Jackson confirms Hobbit release dates
Stuff.co.nz
May 31, 2011

Peter Jackson has finally released official titles and release dates for his two digital 3-D films based on The Hobbit.

The first film, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, will be released on December 14, 2012.

The second film, The Hobbit: There and Back Again, is due for release on December 13, 2013.

Jackson announced at the weekend that Orlando Bloom would reprise his role as Legolas, despite his character not appearing in the books.

Another of Jackson's films, an adaptation of the Tintin books, is almost complete.

The Dominion Post

The Hobbit’: Orlando Bloom is back - whether Tolkien purists like it or not
Los Angeles Times
May 27, 2011

Orlando Bloom is ready to slide back in the saddle as the elf-prince Legolas from the “The Lord of the Rings” movies for Peter Jackson’s upcoming two-part adaptation of “The Hobbit.” It’s a move that may irk some die-hard fans of the J.R.R. Tolkien novels — Legolas does not appear in the bookshelf version of “The Hobbit,” a tale set 60 years before “The Lord of the Rings” unfolds.

“Ten years ago, Orlando Bloom created an iconic character with his portrayal of Legolas,” Jackson said in an announcement on his Facebook page. “I’m excited to announce today that we’ll be revisiting Middle Earth with him once more. I’m thrilled to be working with Orlando again. Funny thing is, I look older — and he doesn’t! I guess that’s why he makes such a wonderful elf.”

Bloom, who next appears as the Duke of Buckingham in “The Three Musketeers” in October, is one of several actors from the original “Lord of the Rings” franchise whom Jackson has enlisted for “The Hobbit.” Elijah Wood returns as Frodo Baggins, Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Andy Serkis as Gollum. Also, Cate Blanchett will reprise the role of Galadriel, another character absent from “The Hobbit” novel.

Martin Freeman, best known from the British version of “The Office,” plays the lead role of Bilbo Baggins in the movie, which is currently shooting in New Zealand. The first Hobbit film is slated for release in late 2012, the second in 2013.

One man still in hospital after Hobbit explosion
NZ Herald News
May 25, 2011

One man remains in hospital and another has returned to work on the Hobbit after an "explosion" at the studios where the movies are being filmed.

Fire Service spokesman David Meikle said it was called to the explosion at Stone St Studios in Miramar at 11.24am.

Two people were treated at the scene and taken to hospital by ambulance, he said.

One man remained in hospital for observation and was expected to be released in the next few hours, while the other had returned to work, The Hobbit unit publicist Ceris Price said.

The incident happened in one of the workshops when "a couple of the guys" were drilling a statue, Ms Price said earlier today.

The pair were left with "mild burns but nothing serious" and were taken to hospital as a precaution, she said.

"One of them had some burnt nostril hairs and, apparently if that's the case, there is always the risk of inhalation so they get checked out."

She said calling the incident an explosion was a "slight overstatement" and no fire was caused by the incident.

The Department of Labour had carried out an investigation into the incident with no further action expected, Ms Price said.

NZPA

Explosion at Hobbit studios
NZ Herald News
May 24, 2011

Two workers have been burned in an explosion inside the studios where The Hobbit is being filmed.

Emergency services were called to Stone Street Studios, which is co-owned by director and producer Peter Jackson, after the explosion around 11:20am.

Wellington Free Ambulance spokesman Ross Cameron said initial reports showed gases inside a sculpture being constructed had ignited.

A 25-year-old man suffered superficial facial burns and another patient had burns to their hands, he said.

Ambulance staff treated both at the scene and transported them to hospital - though their injuries were thought to be minor.

A Fire Service spokesman said there was no fire at the studios when firefighters arrived.

The Hobbit unit publicist Ceris Price said calling the incident an explosion was a "slight overstatement".

The incident happened in one of the workshops when "a couple of the guys" were drilling a statue, Ms Price said.

The pair were left with "mild burns but nothing serious" and were taken to hospital as a precaution, she said.

"One of them had some burnt nostril hairs and, apparently if that's the case, there is always the risk of inhalation so they get checked out."

She said no fire was caused by the incident.

Stone Street Studios was used in the production of Lord of the Rings and King Kong and is currently being used as a set for The Hobbit.

