On May 30, 2010, we reported that director Guillermo del Toro was leaving The Hobbit because there was no start date in site.  On March 21st, 2011—295 days later—filming on The Hobbit is set to begin with Peter Jackson now at the helm.  The financial mess that kept the film from going in front of cameras has been abated and the movie has a full cast lined up and ready to shoot what will be a two-part film in 3D.  Part 1 of The Hobbit is set for December 2012 and Part 2 is slated for December 2013.  The One Ring reports that “[March 21st] 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.

Hit the jump for a synopsis of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel.  The Hobbit stars Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Ken Stott, Graham McTavish, James Nesbitt, Aidan Turner, Jed Brophy, Cate Blanchett, Andy Serkis, Mikael Persbrant, Sylvester McCoy, and Elijah Wood.