First look at Return of the King

Here it is - the first still picture from the third and final movie in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Aragorn - played by actor Viggo Mortensen - is the central figure in Return of the King, which will have its world premiere at a specially refurbished Embassy Theatre in Wellington in December.

Hopes are high that Peter Jackson will finally collect the best director Oscar for the sword and sorcery drama, which was filmed in New Zealand.

Mortensen is one of many stars from the movie fans hope will come down to Middle Earth for the world premiere in the director's home town.

Herald Feature: Lord of the Rings