Herald Online staff, NZPA

Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch set for Hobbit role
By Tim Masters
BBC News
May 22, 2011

Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch has landed a role in The Hobbit, his Sherlock co-star Martin Freeman says.

Freeman let the news slip backstage at the Bafta TV awards on Sunday, where Sherlock picked up the prize for best drama series.

Freeman plays Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson's two-part fantasy film, due out in 2012-13.

Asked about his role, Cumberbatch remained tight-lipped: "I can't say at the moment, thank you very much."

Freeman said later: "I knew I was a sort of a big mouth but I didn't realise to what extent I was a big mouth, and I've just ruined everything.

"I might not actually go back to a job - they might have just sacked me."

Cumberbatch joins a cast on the Tolkien epic, currently filming in New Zealand, which includes Hugo Weaving and Sir Ian McKellen.

Earlier in the week it was announced that writer and broadcaster Stephen Fry would have a role in The Hobbit playing The Master of Laketown.

Freeman said: "He's a scholar and a gentleman and I'm very pleased to welcome him aboard."

Freeman also played tribute the late actor Edward Hardwicke, who played Dr Watson to Jeremy Brett's Sherlock Holmes in the Granada TV adaptation in the 1980s and 90s.

Hardwicke died last week aged 78.

Freeman said: "He was a great Watson, they were really good adaptations, it was great television.

"I found out when a friend texted me while we were filming the second series of Sherlock, and I texted him back and and said hopefully I'll pick up the torch."

Benedict Cumberbatch joins 'The Hobbit'
By Alex Fletcher
Digital Spy.com
May 22, 2011

Martin Freeman has accidentally revealed that his Sherlock co-star Benedict Cumberbatch has landed a role in The Hobbit.

The actor made the revelation at the 2011 BAFTA Awards after the pair picked up the 'Best Drama' award for the BBC One detective series.

Speaking in the winners' press room, Freeman let slip to reporters that Cumberbatch would be working with him again very soon in Peter Jackson's Tolkien adaptation.

Cumberbatch added afterwards that his casting was supposed to have been kept secret and refused to disclose details about his character.

Freeman later went on to comment: "I knew I was a big mouth, I didn't know how much of a big mouth, and I've ruined everything. And now I might not have a job to go back to!"

Cumberbatch joins a cast which now includes Stephen Fry, Aidan Turner, Hugo Weaving and Sir Ian McKellen.

Peter Jackson and Conan Stevens

Stephen Fry Joins the Cast of THE HOBBIT; Peter Jackson Offers Production Update
By Pietro Filipponi
The Daily BLAM
May 18, 2011

Lord of the Rings veteran Peter Jackson has announced three new addition to the cast of the upcoming two-part adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's famous novel; which is currently filming in New Zealand.

The Hobbit is set in Middle-earth 60 years before Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, which Jackson and his filmmaking team brought to the big screen in the blockbuster trilogy that culminated with the Oscar-winning The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. The two films, with screenplays by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Guillermo del Toro and Peter Jackson, will be shot consecutively in digital 3D using the latest camera and stereo technology. Filming will take place at Stone Street Studios, Wellington, and on location around New Zealand.

Via his Facebook page, director Peter Jackson offers fans new updates on the project which is currently filming in Wellington, New Zealand:

Some more Hobbit casting news today. As we near the end of our first shooting block (we have a break in less than three weeks to get some editing and visual effects work done, plus prepare for very big scenes coming up), we are looking at characters featuring in sequences that take place a little later in the story.

We are thrilled to confirm that Stephen Fry will be playing The Master of Laketown. I've known Stephen for several years, and we're developing a Dambusters movie together. In addition to his writing skills, he's a terrific actor and will create a very memorable "Master" for us.

The Master's conniving civil servant, Alfrid will be played by Ryan Gage. Ryan is a great young actor who we originally cast in a small hobbit role, but we liked him so much, we promoted him to the much larger Alfrid part.

I only joined Bret's fan-base, when he joined up with Jermaine Clement in their hilarious tv series Flight of the Conchords. Now he is briefly back in Rivendell as a senior official at Elrond's Court and he has a name "Lindir", which means "singer". Tolkien has plenty of songs in The Hobbit but the script doesn't indicate that Lindir will be singing any of them. If, as he promises, Bret makes a Conchord feature film ere long, I shall angle for a non-speaking part as BIGWIT. ("Bret Is..." etc.)

