While Warner Brothers is still deciding whether or not The Hobbit will be turned into a full-out prequel trilogy, we can at least still focus on the upcoming first film of the highly anticipated fantasy story coming at the end of this year. Andy Serkis has found success in motion capture work before with the role of Caesar in Rise of the Planet of the Apes and even the titular ape in King Kong, but the actor will be transitioning back to his fan-favorite role of Smeagol/Gollum for The Hobbit.
Now, two new photos straight from the film have been posted online showing the behind the scenes process for the character and even a fully rendered look at the famous creature.
The Hobbit follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakensheild. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever…Gollum.
Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities … A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, starring Martin Freeman, Andy Serkis, Ian McKellan, Christopher Lee, Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lilly, Hugo Weaving, Benedict Cumberbatch, Mikael Persbrandt, Lee Pace, Stephen Fry, Cate Blanchett, and many more, and directed by Peter Jackson, will hit theaters a long time from now on December 14th.
Click on the photos below for a larger look (via E!):
