After enduring what seems like an endless series of delays, including director Peter Jackson's hospitalization, the two The Hobbit movies are now finally set to start filming-- almost two months from now. Of course, I feel like I've written this story a dozen times, every time someone promised that the movies were back on track and shooting would start before the end of this or that time period. But this time it seems to be for real, both because it's a press release on the reputable fan site The One Ring, and because Jesus, how much longer can they put this thing off?

According to the release The Hobbit will start shooting on Monday March 21, giving them just under two months to finally get the gears moving and get everyone to the set. Here's some more details you may or may not be looking for:

This date has been chosen following practical considerations of the filming schedule requirements, actor availability and the NZ seasons. Shooting will take place at Stone Street Studios in Miramar and on location around New Zealand.

Confirmed cast include: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Ken Stott, Graham McTavish, William Kircher, James Nesbitt, Stephen Hunter, Rob Kazinsky, Aidan Turner, Peter Hambleton, John Callen, Jed Brophy, Mark Hadlow, Adam Brown, Cate Blanchett, Andy Serkis, Mikael Persbrant, Sylvester McCoy and Elijah Wood. Director, Sir Peter Jackson, comments: “Despite some delays we are fully back on track and very excited to get started.”

As sick as I am of reporting about this movie that does not even exist yet, I'll be a lot happier once we're reporting on set rumors, set photos and the like. At least those are real things, as opposed to endlessly depressing delays. So let's get this started!