Last, and certainly not least, is Conan Stevens, who will be playing an Orc called Azog (orcs are never called Roger or Dennis for some strange reason). And yes that's his name - Conan! Isn't that cool? Azog is played by Conan! Here's a photo of Conan and I together ... I'm pretty tall ... probably at least 6'5" or 6'6" I would guess, so that gives you some clue how tall Conan is! You can learn all about him at www.conanstevens.com.

Got a busy day's shooting ahead, so I'm about to jump in the car - but look out for the beginning of the 20 questions answers very soon. Thanks for the questions - many are very insightful. I've been through all of them and have a list ready to go.

Cheers, Peter J

The Hobbit follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakensheild. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever … Gollum.

Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities...A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

Martin Freeman takes the title role as Bilbo Baggins and Ian McKellen returns in the role of Gandalf the Grey. The Dwarves are played by Richard Armitage (Thorin Oakenshield), Ken Stott (Balin), Graham McTavish (Dwalin), William Kircher (Bifur) James Nesbitt (Bofur), Stephen Hunter (Bombur), Rob Kazinsky (Fili), Aidan Turner (Kili), Peter Hambleton (Gloin), John Callen (Oin), Jed Brophy (Nori), Mark Hadlow (Dori) and Adam Brown (Ori). Reprising their roles from “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy are Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, Andy Serkis as Gollum and Elijah Wood as Frodo. Flight of the Concords star Bret McKenzie will play the elf Lindir; while Jeffrey Thomas, Mike Mizrahi, Dean O'Gorman & Lee Pace have recently signed on to portray various Elves and Dwarves.

Source: Peter Jackson Facebook

Stephen Fry

Peter Jackson adds Stephen Fry to his 'Hobbit' cast
By Anthony Pearson
Monsters and Critics
May 19, 2011

Director Peter Jackson has added English acting favourite Stephen Fry to his not so hobbit sized cast of the two part adaptation of Tokliens' "The Hobbit." The director also announced via his Facebook page that Ryan Gage and Conan Stevens have also joined the cast.

Stephen Fry best known for his many credits on film and television will play the role of The Master of Laketown. Jackson heaped praise on the British actor saying;

"I've known Stephen for several years, and we're developing a DAMBUSTERS movie together. In addition to his writing skills, he's a terrific actor and will create a very memorable Master for us."

Also added to the ever expanding cast are Ryan Gage and Conan Stevens. Ryan, who originally was set for a minor role as Drogo Baggins in the films, impressed the director Peter Jackson so much that he decided to promote the actor to a more important role. Ryan will play the role of the masters conniving civil servant, Alfrid.

The towering Aussie actor Conan Stevens will take on the role of the orc called Azog. Peter Jackson added in good humour;

"Conan Stevens, who will be playing an Orc called Azog (Orcs are never called Roger or Dennis for some strange reason). And yes that's his name - Conan! Isn't that cool? Azog is played by Conan! Here's a photo (at bottom of the article) of Conan and I together... I'm pretty tall, probably at least 6'5" or 6'6" I would guess, so that gives you some clue how tall Conan is!"

"The Hobbit: Part I" is expected for release worldwide from December 2012, while "The Hobbit: Part II" is set to hit exactly a year later.

Local Shire hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), uncle of Frodo Baggins, is living a quiet, peaceful life until Gandalf the Grey (Ian Mckellen) and a band of wandering dwarves show up to hire Bilbo for a quest that entails defeating the dragon Smaug and recovering a treasure.

Fans cheer Stephen Fry casting in Hobbit movie
By Gyles Beckford
Reuters
May 19, 2011

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Stephen Fry has been cast as a mayor in the "Hobbit" movies being made in New Zealand by Peter Jackson -- a move widely cheered by fans of the English comedian, actor and writer.

Filming began in March on the two long-awaited movies after the project narrowly avoided being moved out of New Zealand, with Jackson, a New Zealand native who made the hit Oscar-winning "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, directing.

Fry will play the Master of Laketown, Jackson said on his Facebook page. The character is said to be smart, but greedy and deceptive.

"In addition to his writing skills, he's a terrific actor and will create a very memorable Master for us," Jackson added.

