It has been confirmed that 'Lord of the Rings' stars Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis and Elijah Wood are to reprise their roles as Gandalf, Gollum and Frodo Baggins in the upcoming adaptation of JRR Tolkien's 'The Hobbit'.
The Hollywood Reporter says that in a statement on his official website McKellen said: "The deciding negotiation was not about money but about dates.
"Gandalf is needed on set over the next 18 months but with sizeable breaks when I can work on other projects. My worry that I could not easily escape from Middle Earth was lifted.
"I am happy to say I start filming in Wellington on February 21 2011."
In a statement announcing Serkis and Wood's return, director Peter Jackson said: "I cannot imagine returning to Middle Earth without these two wonderful actors. We began this journey together 10 years ago and I couldn't be more thrilled to be working with Elijah and Andy again."
The trade daily says it is expected that 'Lord of the Rings' stars Christopher Lee and Ian Holm will reprise their roles as Saruman and the older Bilbo Baggins in the two-film adaptation.
'The Office' star Martin Freeman will play the young Bilbo Baggins in 'The Hobbit'.
