Director Peter Jackson's defending his decision to split the upcoming Hobbit movie into three films.

Ahead of its Royal UK premiere in London tonight, he is being criticised for expanding the saga beyond just two films - but stresses his decision was inspired by the book's late author JRR Tolkien.

Peter says his primary goal with the Hobbit series is to please Tolkien's most loyal fans.

Director has also defended shooting the film in a new 'faster' format

Some film critics also aren't impressed with the results of the decision to shoot at 48 frames per second.

They say it makes the movie look too fake - and has even made some of them feel sick.

On this point, Jackson says he'll never be able to please the traditionalists:

Jackson didn't even meet Martin Freeman before casting him in title role

The Office actor stars as the main character, Bilbo Baggins, in the film.

Jackson says Freeman was his only choice for the part - and even halted filming so that the actor could fit Sherlock into his schedule.

And Martin says he's ready for the level of attention being in this film will bring:

Actor says he was excited to play Gollum once again in the film

Andy Serkis features in the movie in one of the most iconic scenes ever written by JRR Tolkein - Gollum and Bilbo's 'Game of Riddles'.

But Andy admits that he initially found it hard to get back into character - as it has been impersonated so much after the Lord of the Rings trilogy:

The Hobbit is released in cinemas across Ireland on Thursday 13th December.