Peter Jackson and the cast and crew of The Hobbit are back with another behind-the-scenes production update. They're currently taking a break from the massive two-film production, but that won't stop them from vlogging! The first part of this clip actually features mostly cast members discussing how they'll be enjoying their downtime, then Jackson takes over and it's clear that he's a workaholic who just loves what he gets to do for a living. He may be "on break," but he's scouting New Zealand for more shooting locations, and the whole thing is pretty awesome.

In case you missed the first Hobbit production vlog, you can check it out here.

EW revealed these images today from the set of The Hobbit, including our first-ever look at Martin Freeman as Bilbo!

The film will be released in two parts. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is set to premiere on December 14, 2012, and The Hobbit: There and Back Again is set for release on December 13, 2013.

Two Sides of Leonard Nimoy, featuring "The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins," was released in 1968.

New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. Pictures and MGM have announced the titles and release dates for filmmaker Peter Jackson’s two-film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s enduringly popular masterpiece THE HOBBIT.  The first film, titled “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” will be released on December 14, 2012.  The second film, titled “The Hobbit: There and Back Again,” is slated for release the following year, on December 13, 2013.

Both films are set in Middle-earth 60 years before Tolkien’s THE LORD OF THE RINGS, which Jackson and his filmmaking team brought to the big screen in the blockbuster trilogy that culminated with the Oscar-winning “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.”  The adventure of THE HOBBIT follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug.

It's official: Orlando Bloom has joined the ever-growing ranks of Lord of the Rings castmembers who are returning to Middle Earth in Peter Jackson's The Hobbit.

Jackson himself broke the news on Facebook:

Ten years ago, Orlando Bloom created an iconic character with his portrayal of Legolas. I'm excited to announce today that we'll be revisiting Middle Earth with him once more. I’m thrilled to be working with Orlando again. Funny thing is, I look older—and he doesn’t! I guess that's why he makes such a wonderful elf.

Cate Blanchett, Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood and Andy Serkis have all agreed to reprise their LOTR roles in The Hobbit as well.

The first installment of the two-part movie is set for release in December 2012.

Lucky, you shall not pass!

Not just a necessity for shooting The Hobbit in 3D, but a fierce fashion statement to boot! Ian McKellan is ready for his ZZ Top audition.