer' with the possibility that he would help direct some scenes if necessary.<ref name="Unexpected" />
The apathy of [[Peter Jackson]] was the first obstacle to block the way to a ''Hobbit'' film (or films). In early [[2005]] it came to public attention that Jackson was suing [[New Line Cinema]].<ref name="BBCNewsPJSues">{{webcite|articleurl=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4312463.stm|articlename=Director sues over Rings profits|dated=2-Mar-2005|website=BBC|accessed=11-Feb-2012}}</ref> This cast doubt on whether or not The Hobbit would ever be made. Jackson later told fans that, due to the dispute, he would neither direct nor produce the film.<ref name="BBCNewsPJSues" /> In late 2007 it was confirmed that Jackson would not direct, but ''would'' be an executive producer for two Hobbit movies.<ref name="BBCNewsPJProducer">{{webcite|articleurl=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7150644.stm|articlename=Jackson to produce Hobbit movies|dated=18-Dec-2007|website=BBC|accessed=11-Feb-2012}}</ref> It was later announced that [[Guillermo del Toro]] would direct the films, and that Jackson will be an active 'executive producer' with the possibility that he would help direct some scenes if necessary.<ref name="BBCNewsGdTDirector">{{webcite|articleurl=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7366375.stm|articlename=Del Toro to direct Hobbit movies|dated=25-April-2008|website=BBC|accessed=11-Feb-2012}}</ref>


However, on 30 May 2010 it was revealed that del Toro could no longer commit himself to direct ''The Hobbit'' films, citing the continued delays in production in his reasoning. <ref>[http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2010/05/30/36920-guillermo-del-toro-departs-the-hobbit/ Guillermo Del Toro departs “The Hobbit”]</ref> Peter Jackson later announced that he would direct both films. <ref name="PJ-to-Direct">[http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2010/10/15/39138-press-release-from-new-linewarner-bros-oscar-winner-peter-jackson-to-direct-%E2%80%9Cthe-hobbit%E2%80%9D-in-two-installments/ OSCAR WINNER PETER JACKSON TO DIRECT “THE HOBBIT” IN TWO INSTALLMENTS], accessed [[October 24]], [[2010]]</ref>
However, on [[30 May]] [[2010]] it was revealed that del Toro could no longer commit himself to direct ''The Hobbit'' films, citing the continued delays in production in his reasoning.<ref name="BBCNewsGdTDirectorLeave">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10204138|articlename=Guillermo del Toro 'leaves' as director of The Hobbit|dated=1-June-2010|website=BBC|accessed=11-Feb-2012}}</ref> Peter Jackson later announced that he would direct both films.<ref name="NZHPJDirector">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10681008|articlename=The Hobbit gets green light, Jackson to direct|dated=16-Oct-2010|website=[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/ NZ Herald News]|accessed=11-Feb-2012}}</ref>


===Christopher Tolkien's lawsuit with Newline Cinema===
===The Tolkien Estate's legal action against New Line Cinema===
In May 2008 it was reported that [[Christopher Tolkien]] would ask "for 'one last crusade' against the film's producers in his long-running legal battle over money owed for the Lord Of The Rings movies."<ref>[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/a96839/tolkiens-son-plans-to-stop-the-hobbit.html Tolkien's son plans to stop 'The Hobbit']</ref> On June 6, 2008, it was scheduled for him to go before a Californian judge to ask to "terminate" film rights to The Hobbit. However the dispute was later settled on 8 September 2009.<ref>http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118008242?refCatId=22</ref>
{{Blockquote|The estate has [...] asked for a court order giving them the ability to terminate any rights the studio have to make films based on other Tolkien works, including The Hobbit.|BBC News Online<ref name="BBCNewsTELegal"/>}}
Production of ''The Hobbit'' films was held up by the [[Tolkien Estate|Tolkien Estate's]] legal action against [[New Line Cinema]]. The Estate should have received 7.5 per cent of all profits from the films under the agreement made by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] with United Artists in [[1969]]. Crucially, they also sought to stop the production of ''The Hobbit'' films until the case was settled.<ref name="BBCNewsTELegal">{{webcite|articleurl=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7240421.stm|articlename=Rings film studio sued for $150m|dated=12-Feb-2009|website=BBC|accessed=11-Feb-2012}}</ref> The legal row was finally settled in September [[2009]] after the Tolkien Estate successfully sued New Line Cinema for breach of contract and fraud, receiving a reported $220 million in compensation.<ref name="BBCNewsTELegalSettle">{{webcite|articleurl=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8245300.stm|articlename=Legal path clear for Hobbit movie|dated=8-September-2009|website=BBC|accessed=11-Feb-2012}}</ref>


===Industrial dispute in New Zealand===
===Industrial dispute in New Zealand===
In September 2010, the production of ''The Hobbit'' films was again delayed when the International Federation of Actors issued the following order to all members of its associated unions:
Even before the issue of the directorship had been settled, and before the project was given the go-ahead by the studios, the International Federation of Actors (IFA) told actors to actively avoid participation in the production of ''The Hobbit'' films.<ref name="BBCIndustrial1">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11414204|articlename=Union tell actors to avoid Hobbit films|dated=26-September-2010|website=BBC|accessed=31-July-2012}}</ref> The IFA issued this "Do Not Work Order", on [[24 September]], [[2010]], on the basis that the studios refused to engage in union-negotiated contracts.<ref name="FIADNW">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.aftra.org/4AB692BB8467439D83C12A8A2C44B077.htm|articlename=FIA Do Not Work Order: 'The Hobbit'|dated=24-September-2010|website=[http://www.aftra.org/ The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists]|accessed=31-July-2012}}</ref> Meanwhile the studios argued that they could not make an agreement with a trade union under New Zealand law.<ref name="BBCIndustrial1"/>
 
[[Peter Jackson]] subsequently warned that the dispute could lead to a huge delay and that production could easily transfer to Eastern Europe.<ref name="BBCIndustrial2">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11417340|articlename=Peter Jackson threatens Hobbit shutdown|dated=27-September-2010|website=BBC|accessed=31-July-2012}}</ref> John Key, the incumbent Prime Minister of New Zealand, weighed in on the dispute saying that he hoped the dispute would not force ''The Hobbit'' production to move overseas. He also announced that the New Zealand government had gotten involved in the discussions.<ref name="BBCIndustrial3">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11465248|articlename=Hobbit movie 'should stay in New Zealand' says PM|dated=4-October-2010|website=BBC|accessed=31-July-2012}}</ref>
 
Whilst the studios announced that filming would begin the following February,<ref name="BBCIndustrial4">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11560411|articlename=The Hobbit to begin filming in February next year|dated=17-October-2010|website=BBC|accessed=31-July-2012}}</ref> the dispute remained unsettled. With the studios seriously considering moving the production abroad, large numbers of New Zealanders protested in Auckland, [[Wellington]], and Christchurch.<ref name="BBCIndustrial5">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11617860|articlename=New Zealanders rally behind Hobbit shoot|dated=25-October-2012|website=BBC|accessed=31-July-2012}}</ref> A settlement was finally reached on [[27 October]], [[2010]], with the Prime Minister himself announcing the news, hoping to prevent the loss of jobs in New Zealand and to reinforce the country's Tolkien tourism industry.<ref name=BBCIndustrial6>{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11633724|articlename=The Hobbit will be made in New Zealand, PM confirms|dated=27-October-2012|website=BBC|accessed=31-July-2012}}</ref> As part of the agreement, the New Zealand government passed legislation which clarified that film industry workers are independent contractors rather than employees.<ref name="BBCIndustrial7>{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11649734|articlename=Hobbit legislation passed in New Zealand|dated=29-October-2010|website=BBC|accessed=31-July-2012}}</ref> Filming finally began on [[21 March]], [[2011]].<ref name="BBCNews1"/>
 
===Film Three===
The original plan was to produce two films, entitled ''The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey'' and ''The Hobbit: There and Back Again'' (to be released in [[14 December]] [[2012]] and [[13 December]] [[2013]] respectively).<ref name="HBTitles"/>
 
With principal photography coming to a close in [[July]], [[2012]],<ref name="PJFilming">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151062342726558&set=a.10150238899061558.364437.141884481557&type=1|articlename=We made it!|dated=6-July-2012|website=FB|accessed=6-July-2012}}</ref> [[Peter Jackson|Jackson]] began to discuss the notion of a third film with [[Fran Walsh]] and [[Philippa Boyens]].<ref name="EmpireDecember2012">Ian Nathan, 'An Unexpected Trilogy', ''Empire'', 282 (December 2012)</ref>
 
