[Weapon XIX]

It's three movies including a lot of content from the appendices - The White Council, Dol-Guldur and the Necromancer - and you know how PJ has a penchant for large battle so expect way more of the Battle of Five Armies than you though possible. I'm totally fine with three movies. I love Jackson's take on Middle Earth and couldn't get enough of the special features and extended editions, so I can't see an additional movie as anything but a good thing. It just means there's going to be far less left on the cutting room floor.

As for the toys, I wouldn't expect to see Smaug this time around. He'll likely be the focal point of the second movie, so he'll likely be out for that. And since he's likely to be very big, I'm sure thy'll save something oversized for the holiday season, when folks are more ikely to spend more money on big ticket items.

As for the rest, I'm psyched! I've got the 1/18 figure pre-ordered, at least the ones planned for release on 10/1. there are many more that I can't wait to get my hands on as well, especially the beast packs, trolls, Legolas, and more. I hope we see pics of other stuff soon and I still have my fingers crossed for the Lotr trilogy figures. Here's hoping that three movies across two holiday seasons and one summer blockbuster season will keep Tolkien figures on the shelves for at least three years!