Peter Jackson shares the final photo of Ian McKellen filming as Gandalf from the set of The Hobbit

As Peter Jackson completes filming scenes for THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG and THERE AND BACK AGAIN, a true sense of closure will come across cast and crew. After this, there will be no more LORD OF THE RINGS movies made and that finality is sinking in for the director and his colleagues.

Jackson posted the below photo on Facebook with the following quote:

Seconds ago we finished our last shot with Gandalf. The end of an incredible adventure that began in 1999. I’m feeling very sad right now.

Whether or not you loved THE HOBBIT as much as THE LORD OF THE RINGS, you have to respect the cinematic accomplishment the films represent. Plus, Ian McKellen is awesome in everything he does. He brought a level of love and care to Gandalf that comes across when you watch the movies. It is a shame that he has not been recognized for his performance with an Oscar.

While Peter Jackson may be sad, we still have two more films to enjoy before we have to say goodbye. So, get ready for the end as THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG opens December 13, 2013 and THE HOBBIT: THERE AND BACK AGAIN opens on December 17, 2014.