Sir Peter Jackson has announced that Wellington will be holding the world premiere of The Hobbit. The premiere is scheduled to take place in late November of next year, with the The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey being released in theatres the following month.
Jackson and his film crew began filming on location five days ago. They have already shot 110 days of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in Jackson’s Weta studios.
The director also invited Prime Minister John Key, with whom he struck up a friendship last year during employment disputes surrounding the Hobbit films. Jackson is not endorsing the Prime Minister, but is simply expressing his gratitude for the help he received by the government.
The Hobbiton set, located on the outskirts of Matamata, and including such attractions as 44 Hobbit holes, a stone bridge, and The Green Dragon Inn, will remain a permanent visitor attraction once filming has completed. Tours will be run by Shire Tours.
