Gandalf and Bilbo in The Hobbit Images

Will there be smoke rings? I don’t know, but I do spy with my little eye Gandalf the Grey and his pipe! Empire magazine is taking us back to Middle Earth in recognition of Peter Jackson’s project, The Hobbit, part one of which snuggles into theaters December 14th, 2012. In fact, a certain wizard took the cover of the current issue, hitting stands next Thursday. Inside the issue you’ll also discover a close up of a contemplative Sir Ian Mckellan, returning to his character, and you’ll meet Sherlock‘s Martin Freeman as Bilbo.

On the New Zealand set, director Jackson said, I’m exactly the same filmmaker as I was ten years ago. I’m trying to nail the same thing that I did before. I’m just telling the story.”

Of course a key change is this couple of prequels features “a bunch of snarky dwarves”. “They don’t know what to make of Gandalf, they think Bilbo is a wuss, and Elrond a prissy headmaster type,” laughs Jackson.

Don’t forget, The Hobbit was also a feature story for Entertainment Weekly. And, yes, Legolas will return! Is that good news or bad? You tell me! Lost actress Evangeline Lily will play Tauriel the elf. When we know more, you will, too!