First Look: Peter Jackson's 'The Hobbit'

 
(Above: Martin Freeman stars as Bilbo Baggins in the bigscreen adaptation of J.R. Tolkien's classic tale, "The Hobbit.")

Entertainment Weekly has obtained the first official photos from Warner Bros./New Line's "The Hobbit." Starring Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins, the Peter Jackson-directed pics are currently shooting in New Zealand with the first film, "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," expected to hit theaters December 14, 2012. The second film, "The Hobbit: There and Back Again" will arrive the following year on December 13, 2013.

See additional photos below:

 
(Above: Ian McKellan returns as Gandolf in director Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit.")

 
(Above: Director Peter Jackson and thesp Martin Freeman on the set of New Line's "The Hobbit.")