At [[Wikipedia:San Diego Comic-Con International|San Diego Comic-Con International]] 2012, [[Peter Jackson]] revealed that he hoped to film more material (based on [[The Appendices]]) in [[2013]]; this led to speculation that there could be a third "Hobbit" film. These rumours gained substance following media reports that Jackson was in discussion with [[Warner Bros.]] about the notion of an additional film.<ref>{{webcite|author=Ben Fritz, Steven Zeitchik and Nicole Sperling|articleurl=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-hobbit-third-movie-jackson-20120724,0,2208206.story|articlename=|dated=24-July-2012|website=[http://www.latimes.com/ Los Angeles Times]|accessed=26-July-2012}}</ref> It later emerged that Walsh and Boyens were sent to Los Angeles to pitch the idea to [[Warner Bros.]] whilst Jackson continued to shoot footage.<ref name="EmpireDecember2012"/>
 
On [[30 July]], [[2012]], [[Peter Jackson]] announced that there would indeed be a third "Hobbit" film. After watching the early cuts of the first two films, Jackson, Walsh and Boyens decided that they wanted to tell more of the story.<ref name="PJFilmThree">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/notes/peter-jackson/an-unexpected-journey/10151114596546558|articlename=An unexpected journery|dated=30-July-2012|website=Facebook|accessed=20-July-2012}}</ref>
 
{{Blockquote|We know how much of the story of [[Bilbo Baggins]], the Wizard [[Gandalf]], the Dwarves of [[Erebor]], the rise of the [[Sauron|Necromancer]], and the Battle of [[Dol Guldur]] will remain untold if we do not take this chance.  The richness of the story of ''[[The Hobbit]]'', as well as some of the related material in the appendices of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', allows us to tell the full story of the adventures of Bilbo Baggins and the part he played in the sometimes dangerous, but at all times exciting, history of Middle-earth.|[[Peter Jackson]]<ref name="PJFilmThree"/>}}
 
On [[31 August]], [[2012]], it was revealed that the titles of the second and third films would be ''[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug]]'' and ''The Hobbit: There and Back Again'' respectively. The release of the first and second film remained unchanged, whilst the third film is due for release on [[17 December]], [[2014]] (moved from the initial release date of [[18 July]], 2014).<ref name="HBTitles2"/><ref name="TABAMoved"/>
 
On [[24 April]], [[2014]], Peter Jackson revealed that the final film would be re-titled ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]''
 
==Filming==
[[File:The Hobbit (film series) - Peter Jackson Filming.jpg|thumb|right|Peter Jackson on the last day of principal photography.]]Back-to-back filming for ''The Hobbit'' films began [[21 March]], [[2011]].<ref name="BBCNews1"/> All location filming was done at sites across [[New Zealand]], and most on-set filming took place at [[Stone Street Studio]], [[Wellington]].<ref name="ProductionVideo7">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151028043926807|articlename=THE HOBBIT, Production Video #7|dated=6-June-2011|website=FB|accessed=6-June-2012}}</ref> Filming also took place at Pinewood Studios in the United Kingdom in [[July]], [[2011]]. Using their F Stage and N&P Stages, the production filmed scenes with [[Christopher Lee]] who could not fly to New Zealand.<ref name="Pinewood1">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.pinewoodgroup.com/our-studios/uk/news/hobbit-pinewood|articlename=The Hobbit at Pinewood|website=[http://www.pinewoodgroup.com/ Pinewood Studios]|accessed=02-August-2012}}</ref><ref name="ProductionVideo3">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150326323406807|articlename=THE HOBBIT, Production Video #3|dated=21-July-2011|website=FB|accessed=02-August-2012}}</ref>
<!--A list of location sites would be good. Also mention the filming that took place in the UK.-->
Principal photography ended on [[6 July]], [[2012]], after 266 days filming.<ref name="PJFilming"/>
 
Although "pick-up" filming had already been planned for [[2013]], it emerged that extra filming would need to take place to accommodate the expansion of the project from two films into three.<ref name="EmpireDecember2012"/>
 
==Technical details==
===3D===
[[File:John Howe and Alan Lee - 3D concept art.png|thumb|left|3D concept art by [[John Howe]] and [[Alan Lee]]]]
''The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey'', ''The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug'', and ''The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies'' were filmed in 3D using [[Wikipedia:Red Digital Cinema Camera Company|RED Epic]] cameras. A rig designed by [[Wikipedia:3ality Technica|3ality Technica]] is being used in the filming of the three films; here two cameras and a mirror are used in order to achieve an intraocular effect similar to that of a human's (the distance between the eyes). This is how the depth required for 3D film is achieved.<ref name="ProductionVideo4">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150451523596807|articlename=THE HOBBIT, Production Video #4|dated=4-Nov-2011|website=FB|accessed=10-Feb-2012}}</ref>
 
Most of [[John Howe|John Howe's]] and [[Alan Lee|Alan Lee's]] concept art has continued to be produced in 2D. However, they have collaborated on 3D pieces using the simple red and blue 3D effect.<ref name="ProductionVideo4"/>
 
===48 frames per second===
Breaking with conventional filming techniques, ''The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey'', ''The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug'', and ''The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies'' are being filmed by capturing 48 frames per second (FPS), twice the normal film standard of 24 frames per second. This makes the film look far more realistic. When describing what people thought when they saw clips of ''The Hobbit'' shown at 48 frames per second, Peter Jackson said that it's 'like the back of the cinema has had a hole cut out of it where the screen is and you're actually looking into the real world'.<ref name="ProductionVideo4"/>
 
Jackson later discussed the advantages of filming at higher frame rate and in 3D.


{{quote|Resolved, that the International Federation of Actors urges each of its affiliates to adopt instructions to their members that no member of any FIA affiliate will agree to act in the theatrical film The Hobbit until such time as the producer has entered into a collective bargaining agreement with the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance for production in New Zeal]and providing for satisfactory terms and conditions for all performers employed on the productions.|International Federation of Actors <ref>[http://www.aftra.org/documents/100924_hobbit_factsheet.pdf FIA order to its members regarding the production of The Hobbit films.]</ref>}}
{{Blockquote|Now, in the digital age, there’s no reason whatsoever to stick to 24 fps. [...] Science tells us that the human eye stops seeing individual pictures at about 55 fps. Therefore, shooting at 48 fps gives you much more of an illusion of real life. The reduced motion blur on each frame increases sharpness and gives the movie the look of having been shot in 65mm or IMAX. One of the biggest advantages is the fact that your eye is seeing twice the number of images each second, giving the movie a wonderful immersive quality. It makes the 3D experience much more gentle and hugely reduces eyestrain. Much of what makes 3D viewing uncomfortable for some people is the fact that each eye is processing a lot of strobing, blur and flicker. This all but disappears in HFR 3D.|[[Peter Jackson]]<ref name="PJHFR3D">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/notes/peter-jackson/qa-on-hfr-3d/10151299493836558|articlename=Q&A ON HFR 3D|dated=19-November-2012|website=FB|accessed=19-November-2012}}</ref>}}


This meant that Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema considered moving the production elsewhere, possibly to eastern Europe.<ref>[http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/movie-talk-peter-jackson-running-into-union-trouble-on-the-hobbit.html Peter Jackson Running Into Union Trouble on 'The Hobbit']</ref> However, following talks with the New Zealand government, Warner Bros. decided to proceed as planned to film The Hobbit in New Zealand as originally planned. The New Zealand government subsequently passed legislation to amend their labour laws to ensure that production stayed in the country.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11649734 Hobbit legislation passed in New Zealand]</ref>
Additionally, the ''The Hobbit'' films are being filmed at a 5K resolution. This is substantially larger than the conventional 1080 HD resolution. The films are being filmed digitally onto 128 GB memory cards that fit into the RED Epic camera.<ref name="ProductionVideo4"/>


