By Daniel Rutledge and James Murray
The cast of The Hobbit have gotten together in front of media for the first time today for a photocall and media conference.
In attendance were stars including Martin Freeman, James Nesbitt, Rob Kazinsky, Aidan Turner, Richard Armitage, Ken Stott, Graham McTavish, Peter Hambleton, John Callen, Stephen Hunter, Adam Brown, Mark Hadlow and Jed Brophy.
They have been here for four weeks, going to gym, horse back riding, fight training and doing dialect work.
The Hobbit has faced a few hurdles leading up to this day, including director Sir Peter Jackson's hospital stay for a perforated ulcer, the departure of the original director Guillermo del Toro last year and a threatened actors' boycott.
Sir Peter apologised for being unable to attend the conference due to his ulcer but did have a representative read out a prepared statement.
“I am under a form of medical house arrest to prevent me from overdoing it... I couldn’t be more excited about these movies,” he said.
The Office star Martin Freeman was looking forward to living up to a role, Bilbo Baggins, first portrayed by Ian Holm.
"I think I am quite a good match for him. I cant be playing Ian Holm but there's that echo to what he did,” he said.
He was also confident enough to joke about the delays the film has suffered: "There are some bits of bad luck associated with it... we are ready to go.... just as soon as 2015 comes around."
Cold Feet star James Nesbitt, who plays the dwarf Bofur, was pleased the production had remained in New Zealand despite the argument between Warner Bros and the actor’s union last year.
“It would have been very odd for the production not to be here... it is an adventure not only professionally but personally as well,” he said.
Rob Kazinsky added that keeping the film in New Zealand would lend a certain continuity as it will be shot in locations people will already know.
The cast were also asked how they would cope with “rabid” Hobbit fans.
New Zealand actor Jed Brophy quipped: “We’ve had the shots!”
Kate Rodger is attending the event and full interviews will be available on 3news.co.nz later today.
The first day of shooting for the two Hobbit movies is set for March 21 according to production company 3Foot7.
The first film is expected to be released late 2012.
Watch Kate Rodger's report from 3 News at 12.
3 News