Peter Jackson's epic The Lord of the Rings prequel "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" will be premiered at the 65th Royal Film Performance. The first part of the highly-anticipated trilogy will be screened in London on December 12th, with organisers of the performance said to be "thrilled" to be welcoming
The Hobbit to the show. The adventure follows Bilbo Baggins (Sherlock's Martin Freeman, taking over from Ian Holm) as he becomes swept into a thrilling quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the terrifying dragon Smaug (the voice of Sherlock and Star Trek 2's Benedict Cumberbatch). Sir Ian McKellen will return as Gandalf the Grey, reprising his role from The Lord of the Rings trilogy, as he accompanies Bilbo on his join along with thirteen dwarves, led by the legendary swordsmen, Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage). The dangerous journey will take our heroes through the Wild woods; along treacherous lands swarming Gobilins and Orcs, Giant Spiders, Sorcerers, Shapeshifters and deadly wargs. Elijah Wood will reprise his role as Frodo Baggins along with Hugo Weaving as Elrond, Christopher Lee as Saruman, Orlando Bloom as Legolas and Cate Blanchett as Galadriel. Andy Serkis takes on the iconic motion captured role of Gollum and Ian Holm as the old Bilbo Baggins. Given the success of The Queen and James Bond's cameo at the Olympic opening ceremony, the Royal Film Performance will have no doubt been hoping to have been able to host the premiere for the upcoming James Bond movie,
Skyfall, but with that off the cards The Hobbit is probably the biggest movie they could have hoped for. Anne Bennet, president of the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund, was said to be "thankful" to Peter Jackson for his support and for "providing this opportunity" to the charity. The Hobbit: There And Back Again will open December 14th in the UK and US.