==Plot details==
One of the drawbacks of filming 48 frames per second at 5K resolution is that the make-up, prosthetic, prop, set, and costume departments have to work differently. For example, the make-up and prosthetic departments have to redden up the faces of the actors much more than usual because otherwise their skin colour will turn up yellow on the final film. Furthermore, real hair has to be used in order to achieve an authentic look when it moves around.<ref name="ProductionVideo4"/>
===Special effects===
[[Weta Digital|Weta]] will continue their role in handling the special effects. Del Toro has stated he wishes to focus more on animatronics for the films.
{{quote|The only thing I will be pushing for more in these films that the other three are full animatronics and animatronic creatures enhanced with CGI, as opposed to CGI creatures themselves. We really want to take the state-of-the-art animatronics and take a leap ten years into the future with the technology we will develop for the creatures in the movie. We have every intention to do for animatronics and special effects what the other films did for virtual reality.|Guillermo del Toro <ref>[http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/04/25/28747-guillermo-del-toro-chats-with-torn-about-the-hobbit-films/#more-28747 Guillermo del Toro Chats with TORN About ‘The Hobbit’ Films!]</ref>}}


The film will be released in both 2D and 3D.<ref>[http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118025794?refCatId=13 'The Hobbit' pics to shoot in February], [http://www.variety.com/home/ variety.com], accessed [[May 29]], [[2011]]</ref>
Ten minutes of footage was shown at 48 FPS during the [[Warner Bros.]] presentation at [[Wikipedia:CinemaCon|CinemaCon]] [[2012]]. The reaction was mixed. The ''Los Angeles Times'' described the picture as 'hyper-realistic' and the Associated Press described 'vivid, with grass blades, facial lines and soaring mountains appearing luminous and pronounced. The actors looked almost touchable, as if they were performing live on stage'. However, an anonymous projectionist said that '[i]t looked like a made-for-TV movie'.<ref name="BBC48FPS">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-17836380|articlename=Peter Jackson unveils new Hobbit footage|dated=25-April-2012|website=BBC|accessed=31-July-2012}}</ref><ref name="LAT48FPS">{{webcite|articleurl=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2012/04/cinemacon-hobbit-frame-rate-depp-gatsby.html|articlename=CinemaCon: Footage of 'The Hobbit' draws mixed reaction|dated=24-April-2012|website=[http://www.latimes.com/ ''Los Angeles Times'']|accessed=31-July-2012}}</ref>


===Possible rating===
==Games and merchandise==
In an interview with the [[BBC]] Del Toro has commented on the level of horror and violence in the ''The Hobbit'', being, like Jackson, a director with a background in that genre.  
===Video games===
In late [[2011]], the ''Los Angeles Times'' reported that [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]] would release a video game based on ''The Hobbit'' in lieu of the release of ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'' in December [[2012]].<ref>{{webcite|author=Ben Fritz|articleurl=http://articles.latimes.com/2011/oct/18/business/la-fi-1018-ct-warner-interactive-20111018/2|articlename=Warner's approach to video games is paying off|dated=18 October 2011|website=[http://www.latimes.com/ ''Los Angeles Times'']|accessed=2 March 2012}}</ref>


{{quote|The intensity of the scenes of the Hobbit will have the intensity they had in the book when I was a kid reading them.<br><br>The spiders of Mirkwood are a pretty harrowing experience and facing the great goblin in the caves is quite a thrilling moment. The [[Battle of Five Armies|Battle of the Five Armies]], the first encounter with Gollum - there are scary moments in the book.<br><br>But they are already there. We are not inventing or trying to do horror for horror's sake we are trying to imbue those moments of intensity in the book into the movie.|Del Toro <ref name="BBC">http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/review/8084025.stm</ref>}}
In September [[2012]], [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]] announced that it would produce two free-to-play video games, in co-operation with [[Kabam]].
*The first, a mobile-phone game named ''[[The Hobbit: Kingdoms of Middle-earth]]'', was released in November 2012. In this game the player is able to manage his own kingdom and play as either [[Elves]] or [[Dwarves]].<ref name="IGN-Kingdom and Armies">{{webcite|author=Luke Karmali|articleurl=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/09/26/warner-bros-announces-the-hobbit-games|articlename=Warner Bros. Announces The Hobbit Games|dated=26 September 2012|website=[http://www.ign.com IGN]|accessed=24 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.kabam.com/nl/the-hobbit-kingdoms|articlename=THE HOBBIT: KINGDOMS OF MIDDLE-EARTH|dated=|website=[http://www.kabam.com Kabam]|accessed=24 November 2012}}</ref>
*The second, a strategic browser-based game called ''[[The Hobbit: Armies of the Third Age]]'', allows the player to play as either the [[Elves]], [[Dwarves]] or [[Orcs]] (including several heroes from ''The Hobbit'' films). It is is unknown when ''The Hobbit: Armies of the Third Age'' will be released.<ref name="IGN-Kingdom and Armies"/><ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.kabam.com/nl/the-hobbit-armies|articlename=THE HOBBIT: ARMIES OF THE THIRD AGE|dated=|website=[http://www.kabam.com Kabam]|accessed=24 November 2012}}</ref>
 
''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]'', a "Multiplayer Online Battle Arena" video game by Monolith Productions, will include some playable characters ("guardians") from The Hobbit films. Additional The Hobbit "guardians" will be added after the release of The Hobbit, to tie in with the films.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.guardiansofmiddleearth.co.uk/game|articlename=Game Info|dated=|website=[http://www.guardiansofmiddleearth.co.uk/ Guardians of Middle-earth]|accessed=24 November 2012}}</ref>
 
===Lego===
On [[17 December]], [[2011]], it was announced that the [[Lego|Lego Group]] had received the rights to create Lego sets based on ''The Lord of the Rings'' and ''The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey''. The first sets on The Hobbit were released in the end of 2012.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://aboutus.lego.com/en-us/news-room/2011/december/warner-bros-consumer-products-and-the-lego-group/|articlename=Building sets based on THE LORD OF THE RINGS™ Trilogy and the Two Films Based on THE HOBBIT|dated=16 December 2011|website=lego.com|accessed=2 March 2012}}</ref>


==People involved==
==People involved==
* Production - [[New Line Cinema]]<ref name="PJ-to-Direct"/>
*Production - [[New Line Cinema]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
* United States Distribution - [[Warner Brothers]]<ref name="PJ-to-Direct"/>
*United States Distribution - [[Warner Brothers]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
* International Distribution - [[MGM]]<ref name="PJ-to-Direct"/>
*International Distribution - [[MGM]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
* Director - [[Peter Jackson]]<ref name="PJ-to-Direct" />
*Director - [[Peter Jackson]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
* Producers - [[Peter Jackson]], [[Fran Walsh]] and [[Carolynne Cunningham]]<ref name="PJ-to-Direct"/>
*Second Unit Director - [[Andy Serkis]]<ref name="HBAndy">
* Co-Producer - [[Philippa Boyens]]<ref name="PJ-to-Direct"/>
{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.thehobbitblog.com/?p=2234|articlename=Andy Serkis to serve as Second Unit Director|dated=8-April-2011|website=[http://www.thehobbitblog.com/ The Hobbit Blog]|accessed=21-Dec-2011}}</ref>
* Executive Producers - [[Ken Kamins]]<ref name="PJ-to-Direct"/> and [[Zane Weiner]]<ref name="Production Begins">
*Producers - [[Peter Jackson]], [[Fran Walsh]], and [[Carolynne Cunningham]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
[http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2011/03/20/42825-production-begins-in-new-zealand-on-the-hobbit-peter-jackson’s-two-film-epic-adaptation-of-j-r-r-tolkien’s-timeless-classic/#more-42825 Production Begins in New Zealand on ''The Hobbit'', Peter Jackson's Two Film Epic Adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's Timeless Classic], [http://www.theonering.net/ Theonering.net], accessed [[March 21]], [[2011]]</ref>
*Co-Producer - [[Philippa Boyens]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
* Writers - Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens and Guillermo del Toro<ref name="PJ-to-Direct"/>
*Executive Producers - [[Ken Kamins]] and [[Zane Weiner]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
* Director of Photography - [[Guillermo Navarro]]<ref>http://newboards.theonering.net/forum/gforum/perl/gforum.cgi?do=post_view_threaded;post=212078;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;guest=9426799</ref>
*Writers - Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, and Guillermo del Toro<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
* Music - [[Howard Shore]]
*Director of Photography - [[Andrew Lesnie]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
*Second Unit Director - [[Andy Serkis]]<ref>[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/gollum-actor-andy-serkis-serve-175685 Gollum Actor Andy Serkis to Serve as Second Unit Director on 'The Hobbit' (Exclusive) - Hollywood Reporter]</ref>
*Production Designer - [[Dan Hennah]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
===Confirmed Cast===
*Conceptual Designers: [[Alan Lee]] and [[John Howe]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
[[Image:Hobbit Cast.jpg|right|thumb|'Bilbo' and the 'thirteen dwarves'.|400px]]
*Composer - [[Howard Shore]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
*Make-up and Hair Designer - [[Peter King]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
*Costume Designers - [[Ann Maskrey]] and [[Richard Taylor]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
*Design and production of weaponry, armour, and prosthetics - [[Weta Workshop]] overseen by [[Richard Taylor]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
 
