'Hobbit' starts shooting in New Zealand

WELLINGTON, New Zealand, March 21 (UPI) -- Warner Bros. says production has begun in New Zealand on "The Hobbit," writer-director Peter Jackson's two-part adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy novel.

The prequels to "The Lord of the Rings" blockbusters have screenplays by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Guillermo del Toro and Peter Jackson. They will be shot consecutively in digital 3D at Stone Street Studios and on location around New Zealand. The movies are planned for release in late 2012 and 2013.

"The Hobbit" stars Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Ken Stott, William Kircher, James Nesbitt, Jeffrey Thomas and Mike Mizrahi.

Reprising their roles from "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy are Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, Andy Serkis as Gollum and Elijah Wood as Frodo, Warner Bros. said in a news release Monday.

Production on "The Hobbit" has been delayed numerous times due to disputes regarding distribution rights and union hiring practices, as well as financial difficulties, the departure of Guillermo Del Toro as director and replacement director Jackson's hospitalization last month for a perforated stomach ulcer.