Jackson also announced that Ryan Gage will play the mayor's servant, Alfrid, after being originally cast in a more minor role. Conan Stevens from the American medieval fantasy television program "Game of Thrones," who stands 2.13 metres (7 feet) tall, will play an Orc called Azog.

More than 3,000 people on Facebook said they "liked" the announcement, with many especially cheering the choice of Fry.

"Genius. The Hobbit is going to be filled with people you love and admire, hello Stephen Fry!" wrote one.

The cast also includes Oscar winner Cate Blanchett, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom, Ken Stott, and Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins.

Jackson said the cast and some of the film crew will soon be taking a break on the filming of the two movies, which started in late March.

"As we near the end of our first shooting block we are looking at characters featuring in sequences that take place a little later in the story," he added.

The first of the two movies will be released in December 2012 and the second is expected a year later.

"The Hobbit" is based on the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who lives in the land of Middle-earth and goes on a quest to find treasure guarded by a dragon.

The book, first published in 1937, is the precursor to the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, which also takes place in Middle-earth and Jackson turned into a hit Oscar-winning series.

The Hobbit movies have been beset by a succession of problems, most notably the threat last year by Warner Bros movie studio to move production overseas because of fears labour unions would impose a boycott to back demands for a collective contract.

Fry and Jackson are also co-operating on a script for a remake of the classic British war movie, "Dam Busters", about air raids on German dams in World War II, Jackson said.

(Writing by Gyles Beckford, editing by Elaine Lies)

'Sherlock' Season 2 Heads into Core Production as Freeman Takes Break from ‘Hobbit’
By Bags - BuzzFocus.com
May 13, 2011

Fans of BBC’s Sherlock can rejoice, production is shifting into full gear now that Martin Freeman has taken a break from work on The Hobbit: Part 1.

In Sherlock, Freeman plays Sherlock Holmes sidekick and partner Dr. Watson. The premiere season, created by Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, featured four 90-minute episodes that felt more like standalone movies. The breakout series was heralded as one of 2010′s best new shows. Freeman also stars as Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson’s adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit.

Hobbit co-star Sir Ian McKellen, who is reprising his role as Gandalf, has taken the helm on the film’s PR. Due to a production conflict arrangements were made for Freeman to take a short break from Hobbit filming to work on Sherlock.

“Martin Freeman has left The Hobbit. This is not another April Fool, just a May Fact.” McKellen announced on his blog.

“Before signing as Bilbo, Martin had agreed to make three 90-minute TV films in London, again playing Dr Watson to Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock Holmes.

“No worries: he’ll be back in Middle Earth after our first hiatus, during which Peter Jackson will have spare time to edit the scenes already completed.”

The Hobbit will be a two part film with the first film expected to open in December 2012. Saoirse Ronan (Hanna) recently revealed that despite rumors she will not be appearing in the movie.

Ian McKellen confirms Martin Freeman has left The Hobbit but only to film Sherlock
By Sophie Eager - Monsters and Critics
May 13, 2011

Ian McKellen has confirmed that Martin Freeman has left The Hobbit movie but only to film Sherlock before returning to the set later this year.

Freeman is set to play the role of Bilbo Baggins in the new movie by Peter Jackson but he has got other commitments such as a role in the BBC show Sherlock.

He wrote on his website: 'Martin Freeman has left The Hobbit. This is not another April Fool, just a May Fact.

'Before signing as Bilbo, Martin had agreed to make three 90-minute TV films in London, again playing Dr Watson to Benedict Cumberbatch's Sherlock Holmes.

'No worries: he'll be back in Middle Earth after our first hiatus, during which Peter Jackson will have spare time to edit the scenes already completed.

'The rest of the cast remains on duty for another few weeks, working on hobbit-less sections of the film. These involve dwarves of course but also elves, with Hugo Weaving back for a stretch as Lord Elrond.'