===Cast===
[[File:The Hobbit (film series) - cast.jpg|right|thumb|'Bilbo' and the 'thirteen dwarves' <small>(N.B. Rob Kazinsky has since been replaced by Dean O'Gorman to play Fíli).<ref name="PJCasting2"/></small>|400px]]
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"
! Actor !! Role
! Actor !! Role
|-
|-
| [[Martin Freeman]] || Bilbo Baggins<ref name="Deadline">[http://www.deadline.com/2010/10/peter-jackson-sets-first-names-for-the-hobbit/ Peter Jackson sets first names for The Hobbit], Deadline.com, accessed [[October 22]], [[2010]]</ref>
| [[Richard Armitage]] || [[Thorin]]<ref name="PJCasting1">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150168211921558|articlename=Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit|dated=20-March-2011|website=FB|accessed=21-Dec-2011}}</ref>
|-
| [[John Bell]]<ref name="WBPressRelease1">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.warnerbroscanada.com/index.php/coming-soon/the-hobbit/|articlename=THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY|website=[http://www.warnerbroscanada.com/ Warner Bros. Canada]|accessed=9-Feb-2012}}</ref> || [[Bain]]<ref name=Bell>{{webcite|author=Evie Bowman|articleurl=http://news.mymiddleearth.com/2012/07/03/exclusive-qa-with-hobbit-actor-john-bell/|articlename=EXCLUSIVE! Q&A WITH HOBBIT ACTOR JOHN BELL|dated=03-July-2012|website=MEN|accessed=04-July-2012}}</ref>
|-
| [[Manu Bennett]]<ref group="note">[[Conan Stevens]] was initially cast as [[Azog]]. (see: {{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150257180211558|articlename=Casting News for The Hobbit|dated=19-May-2011|website=FB|accessed=21-Dec-2011}}).</ref> || [[Azog]]
|-
| [[Cate Blanchett]] || [[Galadriel]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
|-
| [[Orlando Bloom]] || [[Legolas]]<ref name="PJCasting5">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/PeterJacksonNZ/posts/10150265634081558|articlename=Ten years ago,...|dated=27-May-2011|website=FB|accessed=21-Dec-2011}}</ref>
|-
| [[Jed Brophy]] || [[Nori]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
|-
| [[Adam Brown]] || [[Ori]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
|-
|-
| [[Richard Armitage]] || Thorin<ref name="Deadline"/>
| [[John Callen]] || [[Óin]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
|-
|-
| [[Aidan Turner]] || Kili<ref name="Deadline"/>
| [[Billy Connolly]] || [[Dáin Ironfoot]]<ref name="BBCCasting1">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-16960081|articlename=Billy Connolly lands dwarf role in The Hobbit|dated=9-Feb-2012|website=BBC|accessed=9-Feb-2012}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[Graham McTavish]] || Dwalin<ref name="Deadline"/>
| [[Benedict Cumberbatch]] || [[Smaug]]<ref name="PJCasting4"/></br>The [[Sauron#Sauron's Return|Necromancer]]<ref name="HobbitOfficialMovieGuide"/>
|-
|-
| [[John Callen]] || Oin<ref name="Deadline"/>
| [[Luke Evans]] || [[Bard]]<ref name="PJCasting4"/><br/>[[Girion]]
|-
|-
| [[Stephen Hunter]] || Bombur<ref name="Deadline"/>
| [[Martin Freeman]] || [[Bilbo Baggins]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
|-
|-
| [[Mark Hadlow]] || Dori<ref name="Deadline"/>
| [[Stephen Fry]] || The [[Master of Lake-town]]<ref name="PJCasting3">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150257180211558|articlename=Casting News for The Hobbit|dated=19-May-2011|website=FB|accessed=21-Dec-2011}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[Peter Hambleton]] || Gloin<ref name="Deadline"/>
| [[Ryan Gage]]<ref group="note">[[Ryan Gage]] was initially cast as [[Drogo Baggins]]. (see: {{webcite|author=Earl|articleurl=http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2011/07/14/46113-ryan-gage-tweets-about-hobbit-costume-fitting/|articlename=Ryan Gage Tweets About Hobbit “Costume Fitting”|dated=02-Aug-2012|website=TORN|accessed=02-Aug-2012}}).</ref> || [[Alfrid]]<ref name="PJCasting3"/>
|-
|-
| [[Sylvester McCoy]] || Radagast the Brown<ref name="nzherald" >[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10682629 Kelly: 'Sorry, Jackson is not a brat'], nzherald.co.nz, accessed [[October 24]], [[2010]]</ref>
| [[Mark Hadlow]] || [[Dori]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/><br/>[[Bert]]<ref name="HobbitOfficialMovieGuide"/>
|-
|-
| [[James Nesbitt]] || Bofur<ref name="NesbittBrown">[http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2010/11/01/40005-breaking-news-james-nesbitt-is-bofur-adam-brown-is-ori/ BREAKING NEWS: James Nesbitt is Bofur & Adam Brown is Ori!], TheOnering.net, accessed [[November 2]], [[2010]]</ref>
| [[Peter Hambleton]] || [[Glóin]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/><br/>[[William]]<ref name="HobbitOfficialMovieGuide"/>
|-
|-
| [[Adam Brown]] || Ori <ref name="NesbittBrown"/>
| [[Dan Hennah]] || The [[Gerontius Took|Old Took]]<ref name="Weta1">[[Daniel Falconer]], ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: Chronicles: Art & Design]]'', p. 30</ref>
|-
|-
| [[Cate Blanchett]] || [[Galadriel]]<ref name="Blanchett">[http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2010/12/07/41135-torn-exclusive-cate-blanchett-ken-stott-sylvester-mccoy-mikael-persbrandt-join-cast-of-peter-jackson’s-“the-hobbit”/#more-41135 TORN EXCLUSIVE: CATE BLANCHETT, KEN STOTT, SYLVESTER MCCOY, MIKAEL PERSBRANDT JOIN CAST OF PETER JACKSON'S "THE HOBBIT"], TheOnering.net, accessed [[December 8]], [[2010]]</ref>
| [[Ian Holm]] || Older [[Bilbo Baggins]]<ref name="PJCasting6">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10150232032911558&id=141884481557|articlename=One comment that...|dated=22-April-2011|website=FB|accessed=21-Dec-2011}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[Ken Stott]] || [[Balin]]<ref name="Blanchett"/>
| [[Barry Humphries]] || [[Great Goblin|Goblin King]]<ref name="PJCasting4"/>
|-
|-
| [[Mikael Persbrandt]] || [[Beorn]]<ref name="Blanchett"/>
| [[Stephen Hunter]] || [[Bombur]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
|-
|-
| [[Ryan Gage]] || [[Drogo Baggins]]<ref name="Blanchett"/> and/or [[Alfrid]]<ref name="Stephen Fry">[[Peter Jackson]], [http://www.facebook.com/notes/peter-jackson/hobbit-casting-news/10150257180211558 Casting News for THE HOBBIT], [http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook.com], accessed [[May 20]], [[2011]]</ref>
| [[William Kircher]] || [[Bifur]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/><br/>[[Tom]]<ref name="HobbitOfficialMovieGuide"/>
|-
|-
| [[Jed Brophy]] || [[Nori]]<ref name="Blanchett"/>
| [[Christopher Lee]] || [[Saruman|Saruman the White]]<ref name="TelegraphCasting">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/8311016/Christopher-Lee-will-star-in-the-Hobbit-prequel.html|articlename=Christopher Lee will star in the Hobbit prequel|dated=08-Feb-2011|website=[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/ The Telegraph]|accessed=21-Dec-2011}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[William Kircher]] || [[Bifur]]<ref name="Blanchett"/>
| [[Evangeline Lilly]] || [[Tauriel]]<ref name="PJCasting4">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150286515141558|articlename=The Hobbit Casting Update|dated=19-June-2011|website=FB|accessed=21-Dec-2011}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[Elijah Wood]] || [[Frodo Baggins]]<ref name="WoodSerkis">[http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2011/01/11/41633-its-really-official-now-wood-serkis-press-release/ It's Really Official Now: Wood & Serkis Press Release], TheOnering.net, accessed [[January 12]], [[2011]]</ref>
| [[Lawrence Makoare]]<ref group="note">In his brief, unidentified appearance in ''The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey'', [[Bolg]] was played by [[Conan Stevens]]. (see: {{webcite|author=MrCere|articleurl=http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/04/22/55228-exclusive-hobbits-conan-stevens-chats-with-torn/|articlename=Exclusive: ‘Hobbit’s’ Conan Stevens chats with TORn|dated=22-April-2012|website=TORN|accessed=02-Aug-2012}}).</ref> || [[Bolg]]
|-
|-
| [[Andy Serkis]] || [[Gollum]]<ref name="WoodSerkis"/>
| [[Sylvester McCoy]] || [[Radagast|Radagast the Brown]]<ref name="IMCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Ian McKellen]]|articleurl=http://www.mckellen.com/cinema/hobbit-movie/110510.htm|articlename=2 Elves and another Wizard|dated=10-May-2011|website=[http://www.mckellen.com/ Ian McKellen's website]|accessed=21-Dec-2011}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[Ian McKellen]] || [[Gandalf]]<ref name="mckellen">[http://www.mckellen.com/cinema/hobbit-movie/index.htm Ian McKellen as Gandalf in The Hobbit]</ref>
| [[Ian McKellen]] || [[Gandalf|Gandalf the Grey]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
|-
|-
| [[Christopher Lee]] || [[Saruman]]<ref name="lee">[http://christopherleeweb.com/story/sir-christopher-returns-hobbit Sir Christopher Returns in The Hobbit]</ref>
| [[Bret McKenzie]] || [[Lindir]]<ref name="IMCasting"/>
|-
|-
| [[Jeffrey Thomas]] || [[Thror]]<ref name="Production Begins"/>
| [[Graham McTavish]] || [[Dwalin]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
|-
|-
| [[Mike Mizrahi]] || [[Thrain]]<ref name="Production Begins"/>
| [[Mike Mizrahi]] || [[Thráin]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
|-
|-
| [[Bret McKenzie]] || [[Lindir]]<ref>[http://thefilmstage.com/2011/04/04/bret-mckenzie-takes-flight-to-the-hobbit-shooting-in-48-frames-per-second/ Bret McKenzie Takes ‘Flight’ To ‘The Hobbit’; Shooting In 48 Frames-Per-Second], [http://thefilmstage.com/ TheFilmStage], accessed [[April 5]], [[2011]]</ref>
| [[James Nesbitt]] || [[Bofur]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
|-
|-
| [[Ian Holm]] || Older [[Bilbo Baggins]].<ref>[[Peter Jackson]], [http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10150232032911558&id=141884481557 One comment that...], [http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook.com], accessed [[April 22]], [[2011]]</ref>
| [[Mary Nesbitt]] || [[Tilda]]
|-
|-
| [[Lee Pace]] || [[Thranduil]]<ref name="PaceOGorman">[[Peter Jackson]], [http://www.facebook.com/notes/peter-jackson/casting-news/10150239464391558 Casting News!], [http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook.com], accessed [[April 30]], [[2011]]</ref>
| [[Peggy Nesbitt]] || [[Sigrid]]
|-
|-
| [[Dean O'Gorman]] || [[Fíli]]<ref name="PaceOGorman"/>
| [[Dean O'Gorman]]<ref group="note">Rob Kazinsky was initially cast as [[Fíli]]. (see: {{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150239464391558|articlename=Casting news!|dated=30-April-2011|website=FB|accessed=21-Dec-2011}}</ref> || [[Fíli]]<ref name="PJCasting2]]<ref name="PJCasting2">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150239464391558|articlename=Casting news!|dated=30-April-2011|website=FB|accessed=21-Dec-2011}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[Hugo Weaving]] || [[Elrond]]<ref name="Elrond">[[Ian McKellen]], [http://www.mckellen.com/cinema/hobbit-movie/110510.htm THE HOBBIT, 2 Elves and another Wizard], [http://www.mckellen.com/cinema/index.htm McKellen.com], accessed [[May 10]], [[2011]]</ref>
| [[Lee Pace]] || [[Thranduil]]<ref name="PJCasting2"/>
|-
|-
| [[Stephen Fry]] || The [[Master of Lake-town]]<ref name="Stephen Fry"/>
| [[Mikael Persbrandt]] || [[Beorn]]<ref name="AFTONBLADETCasting">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/film/article13349150.ab|articlename=Persbrandt den bäste för jobbet|dated=30-April-2011|website=[http://www.aftonbladet.se/ AFTONBLADET]|accessed=21-Dec-2011}}</ref>
<!--
|-
|-
| [[Conan Stevens]] || [[Azog]]<ref name="Stephen Fry"/>
| [[John Rawls]] || [[Azog]]/[[Yazneg]]
-->
|-
| [[Andy Serkis]] || [[Gollum]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
|-
| [[Ken Stott]] || [[Balin]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
|-
| [[Jeffrey Thomas]] || [[Thrór]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
|-
| [[Aidan Turner]] || [[Kíli]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
|-
| [[Hugo Weaving]] || [[Elrond]]<ref name="IMCasting"/>
|-
| [[Elijah Wood]] || [[Frodo Baggins]]<ref name="PJCasting1"/>
|-
|-
| [[Orlando Bloom]] || [[Legolas]]<ref>[[Peter Jackson]], [http://www.facebook.com/PeterJacksonNZ/posts/10150265634081558 Ten years ago...], [http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook.com], accessed [[May 27]], [[2011]]</ref>
|}
|}


