The Real Giant Rabbits That Inspired Peter Jackson For "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey"

BuzzFeed - Yes, these giant rabbits really do exist, and yes, you can have one in your house if you want it. Plus: exclusive video! In The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the wizard Radagast the Brown rides on a sleigh pulled by giant "Rhosgobel Rabbits" — creatures that were very much not in J.R.R. Tolkein's beloved book. Warner Bros. & New Line Cinema In this exclusive clip from the extended edition Blu-ray for the film (out Nov. 5), director and co-screenwriter Peter Jackson reveals that these fantasy rabbits are based on quite real giant rabbits that exist in real life and are real. View Video › Warner Bros. Pictures & New Line Cinema The most common breed of giant rabbit is called the Flemish Giant, and they've actually been around since roughly the 16th century. They were initially bred in Belgium for meat and fur, but eventually, their flopsy adorableness became too overpowering.Source: The Maryland Zoo Flickr: tjflex / Creative Commons By 1893, Flemish Giants