After countless delays, The Hobbit is finally in production.

And with a large amount of worldwide excitement building towards the two films releases, it’s only fair that we start to get our first look at the world, starting with the first official image (exclusive to Entertainment Weekly) of Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins.  And damn, does he just feel right for the part.

Additionally, we have our first look at Ian McKellan as Gandalf the Grey (above), who hasn’t seemed to have aged a moment since Lord of the Rings ten (yes, ten) years ago.

Between these images and the blu-ray release of the Lord of the Rings extended editions on Tuesday, I’m feeling in a proper hobbit mode, and I cannot wait for our return to Middle Earth.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is due to hit theaters on December 14th, 2012. The Hobbit: There and Back Again is set for December 13th, 2013.

Source: EW.com.