===Unconfirmed/rumoured===
==Gallery==
* Early reports indicated [[Lawrence Makoare]] was in talks to return,<ref>[http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2009/06/22/32548-makoare-lurtz-to-meet-with-gdt/ Makoare (Lurtz) to meet with GDT], [http://www.theonering.net/torwp/ theonering.net], accessed [[May 29]], [[2011]]</ref> but nothing has been heard of this since then.
{{Seealso|:Category:Images from The Hobbit (film series)}}
* Martin Freeman let slip that his co-star in ''[[wikipedia:Sherlock (TV series)|Sherlock]]'', Benedict Cumberbatch, was also in the production, but this has not been confirmed yet.<ref>[http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2011/05/22/44565-breaking-benedict-cumberbatch-in-the-hobbit/ Breaking: Benedict Cumberbatch in The Hobbit?], [http://www.theonering.net/torwp/ theonering.net], accessed [[May 29]], [[2011]]</ref>
{{Gallery
* Dominic Keating has auditioned for multiple roles, but has not heard anything since.<ref>[http://www.lotsofinterviews.com/#/interview-dominic-keating-3/4547806838 Interview: Dominic Keating] p. 3, [http://www.lotsofinterviews.com/# LotsofInterviews], accessed [[May 28]], [[2011]]</ref>
|title=Pictures from the production of ''The Hobbit'' films
* [[Brian Blessed]] was expressed interest in a role.<ref>[http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2010/10/31/39971-brian-blessed-in-gdts-hobbit/ Brian Blessed in GDT’s Hobbit?], [http://www.theonering.net/torwp/ The One Ring], accessed [[May 28]], [[2011]]</ref>
|height=200
* Shane Briant auditioned for the role of "Mayor".<ref>[http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2010/11/26/40758-british-actor-shane-briant-auditioned-for-role-of-mayor/ British Actor Shane Briant Auditioned For Role of “Mayor”], [http://www.theonering.net/torwp/ The One Ring], accessed [[May 28]], [[2011]]</ref>
|width=250
* [[Bill Nighy]] was in talks for the voice of [[Smaug]].<ref>[http://www.bleedingcool.com/2010/10/22/hobbit-casting-avalanche-our-bilbo-loads-of-dwarves-a-possible-voice-for-smaug/ Hobbit Casting Avalanche – Our Bilbo, Loads Of Dwarves, A Possible Voice For Smaug], [http://www.bleedingcool.com/ Bleeding Cool], [[May 28]], [[2011]]</ref>
|lines=2
* Saoirse Ronan was in talks to play a new character called Itaril,<ref>[http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/04/08/the-hobbit-saoirse-ronan-hanna/ 'Hanna' Star Saoirse Ronan Isn't Confirmed For 'The Hobbit,' But She'd Love To Play An Elf ], [http://moviesblog.mtv.com/ MTV], accessed [[May 28]], [[2011]]</ref> but she eventually declined as she did not want to spend one year on one project.<ref>[http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/news/saoirse-ronans-hobbit-holiday-15151475.html Saoirse Ronan's Hobbit holiday], [http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/ BelfastTelegraph.co.uk], accessed [[May 29]], [[2011]]</ref>
|File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Bilbo Baggins in Bag End.jpg|[[Martin Freeman]] as [[Bilbo Baggins]] in [[Bag End]].
|File:The Hobbit (film series) - Gandalf the Grey.jpg|[[Ian McKellen]] as [[Gandalf|Gandalf the Grey]].
|File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Gandalf in Bag End.jpg|Gandalf in Bag End.
|File:The Hobbit (film series) - Peter Jackson in Bag End 1.jpg|[[Peter Jackson]] on the set of Bag End.
|File:The Hobbit (film series) - Martin Freeman and Peter Jackson.jpg|Martin Freeman and Peter Jackson on the set of Bag End.
|File:The Hobbit (film series) - Peter Jackson in Bag End 2.jpg|Peter Jackson on the set of Bag End.
|File:The Hobbit (film series) - the Dwarves.jpg|The thirteen [[dwarves]].
|File:The Hobbit (film series) - Nori, Ori and Dori.jpg|[[Nori]], [[Ori]] and [[Dori]].
|File:The Hobbit (film series) - Óin and Glóin.jpg|[[Óin]] and [[Glóin]].
|File:The Hobbit (film series) - Fíli and Kíli.jpg|[[Fíli]] and [[Kíli]].
|File:The Hobbit (film series) - Bombur, Bofur and Bifur.jpg|[[Bombur]], [[Bofur]] and [[Bifur]].
|File:The Hobbit (film series) - Balin and Dwalin.jpg|[[Balin]] and [[Dwalin]].
|File:The Hobbit (film series) - Thorin.jpg|[[Thorin]].
}}


