After several setbacks, Peter Jackson will begin filming the two Hobbit films today at Wellington’s Stone Street Studios in New Zealand.
The other confirmed location for the films is the Hobbiton site in the Waikato town of Matamata. Filming there will reportedly take place this summer.
Sir Ian McKellen wrote about rehearsals on his blog, saying, “I was at the cast’s first joint rehearsal where Peter Jackson, with Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, invited our comments on their script so far. This is as close to bliss as an actor can get.”
You can see the first photos from the set here.
Are you excited filming is finally underway?