The Hobbit Titles: An Unexpected Journey and There and Back Again

Peter Jackson’s return to the shire now has a name. Two in fact. One for each half of the Lord of the Rings prequel. We’re proud to unveil the titles now. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and The Hobbit: There and Back Again are sure to pack the theaters!

Here is what we learned from the official press release.

The first film is scheduled to open on December 14, 2012 with the second film following on December 13, 2013.

Both films are set in Middle-earth 60 years before Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” which Jackson and his filmmaking team brought to the big screen in the blockbuster trilogy that culminated with the Oscar®-winning “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.” The adventure of “The Hobbit” follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug.

Under Jackson’s direction, both movies are being shot consecutively in digital 3D using the latest camera and stereo technology. Filming is taking place at Stone Street Studios, Wellington, and on location around New Zealand.

More big news for the films came to us yesterday. Want Legolas? You got him! Actor Bret McKenzie will also appear in the film. When we know more, you will, too!