==See also==
==See also==
* ''[[The Hobbit]]''
*''The Hobbit'' (film series)
* ''[[The Hobbit (1966 film)]]''
**''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]''
* ''[[The Hobbit (1977 film)]]''
**''[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug]]''
* ''[[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)]]''
**''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]''
* ''[[The Hobbit (1979 radio series)]]''
*''[[The Hobbit]]''
*[[The Hobbit (1966 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1966 film)]]
*[[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]
*[[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]
*[[The Hobbit (1979 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1979 radio series)]]
*[[:Category:Images from The Hobbit (film series)|Images from ''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]
**[[:Category:Images from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey|Images from ''The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey'']]
*''The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey'' tie-in books
**''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: Annual 2013]]''
**''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: Chronicles: Art & Design]]''
**''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: Chronicles: Creatures & Characters]]''
**''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: Official Movie Guide]]''
**''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: The Movie Storybook]]''
**''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: The World of Hobbits]]''
**''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: Visual Companion]]''


{{references}}
==External links==
==External links==
* '''[http://www.thehobbitblog.com/ TheHobbitBlog.com]'''
*[http://www.thehobbit.com/index.html TheHobbit.com] (official website)
[[Category:Films]]
*[http://www.thehobbitblog.com/ TheHobbitBlog.com] (official blog)
*[http://www.facebook.com/PeterJacksonNZ Peter Jackson's Facebook page]
 
{{References|n}}
 
{{Films}}
{{title|italics}}
[[Category:The Hobbit (film series)| ]]
[[de:Der Hobbit (Film)]]
[[de:Der Hobbit (Film)]]
[[fi:Hobitti (2010)]]
[[fa:هابیت (مجموعه فیلم)]]
[[fi:Hobitti (2012-2014)]]
[[fr:divertissements/adaptations/films/th]]

Revision as of 16:48, 15 November 2015

"What news from the North, Riders of Rohan?" — Aragorn
This article is about a current event; it is subject to frequent revision as more information becomes available.
The name The Hobbit refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see The Hobbit (disambiguation).


An Unexpected Journey, The Desolation of Smaug, and The Battle of the Five Armies, known collectively as The Hobbit, are three live-action films based upon J.R.R. Tolkien's 1937 novel of the same name.[1][4] The three films are being directed by Peter Jackson and are conceived as prequels to Jackson's earlier project, The Lord of the Rings (film series).[3][6]

Martin Freeman plays the films' title role of Bilbo Baggins.[3] Thorin Oakenshield is portrayed by Richard Armitage,[3] and Benedict Cumberbatch plays the dragon Smaug.[7] Several cast members from The Lord of the Rings (film series) reprise their roles, including Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey, Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, Andy Serkis as Gollum, Hugo Weaving as Elrond, Christopher Lee as Saruman, Orlando Bloom as Legolas and Elijah Wood as Frodo.[3]

Filming in New Zealand began on 21 March, 2011 and ended on 6 July, 2012;[8][9] Like The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy, The Hobbit films were produced back-to-back and released over three consecutive years: An Unexpected Journey was released in North America on 14 December, 2012, The Desolation of Smaug on 13 December, 2013, and The Battle of the Five Armies on 17 December, 2014.[1][4][5]

Peter Jackson initially planned to produce two films, but following the conclusion of principal photography, and on seeing early cuts of these films, he decided that he wanted 'to tell more of the tale'. Therefore on 30 July, 2012, Jackson announced that 'two films will become three'.[6][10]

Plot

The three Hobbit films follow the plot from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit in addition to added details revealed in the Appendices to The Lord of the Rings.

For more specific information see the plot section for each respective film:

Development

Origins

Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh first considered the possibility of filming The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings in 1995. They hoped to produce three films, the first based on The Hobbit, with the second and third films being adaptations of The Lord of the Rings. Rights to The Hobbit proved difficult to secure because whilst Saul Zaentz owned the production rights, United Artists held the distribution rights. After much wrangling with studios and the script, filming began for the three-film adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. The notion of a Hobbit film was consequently put to one side. Indeed, after completing his Lord of the Rings trilogy project, Jackson was averse to the idea of directing an adaptation of The Hobbit.[11]

If I were to make these films, I would be frustrated because I would be constantly thinking about what I had done on The Lord of the Rings. I would somehow feel that I had to build or improve on that. I thought it would be a fairly unsatisfying experience to have to compete against my own movies.
Peter Jackson[11]

Directorship

The apathy of Peter Jackson was the first obstacle to block the way to a Hobbit film (or films). In early 2005 it came to public attention that Jackson was suing New Line Cinema.[12] This cast doubt on whether or not The Hobbit would ever be made. Jackson later told fans that, due to the dispute, he would neither direct nor produce the film.[12] In late 2007 it was confirmed that Jackson would not direct, but would be an executive producer for two Hobbit movies.[13] It was later announced that Guillermo del Toro would direct the films, and that Jackson will be an active 'executive producer' with the possibility that he would help direct some scenes if necessary.[14]

However, on 30 May 2010 it was revealed that del Toro could no longer commit himself to direct The Hobbit films, citing the continued delays in production in his reasoning.[15] Peter Jackson later announced that he would direct both films.[16]

The Tolkien Estate's legal action against New Line Cinema

The estate has [...] asked for a court order giving them the ability to terminate any rights the studio have to make films based on other Tolkien works, including The Hobbit.
—BBC News Online[17]

Production of The Hobbit films was held up by the Tolkien Estate's legal action against New Line Cinema. The Estate should have received 7.5 per cent of all profits from the films under the agreement made by J.R.R. Tolkien with United Artists in 1969. Crucially, they also sought to stop the production of The Hobbit films until the case was settled.[17] The legal row was finally settled in September 2009 after the Tolkien Estate successfully sued New Line Cinema for breach of contract and fraud, receiving a reported $220 million in compensation.[18]

Industrial dispute in New Zealand

Even before the issue of the directorship had been settled, and before the project was given the go-ahead by the studios, the International Federation of Actors (IFA) told actors to actively avoid participation in the production of The Hobbit films.[19] The IFA issued this "Do Not Work Order", on 24 September, 2010, on the basis that the studios refused to engage in union-negotiated contracts.[20] Meanwhile the studios argued that they could not make an agreement with a trade union under New Zealand law.[19]