Hugo Weaving Confirmed For ‘The Hobbit,’ Saoirse Ronan Not Appearing
By Russ Fischer - /Film.com
May 10, 2011

Peter Jackson is shooting The Hobbit in New Zealand right now, and today Sir Ian McKellen has confirmed a long-standing cast rumor: Hugo Weaving will indeed be seen in the film(s) as the elf lord Elrond. More info on that after the break, along with the final confirmation that Saoirse Ronan won’t make it to Middle-Earth after all. Ian McKellen said on his blog,

Martin Freeman has left The Hobbit. This is not another April Fool, just a May Fact. Before signing as Bilbo, Martin had agreed to make three 90-minute TV films in London, again playing Dr Watson to Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock Holmes. No worries: he’ll be back in Middle Earth after our first hiatus, during which Peter Jackson will have spare time to edit the scenes already completed. The rest of the cast remains on duty for another few weeks, working on hobbit-less sections of the film. These involve dwarves of course but also elves, with Hugo Weaving back for a stretch as Lord Elrond.

Don’t worry about that bit about Martin Freeman leaving the film - as explained there, he’s just off to shoot some more Sherlock Holmes while The Hobbit carries on, and he’ll be back soon. Ian McKellen’s entry also talks about Sylvester McCoy playing Radagast the Brown and Bret McKenzie playing an elf named Lindir. That’s all info we’ve known, but if you want the actor’s own personal spin on it, definitely hit the link above.

And while we’re on the subject of The Hobbit and casting rumors, Saoirse Ronan finally said that she won’t be in the film(s) after months of speculation put her in the role of an elf. Interest in other projects and the scheduling that goes with them is the problem, as she said, “It’s probably not going to work out with The Hobbit unfortunately. Because I would have been working for about a year on it and there were other projects that I was very interested in, but Pete and [his producer wife] Fran have been very good about it and very understanding.”

The Hobbit’ Updates: Hugo Weaving Returns As Elrond, Martin Freeman Leaves For ‘Sherlock Holmes’
By Josh Wigler - MTV Movies Blog
May 10, 2011

Brace yourself for a May Fact, as Sir Ian McKellen so aptly describes it: Martin Freeman has left "The Hobbit."

Okay, no need to panic - Freeman's gone for now, not for good. McKellen provided a lengthy "Hobbit" update on his blog today, explaining that the man behind Bilbo Baggins has left the set to resume work on a batch of "Sherlock Holmes" telemovies. Once he's finished with those projects, he'll return to Middle-Earth to finish out his crucial role on "The Hobbit."

If your stress levels aren't down yet, how about this nugget of goodness: Hugo Weaving is indeed returning to "The Hobbit" after all.

The on-screen wizard writes that despite Freeman's current absence, "the rest of the cast remains on duty for another few weeks, working on hobbit-less sections of the film. These involve dwarves of course but also elves, with Hugo Weaving back for a stretch as Lord Elrond." That certainly explains what Weaving was doing on "The Hobbit" set recently, doesn't it?

McKellen wouldn't elaborate much more on Weaving's return to Middle-Earth, though he did put the spotlight on "Flight of the Conchords" frontman Bret McKenzie. The artist formerly known in "Lord of the Rings" lore as Figwit (or, as McKellen explains, "Frodo Is Great! Who Is That?") appears in the two-part "Hobbit" as an elf named Lindir, which means "singer" in elvish.

"Tolkien has plenty of songs in 'The Hobbit' but the script doesn't indicate that Lindir will be singing any of them," the actor said of McKenzie's part. "If, as he promises, Bret makes a Conchord feature film ere long, I shall angle for a non-speaking part as BIGWIT. ('Bret Is...' etc.)"

Saoirse Ronan won't star in The Hobbit, Hanna actress reveals
Joanne McCabe - Metro.co.uk
May 10, 2011

Saoirse Ronan won't star in The Hobbit, Peter Jackson's hotly anticipated adaptation of the JRR Tolkien novel, the Hanna actress has revealed.

The 17-year-old has been the subject of Hobbit-themed speculation for some time, though the nature of her supposed role in the two-part Lord of the Rings prequel remained undisclosed (some reports hinted that she would play warrior wood-elf Itaril).

Ros Hubbard, a member of the film's casting team, previously popped the names of Saoirse and a few fellow Celtic stars - including James Nesbitt and Being Human star Aidan Turner - into the mix during an interview with The Irish Film & Television Network.

Saoirse also worked with director Jackson on The Lovely Bones in the past, further fuelling the rumour fire.

'I won't be able to do The Hobbit unfortunately,' Saoirse has now told Digital Spy. 'I would have been tied up for quite a long period of time and there's a lot of projects in the meantime that are also really interesting and I'd like to be a part of.'

