I know, you can’t wait for The Hobbit to come out this December and then for the sequel to come out next year. It’s going to be a long, agonizing wait that’s made longer and more agonizing after The Dark Knight Rises comes out.

But the films have finally stopped shooting. Yep, they’re all done. Peter Jackson posted this photo on Facebook with the following statement.

“We made it! Shoot day 266 and the end of principal photography on The Hobbit. Thanks to our fantastic cast and crew for getting us this far, and to all of you for your support! Next stop, the cutting room. Oh, and Comic Con! Cheers, Peter J.”

This is where some hard work starts though. Jackson and his editing team will have to cut together the entire film and then re-edit and re-edit until it’s perfect. They’ll also probably be finalizing any special effects and, of course, finishing up the score for the film. Then he gets to do it all over again for the second part of The Hobbit, coming out next year. [Facebook via The Wrap]

peter jackson, the hobbit