The Hobbit Movies Update

After all the talks about filming starting in June and then July, we now have some news as to when shooting will now apparently begin for the long-awaited The Hobbit movies. As well, we also have some news as to the status of the two scripts, and the possibility that it will shoot in 3D (Lord help us. Though OK, it would probably be great to see The Hobbit in 3D but I'm expecting massive headaches):

Another Delay for The Hobbit?

The return to Middle-Earth may be taking a while longer than expected. TheOneRing.net has recently posted the story that MGM's financial woes may cause delays in the start of the production of The Hobbit movies.

Apparently, the studio is $3.7 billion in debt. MGM holds the distribution rights to The Hobbit whereas Warner Brothers is the studio making the movie. The two studios have an agreement to produce and distribute The Hobbit but MGM's debt and the fact that it may be sold could put a wrench in the start of the production.

The OneRing's source said that:

At this stage we are all working and hoping for the best case scenario. Without a doubt, the MGM situation carries great importance.

There is even confusion as to the movie's release date which could either be in 2011 or in 2012. 2012 seems to be the most logical one.

Just recently, Sir Ian McKellen had declared that the movie would start shooting in July of this year in New Zealand.

Source

The Hobbit to start filming in June

I am a huge fan of Peter Jackson's masterpiece trilogy, The Lord of the Rings. So naturally, I'm really looking forward to seeing The Hobbit, which is young Bilbo Baggins' story and the prequel to The Lord of the Rings.

Apparently, Sir Ian McKellen has recently confirmed that the movie will start filming in June of this year in New Zealand, where he will reprise the role of Gandalf the Grey.

The Hobbit will be made in two films and casting is underway in Los Angeles, New York and London. Filming will be done over the course of a year.

Expected to return are Hugo Weaving as Elrond, Andy Serkis as Gollum and Cate Blanchett as Galadriel.

The movie will be directed by Guillermo del Toro and Peter Jackson will produce.

Of course the most pressing question on most people's mind is who will get to play the young Bilbo Baggins. Rumours have pegged a few actors for the role, including James McAvoy, Tobey Maguire and David Tennant.

Who would be your favourite for the role?

*Update

Sir Ian McKellen's website now puts the start of the filming of The Hobbit in July

Source