New Zealanders Take to the Street to Protest 'The Hobbit's' Possible Relocation

According to the Guardian U.K., as the Prime Minister of New Zealand is gearing up to meet with film executives, The Hobbit’s biggest fans are showing their support and rallying in the streets of New Zealand in an attempt to keep the film in the country it originated in.

About 2-3,000 New Zealanders have taken to the streets dressed as their favorite characters from JRR Tolkien, after producers revealed they might have to relocate to another country for production of the Lord of the Rings prequel.

Due to a disagreement with a local union, producers have hinted that filming for the movie might be relocated to the U.K., Canada, Australia, or Europe.

Prime Minister John Key told reporters on Monday, "I'd love to tell you it's a done deal, but we're a long way away from being a done deal," adding, "There are a number of issues that we'd need to resolve."

Reports say that a final decision will be made later this week when Key meets with Warner executives to try and solve the crisis. Filming is scheduled to begin next February.