Hollywood Popular Artists

Sep 25th 2012, 15:33

At long last we have our first look at Evangeline Lilly as Tauriel in "The Hobbit," but it comes from from a rather unlikely source.

Some of the first toys and collectibles from "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" have begun to be released, and TheOneRing.net stopped by Toys"R"Us to check them out. Lilly's likeness as Tauriel was one of the images teased on the boxed sets available, and a package featuring figurines of both Tauriel and Orlando Bloom's Legolas implies that the two characters' roles will be entwined.

Like Liv Tyler before her, Lilly seems to be perfectly suited for her Elven garb and look. We have yet to see Tauriel in action in any of "The Hobbit" trailers, but we've been excited about her involvement in the movie ever since the "Lost" actress was first announced as a cast member. The inclusion of Tauriel has sparked some anger in the "Lord of the Rings" fan community because she is a character created by "The Hobbit" screenwriters and isn't from J.R.R. Tolkien's stories.

TheOneRing.net posits that Tauriel and Legolas might not appear in "An Unexpected Journey," even though these toys have been released in conjunction with the movie's release. The site explains that the merchandising line-up was decided before director Peter Jackson announced he would make three "The Hobbit" movies instead of two, and that Tauriel and Legolas's scenes actually might have been bumped back to "The Desolation of Smaug" after they were originally planned to appear in "An Unexpected Journey." If that's the case, these toys could be considered some serious collectibles.

"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" is due in theaters on December 14, 2012. "The Desolation of Smaug" will hit theaters on December 13, 2013 with "There and Back Again" following on July 18, 2014.

Are you intrigued by Tauriel as a character, or annoyed by her involvement in the movie? Tell us in the comments section below or on Twitter!

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