'The Hobbit' closer to filming after long delays

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[February 11, 2011]  WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) -- The cast members of "The Hobbit" are ready to start filming the next edition of mythical adventures from Middle Earth.

HardwareFunding problems, a threatened actors' boycott and ulcer surgery for director Peter Jackson have plagued pre-production on the two films that are a "Lord of the Rings" prequel.

English actor Margin Freeman, who will play protagonist Bilbo Baggins, says, "We're all optimistic, ready to go."

He and the actors who play dwarf characters in the movies have trained in the gym, rode horses and worked on dialect to prepare for filming.

Filming is to start next month and the first part is anticipated in theaters in late 2012.

"The Hobbit" and the "Rings" trilogy are based on fantasy books by British author J.R.R. Tolkien.

[Associated Press; By RAY LILLEY]

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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