If you're hearing a high pitched squealing noise that you just can't seem to get out of your head, don't worry: it's not a car alarm, air raid siren or ear infection.
It's actually just the sound of tens of millions of people worldwide letting out squees of pure glee over the fact that the first official photos from "The Hobbit" have just been released.
Go ahead and join in.
As you know, "The Hobbit," which is currently being filmed in New Zealand by "Lord of the Rings" director Peter Jackson, isn't scheduled to arrive in theaters until December, 2012. But since Jackson is a benevolent cinematic overlord, he has decided to give his loyal followers a sneak peek at the hotly anticipated adaptation of the classic J.R.R. Tolkien novel.
And he's given us not one, but three cool photos courtesy of Entertainment Weekly, the first of which shows Bilbo Baggins himself (Martin Freeman) entertaining a slew of dwarves in the comfort of his hobbit hole. Fans also get a glimpse of Jackson himself working with Freeman on a scene, as well as a look at Ian McKellen, reprising his iconic role of Gandalf the Grey.
But enough chit chat. A picture is worth a thousand words, so here's a thousand on the most highly anticipated film in the world. Just remember to cover your ears before you look, because we have a feeling you'll be screaming for joy by the time you're done -- and check out the other two at EW.com.
