The Hobbit (film series) was written by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Jackson, and Guillermo del Toro, who was originally chosen to direct before his departure from the project. The films take place in the fictional world of Middle-earth sixty years before the beginning of "The Lord of the Rings", and follow hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), who is convinced by the wizard Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen) to accompany thirteen dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage), on a quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch). The films also expand upon certain elements from the novel and
The History of The Hobbit to "The Hobbit", including abandoned revisions for the unpublished third edition of the work, intended for 1960, as well as previously unpublished original maps and illustrations drawn by Tolkien himself. "The History of" The Hobbit: "Volume I: Mr. Baggins". This contains the first half of Tolkien’s draft material for "The Hobbit", along with commentary. It was published in the UK on 4 May 2007. "The History of" The Hobbit: "Volume II: Return to Bag-End", contains the last half of Tolkien’s original manuscript draft, with commentary and later drafts and appendices. It was published in the UK on 18 June 2007.