The Hobbit to Begin Filming as Early as May

Andy Serkis says filming of The Hobbit will likely begin in May.

The British actor—who plays the role of Gollum in the Lord of the Rings trilogy—admits plans are in motion for the film, which he thinks will begin shooting next month. “It’s going to happen,” Serkis says. “I think it’s due to start shooting in May. It’s going to be exciting, especially working with new director Guillermo del Toro, who’s fantastic.”

Despite starring in the role in performance-capture only, Serkis claims to put just as much effort into it as he has with his other recent role as ‘70s punk icon Ian Dury in Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll. “But the thing is I never draw distinctions between acting in a live-action situation to live in a performance capture situation,” Serkis said on the red carpet for the North American premiere of the movie. "I’ll invest equally as much in a character where I’m completely hidden as I would with someone like Ian."

Recently Sir Ian McKellen—who plays bearded wizard Gandalf in the previous films—confirmed details on The Hobbit movie, but claimed filming would start later than Serkis has said. “The Hobbit’s two films start shooting in New Zealand in July,” McKellen says. “Filming will take over a year. Casting in Los Angeles, New York City and London has started. The script too proceeds. The first draft is crammed with old and new friends, again on a quest in Middle Earth.”

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