Peter Jackson subsequently warned that the dispute could lead to a huge delay and that production could easily transfer to Eastern Europe.[21] John Key, the incumbent Prime Minister of New Zealand, weighed in on the dispute saying that he hoped the dispute would not force The Hobbit production to move overseas. He also announced that the New Zealand government had gotten involved in the discussions.[22]

Whilst the studios announced that filming would begin the following February,[23] the dispute remained unsettled. With the studios seriously considering moving the production abroad, large numbers of New Zealanders protested in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.[24] A settlement was finally reached on 27 October, 2010, with the Prime Minister himself announcing the news, hoping to prevent the loss of jobs in New Zealand and to reinforce the country's Tolkien tourism industry.[25] As part of the agreement, the New Zealand government passed legislation which clarified that film industry workers are independent contractors rather than employees.[26] Filming finally began on 21 March, 2011.[8]

Film Three

The original plan was to produce two films, entitled The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and The Hobbit: There and Back Again (to be released in 14 December 2012 and 13 December 2013 respectively).[1]

With principal photography coming to a close in July, 2012,[9] Jackson began to discuss the notion of a third film with Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens.[27]

At San Diego Comic-Con International 2012, Peter Jackson revealed that he hoped to film more material (based on The Appendices) in 2013; this led to speculation that there could be a third "Hobbit" film. These rumours gained substance following media reports that Jackson was in discussion with Warner Bros. about the notion of an additional film.[28] It later emerged that Walsh and Boyens were sent to Los Angeles to pitch the idea to Warner Bros. whilst Jackson continued to shoot footage.[27]

On 30 July, 2012, Peter Jackson announced that there would indeed be a third "Hobbit" film. After watching the early cuts of the first two films, Jackson, Walsh and Boyens decided that they wanted to tell more of the story.[6]

We know how much of the story of Bilbo Baggins, the Wizard Gandalf, the Dwarves of Erebor, the rise of the Necromancer, and the Battle of Dol Guldur will remain untold if we do not take this chance. The richness of the story of The Hobbit, as well as some of the related material in the appendices of The Lord of the Rings, allows us to tell the full story of the adventures of Bilbo Baggins and the part he played in the sometimes dangerous, but at all times exciting, history of Middle-earth.
Peter Jackson[6]

On 31 August, 2012, it was revealed that the titles of the second and third films would be The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and The Hobbit: There and Back Again respectively. The release of the first and second film remained unchanged, whilst the third film is due for release on 17 December, 2014 (moved from the initial release date of 18 July, 2014).[4][5]

On 24 April, 2014, Peter Jackson revealed that the final film would be re-titled The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

Filming

Peter Jackson on the last day of principal photography.

Back-to-back filming for The Hobbit films began 21 March, 2011.[8] All location filming was done at sites across New Zealand, and most on-set filming took place at Stone Street Studio, Wellington.[29] Filming also took place at Pinewood Studios in the United Kingdom in July, 2011. Using their F Stage and N&P Stages, the production filmed scenes with Christopher Lee who could not fly to New Zealand.[30][31]

Principal photography ended on 6 July, 2012, after 266 days filming.[9]

Although "pick-up" filming had already been planned for 2013, it emerged that extra filming would need to take place to accommodate the expansion of the project from two films into three.[27]

Technical details

3D

3D concept art by John Howe and Alan Lee

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, and The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies were filmed in 3D using RED Epic cameras. A rig designed by 3ality Technica is being used in the filming of the three films; here two cameras and a mirror are used in order to achieve an intraocular effect similar to that of a human's (the distance between the eyes). This is how the depth required for 3D film is achieved.[32]

Most of John Howe's and Alan Lee's concept art has continued to be produced in 2D. However, they have collaborated on 3D pieces using the simple red and blue 3D effect.[32]

48 frames per second

Breaking with conventional filming techniques, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, and The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies are being filmed by capturing 48 frames per second (FPS), twice the normal film standard of 24 frames per second. This makes the film look far more realistic. When describing what people thought when they saw clips of The Hobbit shown at 48 frames per second, Peter Jackson said that it's 'like the back of the cinema has had a hole cut out of it where the screen is and you're actually looking into the real world'.[32]

Jackson later discussed the advantages of filming at higher frame rate and in 3D.

Now, in the digital age, there’s no reason whatsoever to stick to 24 fps. [...] Science tells us that the human eye stops seeing individual pictures at about 55 fps. Therefore, shooting at 48 fps gives you much more of an illusion of real life. The reduced motion blur on each frame increases sharpness and gives the movie the look of having been shot in 65mm or IMAX. One of the biggest advantages is the fact that your eye is seeing twice the number of images each second, giving the movie a wonderful immersive quality. It makes the 3D experience much more gentle and hugely reduces eyestrain. Much of what makes 3D viewing uncomfortable for some people is the fact that each eye is processing a lot of strobing, blur and flicker. This all but disappears in HFR 3D.
Peter Jackson[33]

Additionally, the The Hobbit films are being filmed at a 5K resolution. This is substantially larger than the conventional 1080 HD resolution. The films are being filmed digitally onto 128 GB memory cards that fit into the RED Epic camera.[32]

One of the drawbacks of filming 48 frames per second at 5K resolution is that the make-up, prosthetic, prop, set, and costume departments have to work differently. For example, the make-up and prosthetic departments have to redden up the faces of the actors much more than usual because otherwise their skin colour will turn up yellow on the final film. Furthermore, real hair has to be used in order to achieve an authentic look when it moves around.[32]

Ten minutes of footage was shown at 48 FPS during the Warner Bros. presentation at CinemaCon 2012. The reaction was mixed. The Los Angeles Times described the picture as 'hyper-realistic' and the Associated Press described 'vivid, with grass blades, facial lines and soaring mountains appearing luminous and pronounced. The actors looked almost touchable, as if they were performing live on stage'. However, an anonymous projectionist said that '[i]t looked like a made-for-TV movie'.[34][35]

Games and merchandise

Video games

In late 2011, the Los Angeles Times reported that Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment would release a video game based on The Hobbit in lieu of the release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in December 2012.[36]

In September 2012, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announced that it would produce two free-to-play video games, in co-operation with Kabam.

Guardians of Middle-earth, a "Multiplayer Online Battle Arena" video game by Monolith Productions, will include some playable characters ("guardians") from The Hobbit films. Additional The Hobbit "guardians" will be added after the release of The Hobbit, to tie in with the films.[40]

Lego

On 17 December, 2011, it was announced that the Lego Group had received the rights to create Lego sets based on The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. The first sets on The Hobbit were released in the end of 2012.[41]

People involved

Cast

'Bilbo' and the 'thirteen dwarves' (N.B. Rob Kazinsky has since been replaced by Dean O'Gorman to play Fíli).[42]
Actor Role
Richard Armitage Thorin[3]
John Bell[43] Bain[44]
Manu Bennett[note 1] Azog
Cate Blanchett Galadriel[3]
Orlando Bloom Legolas[45]
Jed Brophy Nori[3]
Adam Brown Ori[3]
John Callen Óin[3]
Billy Connolly Dáin Ironfoot[46]
Benedict Cumberbatch Smaug[7]
The Necromancer[11]
Luke Evans Bard[7]
Girion
Martin Freeman Bilbo Baggins[3]
Stephen Fry The Master of Lake-town[47]
Ryan Gage[note 2] Alfrid[47]
Mark Hadlow Dori[3]
Bert[11]
Peter Hambleton Glóin[3]
William[11]
Dan Hennah The Old Took[48]
Ian Holm Older Bilbo Baggins[49]
Barry Humphries Goblin King[7]
Stephen Hunter Bombur[3]
William Kircher Bifur[3]
Tom[11]
Christopher Lee Saruman the White[50]
Evangeline Lilly Tauriel[7]
Lawrence Makoare[note 3] Bolg
Sylvester McCoy Radagast the Brown[51]
Ian McKellen Gandalf the Grey[3]
Bret McKenzie Lindir[51]
Graham McTavish Dwalin[3]
Mike Mizrahi Thráin[3]
James Nesbitt Bofur[3]
Mary Nesbitt Tilda
Peggy Nesbitt Sigrid
Dean O'Gorman[note 4] Fíli[52]
Lee Pace Thranduil[42]
Mikael Persbrandt Beorn[53]
Andy Serkis Gollum[3]
Ken Stott Balin[3]
Jeffrey Thomas Thrór[3]
Aidan Turner Kíli[3]
Hugo Weaving Elrond[51]
Elijah Wood Frodo Baggins[3]

Gallery

See also: Category:Images from The Hobbit (film series)
Pictures from the production of The Hobbit films
Gandalf in Bag End.  
Peter Jackson on the set of Bag End.  
Martin Freeman and Peter Jackson on the set of Bag End.  
Peter Jackson on the set of Bag End.  
The thirteen dwarves.  
Nori, Ori and Dori.  
Óin and Glóin.  
Fíli and Kíli.  
Bombur, Bofur and Bifur.  
Balin and Dwalin.  
Thorin.  

