Though things have seemingly been progressing, I'm still not convinced that the Hobbit curse has been broken. The production is currently scheduled to begin in New Zealand on March 21, but it's hard to ignore the history of perforated ulcers, fires, failing studios, departing directors, and union issues. Provided everything works out, at least fourteen people are going to be very happy, and they are all pictured below.

Stuff.co.nz has posted the first image of The Hobbit cast, including Martin Freeman, who will be playing the lead role of Bilbo Baggins. The picture was taken in Wellington during a launch press conference that, sadly, Jackson could not attend due to his health. In addition to Freeman, James Nesbitt, Richard Armitage, William Kircher, Peter Hambleton, John Callen, Jed Brophy, Mark Hadlow and others were present and available for the photo.

Check out a cropped version of the image below and head over to Stuff.co.nz to see it full-size.