McKellen-Led 'The Hobbit' to Commence Filming in June

According to stage and screen star Sir Ian McKellen's website, The Hobbit, the prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, will begin shooting in New Zealand in June.  The book, The Hobbit, by JRR Tolkien, has been adapted for the screen into two films, which will both be shot over the course of a year. Casting has begun in Los Angeles, New York City and London. Writes McKellen on his hompage: "The script too proceeds. The first draft is crammed with old and new friends, again on a quest in Middle Earth. The director Guillermo Del Toro is now living in Wellington, close to the Jacksons' and the studio in Miramar."

Like the book, the film The Hobbit follows the quest of home-loving Bilbo Baggins to win a share of the treasure guarded by the dragon, Smaug.

Sir Ian McKellen has appeared on Broadway in Dance of Death, Ian McKellen: A Knight Out at the Lyceum, Wild Honey, Ian KcKennel: Acting Shakespeare, Amadeus, and The Promise. Long known as a Shakespearean actor with the U.K.'s National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company, amongst other high profile establishments. He has appeared in over 250 productions, garnering multiple Tony and Olivier Awards. In 1979 he was awarded the Commander of the British Empire for his services to drama. He has recently attracted wider fame and attention for his portrayal as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and as well as for his role as Magneto in the popular X-Men films. McKellen is currently reprising his role of Estragon in the West End's Haymarket Theatre's production of 'Waiting for Godot' directed by Sean Mathias. The show will officially open on January 21 and run until 3rd April 2010, and will also star Roger Rees.