First official images of Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit arrive

The first images of Martin Freeman playing Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit have landed online.

The pictures show Martin Freeman and Sir Ian McKellen, reprising his role as Gandalf, as well as a shot of director Peter Jackson and Freeman on set.

It's fair to say that in the movie world, The Hobbit and The Dark Knight Rises are battling for the title of most exciting movie in production. Could the LOTR prequel have clinched it with these latest images?

From the looks of things, Jackson is keeping the same look, tone and feel in The Hobbit as The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, and quite rightly so.

The film is shaping up to be another epic, and we can't wait for more images and production blogs from Jackson.

The Hobbit is currently filming in New Zealand and will be split into a 2-part saga. The first film, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is set for a December 2012 release.

Buy The Lord of the Rings Trilogy on DVD and Blu-ray : The Lord of the Rings Trilogy - The Extended Edition [Blu-ray] | The Lord of the Rings Trilogy - Theatrical Version [Blu-ray] | The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (Extended Edition Box Set) [DVD]