Recycling information that actor Ian McKellen (Gandalf in LORD OF THE RINGS) posted on his website, the Bangkok Post reports that THE HOBBIT will begin shooting inNew Zealand this July.
“Casting in Los Angeles, New York City and London has started,” said the British actor, who will again play the wizard Gandalf.”The script too proceeds. The first draft is crammed with old and new friends, again on a quest in Middle Earth.”
Two prequels are planned, based on J.R.R. Tolkein’s nove The Hobbit. Director Guillermo Del Toro (PAN’S LABYRINTH) will direct both simulataneously.