New Look At Martin Freeman As Bilbo In 'The Hobbit,' Trailer Will Appear Online Tomorrow

While the Steven Spielberg-directed “The Adventures of Tintin” finally reaches theaters stateside this week, it will also bring along a lovely gift for fans of that film’s executive producer and “Lord of the Rings” trilogy mastermind Peter Jackson. As we told you back in November, the trailer for “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is set to play in front of the much anticipated Spielberg blockbuster, but for fans eager to get another early taste of Jackson’s return to Middle Earth, a new image may provide you with the sort of sneak peek you’ve been waiting for.

While we saw a barrage of images of new wave-looking dwarves this past summer, there have only been a few glimpses of actor Martin Freeman in the lead role of Bilbo Baggins in the latest adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s literary works. Though it looks as if popular UK periodical Empire Magazine has heard fan’s wishes for more “Hobbit” action, as their brand new 2012 preview issue  includes a new look at Freeman filling the fur covered feet of Baggins.

There’s a pretty good chance that this image, featuring Freeman in character as Baggins staring longingly into the distance with a couple of supporting players surrounding him, could have just been lifted from the trailer we’ll all surely be watching in a few days.  For fans that’ve been salivating over the film’s various production blogs and early images, this won’t provide much excitement. Though it does give us an early glimpse of what we’re in for once we buy our ticket for “Tintin.”

“The Hobbit:  An Unexpected Journey” also stars Cate Blanchett, Elijah Wood, Hugo Weaving, Lee Pace, Ian McKellen, Christopher Lee, and Andy Serkis, to name a few of the impressive cast. We’ll be able to see if Jackson captures his old blockbuster magic in Middle Earth this time next year, as the film is set for release on December 14, 2012, while the first trailer will be going online at 7PM PST, and 10PM EST, Tuesday night. [via Twitch]