Peter Jackson sat down and answered some questions sent by fans over Youtube. It features some shots from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.

Phillipa Boyens, one of the writers of ‘The Hobbit‘ was interviewed on the red carpet. What do the things she said tell us about the second and third movie?

“When Warner Bros. said ‘go’ for turning it into a trilogy, we were so happy, as it allowed us to tell more of these characters’ stories,” and then continuing: “Particularly Gandalf’s story.

I wonder what part of Gandalf’s backstory we get to see? Are the Istari (Wizards) explained to us? Another possibility could be more background story about the Ring, but I don’t think it’s very likely. The writers also said they want to make ‘The Hobbit‘ very distinct from ‘The Lord of the Rings‘, therefore it shouldn’t focus too much on the Ring itself.

I think we get to see how the relationship between Gandalf and Bilbo’s family came to pass. All we know from ‘The Hobbit‘ is that Bilbo and Gandalf know each other, because Gandalf visits the Shire often, but we don’t get to hear what sparks Gandalf’s interest for Hobbits.

‘Why the Halfling, Gandalf?’ asks Galadriel in the first movie. The other wizards and the elves don’t seem to be too interested in Hobbits.  Gandalf has to explain to them what makes Hobbits so special. I can understand why expanding these kinds of things would cause the first movie to end where it seems to end: the company being rescued from the burning trees by the Eagles.

Apparently, some of the material is taken from ‘The Lord of the Rings‘ trilogy. Mrs. Boyens says: “Especially for characters like Radagast.” I recall from ‘The Lord of the Rings’ book that scouts are looking for Radagast after the Council of Elrond, but he can’t be found, he is not home in Rhosgobel, nobody knows where he is and he doesn’t show up later. That makes me wonder what is being referred to when Philippa Boyens is saying this, since most of the information we have about him is either from the ‘Unfinished Tales‘ or ‘The Silmarillion‘.

Later on, actor and second unit director Any Serkis remarks: “Gollum’s not currently scheduled to come back in the second and third movie, but the fact of the matter is, never say never with Peter.”
We speculated about this. Can the writers leave Gollum alone in his cave? Apparently they can so far. But we also said that Gollum could follow Bilbo from a distance after finding out that Bilbo has his ring. Again, this would draw too much attention towards the previous trilogy and therefore it’s unlikely this will happen.

Hugo Weaving told reporters he isn’t making an appearance in the third movie, which may sound odd at first glance. Some people were surprised to hear that, because they thought Elrond surely would be at the Battle of Five Armies. But according to the books, Elrond wasn’t there. This battle was fought by Goblins and wargs of Moria against the Dwarves around the Lonely Mountain, the Men of Laketown, the Elves of Mirkwood and the great Eagles of the Misty Mountains. Beorn, Gandalf and the hobbits also fight but as individuals, instead of being part of a certain army. Therefore, Hugo Weaving cannot be in the third movie.

What do you make of the remarks made by the writers? What backstories will we get to see? Share your theories down below in the combox!

Last night, millions of fans were able to see ‘The Hobbit‘ Red Carpet Event before the World Premiere live from Wellington, thanks to a Warner Brothers live stream. Lots of stars walked the red carpet and Sir Ian McKellen joined via a video message from London as he wasn’t able to make it for the event in Wellington, New Zealand. Another prominent actor missing was Orlando Bloom, which seems to indicate that he won’t make an appearance in the first movie.

The actors raved about the camaraderie on set. During the press conference the actors who played the dwarves were even finishing each other’s sentences! The atmosphere on the set was great, according to the actors, and they credit Peter Jackson’s personality for it. For many, shooting ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey‘ has been an unexpected journey in their personal lives as well. Richard Armitage shares how he had his family come over. His children went to school in New Zealand and his family has grown fond over the Kiwi culture and the warmness of the people.

Peter Jackson, who took his daughter to the premiere, told the viewers that he will spend some more time promoting the first movie, before taking a break. He wants to resume work on the second and third movie after Christmas. His daughter shared that she had not seen the movie before and was excited to see it. Peter Jackson added that he did not want her to see the unfinished version, but rather have her enjoy the full experience.

On a technical side, lots of attendees raved the high-frame rate 3D experience. Initially, Peter Jackson’s decision to use this format was met with some apprehension, not at least from fans. But now movie theaters offering the native high frame rate report are selling out, which seems to indicate that fans are embracing the technique now. Right now, only 1,000 theaters worldwide are offering the technique which is for theaters a very expensive upgrade. It looks like lots of theaters are waiting to see what the reactions to ‘The Hobbit‘ in native 3D HFR are before investing in it. I wouldn’t be surprised if we get to see the second movie in many more HFR 3D theaters!

‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’ will premiere on December 12 in New Zealand and many European countries, followed by the United States on December 14.