Andy Serkis begins filming on 'The Hobbit' in May.

The British actor - who plays the role of Gollum in the 'Lord Of The Rings' trilogy - admits plans are in motion for the film, which he thinks will begin shooting next month.

He said: "It's going to happen. I think it's due to start shooting in May. It's going to be exciting, especially working with new director Guillermo Del Toro, who's fantastic."

Despite starring in the role in performance-capture only, Andy claims to put just as much effort into it as he has with his other recent role as 70s punk icon Ian Dury in 'Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll'.

Speaking on the red carpet for the North American premiere of the movie, he said: "But the thing is I never draw distinctions between acting in a live-action situation to live in a performance capture situation...I'll invest equally as much in a character where I'm completely hidden as I would with someone like Ian."

Recently Sir Ian McKellen - who plays bearded wizard Gandalf in the previous films - confirmed details on 'The Hobbit' movie, but claimed filming would start later than Andy has said.

He said: "The Hobbit's two films start shooting in New Zealand in July. Filming will take over a year. Casting in Los Angeles, New York City and London has started. The Script too proceeds. The first draft is crammed with old and new friends, again on a quest in Middle Earth."