NME
November 15, 2011

The trailer for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will debut as soon as next month.

Fans have been eager to catch their first glimpse of director Peter Jackson's return to Middle Earth for the two Lord Of The Rings prequels.

Now Andy Serkis, who is returning to his role of Gollum, has confirmed that despite not being due for release until next Christmas, a trailer is imminent. He told IGN: "There will be a trailer fairly soon, actually. Around Christmas time, I believe."

Serkis is also directing the crew's Second Unit on the two films, and added: "It's quite fascinating. I'm having a ball. It's a huge operation, really. We’re on the road at the moment, at various different locations on South Island in New Zealand. There are some truly remarkable landscapes we’re filming in. It’s just stunning."

Martin Freeman portrays hero Bilbo Baggins, leading a cast that includes Stephen Fry, Benedict Cumberbatch, James Nesbitt, Aidan Turner and Sylvester McCoy. Reprising their roles from the trilogy are Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving and Elijah Wood.