Previous reports said that Peter Jackson was planning for The Hobbit to come out in theaters during the summer.  However, Ian McKellen, best known for his role as the wizard Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings trilogy has come forward to give us a more specific date.  According to his blog, McKellen recently stated that The Hobbit would begin its shooting production in July.

At this time, New Line Cinemas has made no official  statement to confirm or deny McKellen’s blog regarding the film’s release date.  In his blog, McKellen reveals more details about the film’s production.  He identified Los Angeles, New York City and London as locations for casting and also mentioned that the script is making progress as well.  He described the first draft as a gathering of friends old and new to start another adventure in Middle Earth.

Furthermore, the director Guillermo del Toro also was mentioned in the blog since he recently moved to Wellington.  Peter Jackson is located close to this area with his family and the studio in Miramar.  Since New Line hasn’t given a clear release date for The Hobbit.  Fans and moviegoers may be excited to receive news updates from Gandalf the White.

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