Earlier this month, the BBC reported that The Hobbit, an English pub named after J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" series, was being targeted for a potential copyright infringement lawsuit.

The Saul Zaentz Company, the group that owns the rights to Tolkien's "Rings" and "Hobbit," was going after the local establishment for using references to the famous books (i.e. character-themed drinks, signage, etc.).

However, it appears that Gandalf himself has stepped in to save the day.

According to a new BBC report, "Hobbit" stars Ian McKellan and Stephen Fry will pay the copyright licence fee for the Southampton pub, which comes out to about $100 per year.

Yet, despite the actors' saving grace, The Hobbit's landlady, Stella Roberts, is still wary.

"Until everything is in black and white, on paper, we're going to be a bit reserved because it could be $100 this year and $20,000 next year," she said.

To find out more about McKellan and Fry's involvement, head over to the BBC.

"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" will hit theaters December 14.

[via BBC]

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