The first of the two films, which are currently being filmed
back-to-back in New Zealand, "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,"
arrives in theaters on Dec. 14, 2012. The sequel, opening Dec. 13, 2013, will
be known as "The Hobbit: There and Back Again." Both will be released
through Warner Bros.
The two prequels to Jackson's "Lord of the
Rings" trilogy follow the adventures of Bilbo Baggins - to be played by
Martin Freeman, with Ian Holm reprising his role as the elder Bilbo - in his
quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the dragon Smaug.
The sprawling
cast includes a number of other "Rings" veterans: Ian McKellen as
Gandalf the Grey; Cate Blanchett as Galadriel; Orlando Bloom as Legolas;
Christopher Lee as Saruman; Hugo Weaving as Elrond; Elijah Wood as Frodo; and
Andy Serkis as Gollum.