Final Hobbit film premieres in London
The world premiere of the last of Peter Jackson's Hobbit films is a bittersweet moment for fans around the world who have been waiting for the trilogy's final piece.
The release of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies marks the end of a 15-year journey to English author J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, which began with the first of the Lord of the Rings trilogy released in the 2001.
London's iconic Leicester Square has been transformed into Middle-earth for the occasion, attended by Sir Peter Jackson himself.
Among the first stars to arrive at the launch were Orlando Bloom, who plays Legolas, and Gandalf's Sir Ian McKellen.
"It feels wonderful to get all of the gang back together," said Bloom.
Other stars attending the premiere include Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Evangeline Lilly, Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis and Stephen Fry.
Some fans are disappointed Wellington missed out on hosting the final premiere, although Kiwis were able to watch the premiere online through a live stream and the Roxy Cinema screened it at the same time as the London premiere.
A select group of fans were attended a special preview screening of the movie at Jackson's private theatre in Wellington in November.
The film is released in New Zealand on December 11.
The premiere comes a week before the director is due to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in prime position outside the Dolby Theatre where the Academy Awards are held.
