A spectacular new trailer for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey was launched this morning.
With only two months to go until the world premiere, the new trailer gives fans an even more in-depth look at Director Sir Peter Jackson's latest J.R.R Tolkien adaptation.
It shows Bilbo Baggins being rather reluctantly drawn into an epic adventure by Gandalf and dwarves, who call on him to be the 14th member of their group, which is determined to reclaim the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which has been conquered by the dragon Smaug.
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Baggins runs from Hobbiton, saying "I'm going on an adventure".
The video, which is just over two minutes long, is a tourist brochure for Middle Earth, with breathtaking shots of mountains. This will no doubt increase tourist numbers to New Zealand, where the movie is filmed.
Over 12,000 people have already liked the trailer on Jackson's Facebook page.
Christopher S. Jannette posted: "You rock Peter. Thanks for making quality work."
Daniela Banda Marin commented: "OMG TOO FREAKING EXCITED."
The trailer debut coincides with a myriad of Hobbit related
milestones and activities, including the 75th anniversary of the
release of the book by J.R.R Tolkien.
This week is also known as 'Tolkien Week', with September 22
observed as Hobbit Day, the day on which characters Bilbo and Frodo
Baggins were said to have been born.
New images released
New images of the film were also released this week. Included in the pictures, in full costume and makeup, are lead actor Martin Freeman as Bilbo, Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf, and the 13 dwarfs who visit Bilbo to convince him to go to the Lonely Mountain to recover treasure guarded by a dragon.
They include Kiwi actors Dean O'Gorman as Fili, Mark Hadlow as Dori, William Kircher as Bifur, Peter Hambleton as Gloin, and Jed Brophy as Nori.
Preparations for the film's November 28 premiere are also under way at Wellington City Council, which has set aside $1.15 million for the premiere.
Next month, the council will discuss road closures planned to be in place from 9pm on Tuesday, November 27, to 5.30am on Thursday, November 29. The current plan will see parts of Courtenay Place and Tory St, and several adjoining streets, closed.
Jackson has promised the premiere will be a "huge party", and several stars, such as Freeman and Lord of the Rings stalwarts McKellen and Orlando Bloom, are expected to attend.
The council is receiving written objections on the road closures until 5pm on Friday, September 28.
The first installment of the three-part Hobbit trilogy will hit screens in December.
For all the latest news, videos and pictures check out our Hobbit page.