NEWS: The Hobbit To Begin Shooting In January

Filming on The Hobbit, the long-awaited prequel to Peter Jackson's highly successful Lord of the Rings film trilogy, should start shooting in the new year according to Sir Ian McKellen.

“The aim is to start filming in January,” he let slip in an interview with Bolton News.

The actor has also confirmed that he will reprise his role as the wizard Gandalf, for which he received two Oscar nominations, but has said he wouldn’t be “sitting waiting” for shooting to start.  Andy Serkis (as Gollum), and Hugo Weaving are also attached to return.

The two Hobbit films (which will be shot back to back) are still officially without a director, but it is has been heavily suggested that Jackson will again be at the helm, after Hellboy 2 director Guillermo del Toro left the project due to the ongoing financial problems surrounding studio MGM and their share of the rights.

The role of Bilbo Baggins has not yet been confirmed although there have been rumors surrounding actors James McAvoy, Daniel Radcliffe, Tobey Maguire, David Tennant and Martin Freenman for the lead.

For more info check out The Hobbit Part 1 on IMDB.