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Sir Ian McKellan has confirmed that The Hobbit will commence production in the summer.

According to a posting on the actor's official website, the two-part The Lord of the Rings prequel will start filming in New Zealand in June.

"The Hobbit, two films, start shooting in New Zealand in June. Filming will take over a year. Casting in Los Angeles, New York City and London has started," said the message.

"The script too proceeds. The first draft is crammed with old and new friends, again on a quest in Middle Earth."

Alongside McKellan, Andy Serkis, Hugo Weaving and Cate Blanchett are expected to reprise their The Lord of the Rings roles for the prequel.

The films, which are being directed by Guillermo Del Toro, will focus on a young Bilbo Baggins as he sets off on a quest to claim treasure from the dragon Smaug.