Dwarves! Everywhere dwarves!

I am sorry. I had a long rehearsal, and it's really hot outside...

Anyway, more dwarves from The Hobbit:

Thorin Oakenshield

Balin and Dwalin

Some news about The Hobbit movies

The names of the two Hobbit movies are now known - The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will hit theaters on 14 December 2012, while The Hobbit: There And Back Again is due 13 December 2013. Meanwhile, Peter Jackson addressed some questions. Apparently, Orlando Bloom is on board now (let's hope it's just a cameo, please God, let it only be cameo!), and as for the White Council and the attack on Dol Goldur:

“I’m not going to say just what and when, but I will confirm that both the White Council and Dol Guldur will feature in the movies. And not just in one scene either. Just how to visualise it has been a challenge, but fortunately Alan Lee and John Howe went crazy with ideas, and it should look pretty cool.

“In fact to celebrate the start of these 20 questions, I’ll show you an exclusive photo of the White Council planning the attack on Dol Guldur! Even if you don’t want to be hit with spoilers, you should still take a look. For the first image of Gandalf, Elrond and Galadriel brandishing an array of fearsome Elvish weapons, CLICK HERE!”

The Lord of the Rings extended editions finally come to Blu-Ray

Finally, after years of waiting and a ridiculous amount of frustration of after the release of the half-bottomed cinematic version box set, the Powers That Be have decided to release The Lord of the Rings trilogy on Blu-Ray in its proper - that is, extended - form. The set doesn't have a specific release date yet, but my guess is either Summer or Christmas 2011. Here's the Amazon.com page for those interested in the details. I'm definitely buying this one the day it comes out.

Martin Freeman officially cast as Bilbo Baggins

Finally, some actual news from The Hobbit. Martin Freeman (of Love Actualy and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy fame) has been cast as young Bilbo Baggins. Some of the dwarves have also been announced:

Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield
Aidan Turner as Kili
Rob Kazinsky as Fili
Graham McTavish as Dwalin
Stephen Hunter as Bombur
Mark Hadlow as Dori
Peter Hambleton as Gloin
John Callen as Oin

Shooting is slated to begin in February 2011. There's still time, and a lot of names are waiting to be cast. The main question is whether sir Ian McKellan will return in his role of Gandalf, but with Peter Jackson directing, I'd say chances are good.