The Hobbit Films Release Dates Announced!

Finally, after stalling several times, being threatened with continuing a director who is not Peter Jackson, and financial difficulties due to New Line Cinema's recent woes, The Hobbit, a two-part movie phenomenon is finally coming to the big screen... with actual release dates. And, actually, it's not "The Hobbit". Not anymore. It's "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" and its continuation, "The Hobbit: There and Back Again". The first film "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" will be released just in time for Christmas of 2012 - on December 14th. The second film, "The Hobbit: There and Back Again," will follow almost exactly a year later in 2013. While the films are being shot sequentially (and have been since March), the post production and special effects will be split, allowing Peter Jackson to complete the first film in time for its Christmas debut, and giving him nearly a year to finish up the second for the following season.

Now for the kicker - both films will be shot in 3D. If 3D wasn't already hard enough (see our video of James Cameron and Michael Bay discussing the various difficulties and benefits of the format), shooting 3D with forced perspective is going to land Peter Jackson in yet another world of firsts. In my opinion, just given the difficulties of the way the Lord of the Rings was shot, this is going to be a spectacle that will redefine the limits of what's possible in live action filmmaking. We're also looking forward to seeing Martin Freeman take up the role of Bilbo, with supporting characters in Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett and even Orlando Bloom (who as you may recall should show up in his native Mirkwood Forest home).

Hit our forums and let us know if you're looking forward to this as much as we are!