Entertainment Weekly has unveiled a truly epic The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey banner, depicting ten scenes from the film. Rather than releasing separate images, stringing them together paints a more sweeping, cinematic overview of said Journey.

Those familiar with the novels will recognise the scenes instantly. As you’d expected we get to see the main characters: Bilbo (Martin Freeman), Gollum (Andy Serkis), Gandalf (Ian McKellen) etc. But what’s more exciting is that we catch our first glimpse of the man-bear Beorn (Mikael Persbrandt) and the terrifying Wargs – the demonic wolves pictured howling around goblin-lit fires. And there’s talk that the last scene depicted in the banner might well be the cut-off point for the first film.

Here’s the banner (click to enlarge):

Here are some cut scenes:

EW’s full-sized version also has a magnifying glass function, where you can get all up close and personal – click here.

You like? Do you think the barreling river run will be the final scene of the first film?

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, Mikael Persbrandt 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.)

(Source: Entertainment Weekly, via Slash Film)