See also

External links

Notes

  1. Conan Stevens was initially cast as Azog. (see: Peter Jackson, "Casting News for The Hobbit" dated 19 May 2011, Facebook (accessed 21 December 2011)).
  2. Ryan Gage was initially cast as Drogo Baggins. (see: Earl, "Ryan Gage Tweets About Hobbit “Costume Fitting”" dated 2 August 2012, TheOneRing.net (accessed 2 August 2012)).
  3. In his brief, unidentified appearance in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Bolg was played by Conan Stevens. (see: MrCere, "Exclusive: ‘Hobbit’s’ Conan Stevens chats with TORn" dated 22 April 2012, TheOneRing.net (accessed 2 August 2012)).
  4. Rob Kazinsky was initially cast as Fíli. (see: Peter Jackson, "Casting news!" dated 30 April 2011, Facebook (accessed 21 December 2011)

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 "Titles and Release Dates Announced" dated 31 May 2011, The Hobbit Blog (accessed 21 December 2011)
  2. 2.0 2.1 "Andy Serkis to serve as Second Unit Director" dated 8 April 2011, The Hobbit Blog (accessed 21 December 2011)
  3. 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 3.19 3.20 3.21 3.22 3.23 3.24 3.25 3.26 3.27 3.28 3.29 3.30 3.31 3.32 3.33 3.34 3.35 3.36 3.37 3.38 3.39 3.40 Peter Jackson, "Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit" dated 20 March 2011, Facebook (accessed 21 December 2011)
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "The Hobbit Trilogy titles and release dates" dated 2 September 2012, The Hobbit Blog (accessed 2 September 2012)
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Third ‘Hobbit’ movie release moved from July to December 2014" dated 28 February 2013, TheOneRing.net (accessed 1 March 2013)
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Peter Jackson, "An unexpected journery" dated 30 July 2012, Facebook (accessed 20 July 2012)
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Peter Jackson, "The Hobbit Casting Update" dated 19 June 2011, Facebook (accessed 21 December 2011)
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 "Hobbit filming finally under way" dated 21 March 2011, BBC News Online (accessed 21 December 2011)
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 Peter Jackson, "We made it!" dated 6 July 2012, Facebook (accessed 6 July 2012)
  10. New Line Cinema, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Warner Bros. Pictures, "PETER JACKSON’S LONG-AWAITED FILMED ADAPTATION OF THE HOBBIT TO BE A TRILOGY" dated 30 July 2012, Facebook (accessed 30 July 2012)
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 Brian Sibley, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: Official Movie Guide (2012)
  12. 12.0 12.1 "Director sues over Rings profits" dated 2 March 2005, BBC News (accessed 11 February 2012)
  13. "Jackson to produce Hobbit movies" dated 18 December 2007, BBC News (accessed 11 February 2012)
  14. "Del Toro to direct Hobbit movies" dated 25 April 2008, BBC News (accessed 11 February 2012)
  15. "Guillermo del Toro 'leaves' as director of The Hobbit" dated 1 June 2010, BBC News (accessed 11 February 2012)
  16. "The Hobbit gets green light, Jackson to direct" dated 16 October 2010, NZ Herald News (accessed 11 February 2012)
  17. 17.0 17.1 "Rings film studio sued for $150m" dated 12 February 2009, BBC News (accessed 11 February 2012)
  18. "Legal path clear for Hobbit movie" dated 8 September 2009, BBC News (accessed 11 February 2012)
  19. 19.0 19.1 "Union tell actors to avoid Hobbit films" dated 26 September 2010, BBC News (accessed 31 July 2012)
  20. "FIA Do Not Work Order: 'The Hobbit'" dated 24 September 2010, The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (accessed 31 July 2012)
  21. "Peter Jackson threatens Hobbit shutdown" dated 27 September 2010, BBC News (accessed 31 July 2012)
  22. "Hobbit movie 'should stay in New Zealand' says PM" dated 4 October 2010, BBC News (accessed 31 July 2012)
  23. "The Hobbit to begin filming in February next year" dated 17 October 2010, BBC News (accessed 31 July 2012)
  24. "New Zealanders rally behind Hobbit shoot" dated 25 October 2012, BBC News (accessed 31 July 2012)
  25. "The Hobbit will be made in New Zealand, PM confirms" dated 27 October 2012, BBC News (accessed 31 July 2012)
  26. "Hobbit legislation passed in New Zealand" dated 29 October 2010, BBC News (accessed 31 July 2012)
  27. 27.0 27.1 27.2 Ian Nathan, 'An Unexpected Trilogy', Empire, 282 (December 2012)
  28. Ben Fritz, Steven Zeitchik and Nicole Sperling, "[1]" dated 24 July 2012, Los Angeles Times (accessed 26 July 2012)
  29. Peter Jackson, "THE HOBBIT, Production Video #7" dated 6 June 2011, Facebook (accessed 6 June 2012)
  30. "The Hobbit at Pinewood", Pinewood Studios (accessed 2 August 2012)
  31. Peter Jackson, "THE HOBBIT, Production Video #3" dated 21 July 2011, Facebook (accessed 2 August 2012)
  32. 32.0 32.1 32.2 32.3 32.4 Peter Jackson, "THE HOBBIT, Production Video #4" dated 4 November 2011, Facebook (accessed 10 February 2012)
  33. Peter Jackson, "Q&A ON HFR 3D" dated 19 November 2012, Facebook (accessed 19 November 2012)
  34. "Peter Jackson unveils new Hobbit footage" dated 25 April 2012, BBC News (accessed 31 July 2012)
  35. "CinemaCon: Footage of 'The Hobbit' draws mixed reaction" dated 24 April 2012, Los Angeles Times (accessed 31 July 2012)
  36. Ben Fritz, "Warner's approach to video games is paying off" dated 18 October 2011, Los Angeles Times (accessed 2 March 2012)
  37. 37.0 37.1 Luke Karmali, "Warner Bros. Announces The Hobbit Games" dated 26 September 2012, IGN (accessed 24 November 2012)
  38. "THE HOBBIT: KINGDOMS OF MIDDLE-EARTH", Kabam (accessed 24 November 2012)
  39. "THE HOBBIT: ARMIES OF THE THIRD AGE", Kabam (accessed 24 November 2012)
  40. "Game Info", Guardians of Middle-earth (accessed 24 November 2012)
  41. "Building sets based on THE LORD OF THE RINGS™ Trilogy and the Two Films Based on THE HOBBIT" dated 16 December 2011, lego.com (accessed 2 March 2012)
  42. 42.0 42.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named PJCasting2
  43. "THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY", Warner Bros. Canada (accessed 9 February 2012)
  44. Evie Bowman, "EXCLUSIVE! Q&A WITH HOBBIT ACTOR JOHN BELL" dated 3 July 2012, Middle-earth Network News (accessed 4 July 2012)
  45. Peter Jackson, "Ten years ago,..." dated 27 May 2011, Facebook (accessed 21 December 2011)
  46. "Billy Connolly lands dwarf role in The Hobbit" dated 9 February 2012, BBC News (accessed 9 February 2012)
  47. 47.0 47.1 Peter Jackson, "Casting News for The Hobbit" dated 19 May 2011, Facebook (accessed 21 December 2011)
  48. Daniel Falconer, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: Chronicles: Art & Design, p. 30
  49. Peter Jackson, "One comment that..." dated 22 April 2011, Facebook (accessed 21 December 2011)
  50. "Christopher Lee will star in the Hobbit prequel" dated 8 February 2011, The Telegraph (accessed 21 December 2011)
  51. 51.0 51.1 51.2 Ian McKellen, "2 Elves and another Wizard" dated 10 May 2011, Ian McKellen's website (accessed 21 December 2011)
  52. Peter Jackson, "Casting news!" dated 30 April 2011, Facebook (accessed 21 December 2011)
  53. "Persbrandt den bäste för jobbet" dated 30 April 2011, AFTONBLADET (accessed 21 December 2011)

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