The newspaper is partially correct. Though we can’t say with any degree of certainty for the exact scheduling of further filming, there WILL be further material shot for the films. Peter Jackson said this was the intent a couple of weeks ago when he was interviewed at San Diego Comic Con and the possibility of the additional film emerged, and in the linked interview he simply says ‘next year’ for the further filming, presumably after Sherlock Series 3 has completed principal photography in April. As always though, plans are continually subject to change, so unless you hear it from Peter Jackson or those involved in production on The Hobbit, take everything with a degree of caution.

It’s worth noting that the additional filming won’t be for a third film from scratch though. The material already filmed for the second film will be split at a natural break point - and there is definitely one natural break point in the plot we can think of, while avoiding spoilers - with the additional material to be shot being used to bulk out both films.

As to what this additional material will involve - and again avoiding spoilers - it will be drawn from the Appendices of The Lord of the Rings, which feature extension background on parallel narrative events to those depicted in The Hobbit itself, explaining numerous absences for Gandalf throughout the plot. Much of this has already been included in the footage already shot by all accounts, but on viewing the rough cut a real desire to add more material that wouldnt be possible from the already allotted production budget has emerged from the filmmakers. These parallel events will lead directly into The Lord of the Rings trilogy and bolster the narrative of those films, effectively creating a six film series.

Martin Freeman with Andy Serkis, Phillippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, Sir Ian McKellen and Richard Armitage, photographed post panel for The Hobbit at San Diego Comic Con, exclusively for Entertainment Weekly.

“Why did you trust me? What have I ever done to earn that?”

-Steven Moffat, at the SDCC Doctor Who panel

io9.com has an excellent report on the earlier San Diego Comic Con panel for Doctor Who series seven, attended by Steven Moffat, Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill.

Among the revelations are Rupert Graves’ role in S7E2 as Riddell, a big game hunter - and it seems that he will be needed, once you see the episode synopsis - as well as plenty of quotes from Steven Moffat on the new series.

Head over to io9.com to read the full report, but beware of spoilers.

SDCC 2012: Martin Freeman, Andy Serkis and Richard Armitage signing for The Hobbit

A nice selection of pictures via Warner Bros’ Instagram feed of Martin Freeman, Andy Serkis and Richard Armitage signing autogaphs at the Warner Bros Booth on the San Diego Comic Con show floor this afternoon, before The Hobbit panel presentation in Hall H.

Good luck to all those attending San Diego Comic Con today to see Martin Freeman and the cast and crew of The Hobbit in Hall H from 14:30PDT! From previous experience, Arthur Dent’s words in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy are never more apt than in regards to the queue to get into Hall H every year! [Below]

Don’t forget, in addition to the Warners Bros panel there is also a signing with Martin, Richard Armitage and Andy Serkis at the Warner Bros Booth on the show floor today from 11:15PDT until 12:00PDT.

And tomorrow [Sunday July 15], Steven Moffat is part of the Doctor Who panel in Hall H… so the above image will probably apply again!

Now that San Diego Comic Con has rolled around around again, we’re getting our first look at many toys and tie in merhcandise for The Hobbit - and being the title character, Martin Freeman is everywhere, from Action Figures, to Lego, and a variety of other sizes inbetween! We’re collecting the best here, and updating as more are revealed.

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Taken from TV Guide’s summary of the Elementary panel at Comic Con last night, Jonny Lee Miller briefly spoke about a conversation he had with Benedict Cumberbatch on differentiating his interpretation of Holmes from that in BBC Sherlock:

Miller acknowledged that the two talked about their similar projects, but declined to divulge exactly what was said. “We wanted to be sure that it was going to be very different, so that was the conversation that we had,” Miller said. “He’s been very, very supportive actually. We just discussed what a wonderful character it is.”

Read the full TV Guide report on the Elementary Comic Con panel here.

SDCC 2012: Lecticular 3D Bilbo Baggins poster

Ain’t it Cool News has an extensive gallery from San Diego Comic Con preview night, showing many of the showpiece booths on the show floor. Click over to view WETA’s display featuring the full size stone trolls from The Hobbit, as well as the Warner Bros booth featuring some beautiful lecticular 3D posters of characters from the film.

SDCC 2012: Is this the first official Sherlock Tee?

Currently only available from the BBC America Booth #3629 on the San Diego Comic Con show floor.

Some choice quotes from an excellent interview with director Peter Jackson over at Hero Complex on the Los Angeles Times website:

HC: In some ways, Martin Freeman might have more weight on his shoulders than any single actor in the first trilogy. How would you say he’s handling it?

PJ: We adjusted our shooting schedule around Martin’s Sherlock TV series, to enable him to do the movie. We literally couldn’t think of any other actor in the world more perfect to play Bilbo Baggins. Get that casting wrong and the movie falls flat on its face. Martin knocks it out of the park.

HC: Even as well as you know Tolkien, I’m sure the process of making these two new films has presented you with new insights and connections with the material. What surprises have you found in Middle-earth or in the work of the bookshelf wizard?

PJ: As slight as people think the “Hobbit” novel is, compared to the “Lord of the Rings” books, we have been surprised at how rich the world is, and how many interesting themes and characters there are to explore. We are also using extensive parts of the appendices which where published at the end of “Return of the King.” This is not just ”The Hobbit” — it’s “The Hobbit” set in a much greater context of events taking place throughout Middle-earth during this period. The material is so rich. In fact only this last week or two, we’ve been talking to the studio about allowing us to shoot some additional material next year, to fully complete the story.

Read the full interview at the Hero Complex site.