You’ve probably all seen it by now but here is the first trailer for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – Peter Jackson‘s hugely anticipated return to Middle Earth. In the trailer we get to meet the cast of characters who will undertake the quest to reclaim the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor – or get sidetracked from it. So does it live up to all the hype?

I have to admit I’ve not read The Hobbit (shock, horror!) so have no preconceived expectations for both The Hobbit films; other than for them to fit in nicely with the The Lord of the Rings trilogy and take me on yet another wondrous adventure.

Enjoy (again!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_24ITtMZatQ

This is a fantastic first trailer and makes you feel like you’ve reunited with an old friend. Yes, of course, we all want to see epic scenes and awe-inspiring creatures, but that’s not what these films have ever been about. They’re all about the characters and relationships, which is why this trailer makes for the perfect introduction. With a year still left to go until release, there’ll be plenty more for us to see and drool over.

Martin Freeman embodies Biblo and looks to have been the perfect choice for the role. And the dwarves look like they’ll all be very entertaining – although with thirteen of them we may get very confused as to who’s who.

I’m also loving the dwarven song they use in the trailer, which really sets the tone for the journey to come.

Nice work PJ and team.

So what do you think of the trailer? And what are your hopes for The Hobbit films?

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey follows title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakensheild. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever … Gollum. Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities … A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

Directed by Sir Peter Jackson and written by Guillermo del Toro, Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, the film’s incredible cast includes: Sir Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Evangeline Lilly, Andy Serkis and Richard Armitage

The journey begins on 14 December, 2012 (Although the official competitive released schedule says the 13th! Will have to check one out.)