'The Hobbit' Photos: Ian McKellan As Gandalf In First Look At 'Lord Of The Rings' Prequel (PHOTO)

Ready to head back to the Shire?

After a number of delays, Peter Jackson's prequel to the Oscar-winning "Lord of the Rings" trilogy is shooting in New Zealand, and some of the first looks at the characters in action have been made available. Thanks to Entertainment Weekly, we see Ian McKellan back as Gandalf, looking very wise and pensive. Perhaps he's getting ready to lead Bilbo Baggins, played by "Sherlock Holmes" and "The Office" star Martin Freeman, to the Lonely Mountain.

Jackson has been giving some updates from the set, including this remarkable ten minute look into the beginning of production.

Also making appearances in the film will be some of the stars of the first three movies, including Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom and Cate Blanchett.

For more photos, click over to Entertainment Weekly.

PHOTO:

Comments

[syrinx14]

10:04 PM on 07/23/2011

Yeah!!!

[Lee Alan Miller]

02:33 PM on 07/23/2011

The cartoon version of The Hobbit was amazing. One of the greatest ever made!!! And now its coming to life!

[firelord5000]

09:41 PM on 06/26/2011

I used to love LOTR and all the themes/symbolism in it, and then I read/still reading A Song of Ice and Fire series, and now I think that LOTR wishes it was A Song of Ice and Fire. Oh well, hopefully the movie isn't a dud, Peter Jackson's lack of weight seems to have destroyed his ability to direct/produce films.

[Twrexx]

04:05 PM on 07/22/2011

I don't think one negates the other. I'm reading "A Dance with Dragons" right now and it's as outstanding as the rest of the series, but that doesn't mean I like LOTR any less. But I do think George R.R. Martin has cemented his place as America's Tolkien.

[Lorindol]

07:42 PM on 07/23/2011

LOL

[JohnnyRed88]

07:35 AM on 06/25/2011

Finally a movie worth paying to see in the cinema.

[yeswecanjane]

10:17 AM on 06/25/2011

X2!!!!

[Kriol Kidd]

04:57 PM on 06/25/2011

X3. Haven't ventured to the movies since The Dark Knight, now I have to give in to the insane prices again.

[JennyMurphy]

08:33 PM on 06/24/2011

While this is all very exciting - I'm a little worried. I think most fanboys (and girls) would prefer that a Fat Peter Jackson direct The Hobbit rather than the current skinny one... just based on his track record.

http://mankabros.com/blogs/onmedea/2010/10/28/fanboys-would-like-fat-peter-jackson-to-direct-the-hobbit/

[Luke Green]

02:08 PM on 06/26/2011

Couldn't agree more, haha

[Paintio]

08:06 AM on 07/24/2011

Less 'Lovely Bones', more 'Dead Alive'.

[Haley30]

02:11 PM on 06/24/2011

Can't wait. The Hobbit was my favorite Tolkien book.

[Mischief Managed]

04:50 PM on 06/24/2011

Mine too! I read it so many times as a child - I re-read it again recently. One of the most magnificent of stories for any age. I'm very much looking forward to the film.

[Pema]

01:45 PM on 06/24/2011

so many sence of gandolf almost borught me to tears, he looks sooooooo much like my departed father. some takes are downright startling. my husband is reading the hobbit to me. while i cook or relax, cant wait for the movie.

[MJinCanada]

01:18 PM on 07/23/2011

You have a wonderful husband.

[Woods-shade]

11:43 AM on 06/24/2011

Let the *magic* begin. Again. : )) (pardon to Harry) Can't wait. Who doesn't love Tolkien? And if there is, I have no use for 'em.

[Chad Wheeler]

01:12 PM on 06/24/2011

The fact that my boyfriend doesn't see any profound stories or meaning in Tolkien's work is a huge point of contention between us and is almost a deal breaker.

[Woods-shade]

02:08 PM on 06/24/2011

Ack. To me that would be like being married to a Republican. You dedication is valiant. Cheers! : )))

[romdrom]

06:58 PM on 07/24/2011

Some people need to spend more time in reality, as with visual art. You're just at different developmental places. Red trees in fauve art shoot straight to my heart. Others find it odd.

[Minerva Bernal]

11:09 AM on 06/24/2011

I just finished reading The Hobbit this year, it was a slow start but I enjoyed the journey...

[Kriol Kidd]

04:58 PM on 06/25/2011

You have a long way to go if you want to read the whole series....

[pokypaul86]

10:23 AM on 06/24/2011

I can't wait to go back to the Shire!!!

[the5thhorseman]

09:48 AM on 06/24/2011

Hey, Gandalf--don't kill the last of the Long Bottom Leaf! Someday you might want to get a public sector job in Florida when you semi-retire to the Sunshine State.

[sigh-ence]

09:39 AM on 06/24/2011

Gaaahhh I can't wait that long! Must collect everything....
And the obsession starts again!

[TheIpsoFactory]

07:49 AM on 06/24/2011

So, Frodo's in Hobbit The Movie...? I guess the Shire got a Hollywood makeover.

[Woods-shade]

08:50 AM on 06/24/2011

Gads, I hope not. Probably as a jump-ahead at the end? An epilogue.

[Greenknight043]

08:51 AM on 06/24/2011

I'm assuming that Elijah Wood will be cameo'ing as Frodo's father (or grandfather).

Would his name then be Fredo? Is there a hobbit mafia in the shire? Makes you wonder...

[meglon978]

03:17 PM on 07/23/2011

If you want talk of a hobbit mafia, read National Lampoons "Bored of the Rings"

[75thRangers]

07:39 AM on 06/24/2011

I thought that was the head of, Tealugian Party

[Rondo]

07:30 AM on 06/24/2011

I'm still waiting for the extended directors cut of LOTR on blue ray.

I have just one word for the hobbit -

Schmaug!

[joeomar]

01:26 PM on 06/25/2011

It's being released this coming Tuesday (June 28). Haven't you been seeing all the ads on TV?

[Lorindol]

07:45 PM on 07/23/2011

Smaug?