Ian Mckellan
Ian McKellan has revealed that filming for The Hobbit will finally get underway in June.
The actor, who took on the role of Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, posted on his website that filming will begin in the summer and that the movie is currently being cast.
His website said: "The Hobbit, two films, start shooting in New Zealand in June. Filming will take over a year.
"Casting in Los Angeles, New York City and London has started. The script too proceeds. The first draft is crammed with old and new friends, again on a quest in Middle Earth."
The movie sees Guillermo Del Toro taking over the directing reigns and Peter Jackson has penned the script and will serve and executive producer.
The popular book will be split into two movies, following in the footsteps of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
McKellan is expected to reprise the role of wizard Gandalf while Andy Serkis is also expected to return as Gollum.
No actor has been announced in the role of Bilbo Baggins but James McAvoy, David Tennant and Tobey Maguire have all been linked to the part.
Tagged in The Hobbit Sir Ian McKellen