The young star revealed that she will, however, be following the progress of the project through the medium of Sir Jackson's blog.

The Hobbit, with Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins, is set for release in December 2012. The second part will follow a year later.

Kiwi actor steps into Hobbit breach
Stuff.co.nz - The Dominion Post
May 2, 2011

The gods are smiling on a Kiwi actor. Film director Sir Peter Jackson has announced that The Almighty Johnsons actor Dean O'Gorman will star in The Hobbit as Fili the dwarf.

Jackson said on his Facebook page that O'Gorman was "a terrific Kiwi actor, who I am thrilled to be working with".

O'Gorman, 34, will replace British actor Rob Kazinsky, who left the production last month for personal reasons. O'Gorman is one of the stars of TV3's The Almighty Johnsons, a story of Norse gods living in modern New Zealand.

He has appeared in Shortland Street, Xena: Warrior Princess and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.

Jackson said the shooting schedule would not conflict with The Almighty Johnsons' second series next year.

He also announced that Lee Pace would be playing the Elven King Thrandruil.

Hugo Weaving will reprise his role as Elrond the elf for the two-part Hobbit movie now being shot in Wellington. The Hobbit spokeswoman Melissa Booth confirmed that Weaving would feature in Jackson's 3-D prequel to The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

The confirmation came after reports circulated that Weaving was spotted in Wellington last week.

"One of my more reputable spies ... has reported seeing Hugo Weaving here in Wellington ... shopping at Commonsense Organics, the fruit and vege market in Wakefield St," The Noldor Blog reported. "Of course he shops organics. He's the lord of the elves, for goodness sake."

Weaving, who played Agent Smith in The Matrix, featured largely in the first Rings film, The Fellowship of the Ring.

His character Elrond is the father of Arwen, played in Rings by Liv Tyler.

In June 2009, when Jackson was to be executive producer of The Hobbit, then-director Guillermo del Toro said Weaving would be part of the movie.

Other stars returning for The Hobbit include Sir Ian Holm as the older Bilbo Baggins, Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Andy Serkis as Gollum, and Orlando Bloom as Legolas.

Elijah Wood is reprising his role as Frodo Baggins, even though the character did not appear in J R R Tolkien's book of The Hobbit, which is set 60 years before the trilogy.

Casting Update For Peter Jackson's 'The Hobbit'
By Hannah Shaw-Williams
FilmShaft.com
May 2, 2011

Those of you who have been following the development of Peter Jackson's The Hobbit - the long-awaited prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy - were probably paying attention last October when New Line Cinema announced a preliminary cast for the film, including Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins, 'Being Human' actor Aidan Turner as the dwarf Kili and a whole host of faces returning from the first three films, including Andy Serkis, Elijah Wood and Ian McKellen.

At the time British actor Robert Kazinsky was named to play Fili, Kili's twin brother (I hope you're keeping up, we haven't even got on to Dori, Nori, Ori, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, Oin or Gloin yet) but recently pulled out of the project as he needed to return home for personal reasons. Kazinsky has been replaced by Kiwi actor Dean O' Gorman who, if you're a geek like me, you'll recognise from TV shows 'Hercules: The Legendary Journeys' and 'Young Hercules', where he played Young Iolaus. It's good to see Jackson making the most of local talent, since the bulk of The Hobbit will be filmed in the old Lord of the Rings stomping ground of New Zealand.

The second casting announcement made is for the role of the Elven King Thranduil, and it's none other than Lee Pace, who played the lead role in 'Pushing Daisies' - Bryan Fuller's odd-but-endearing TV series about a man with the power to bring the dead back to life. According to an interview with Peter Jackson, the actor was chosen based on his performance in adventure fantasy film 'The Fall':

"Casting these Tolkien stories is very difficult, especially the Elven characters, and Lee has always been our first choice for Thranduil. He’s going to be great."

Confident words from Jackson, and it can't be denied that he has an excellent track record with Tolkien adaptations; The Lord of the Rings trilogy made nearly $3 billion worldwide from box office sales alone and between them the films were nominated for 30 Academy Awards, winning more than half the awards they were nominated for. In summary, this is probably a production worth keeping tabs on.

'The Hobbit' Finds The Elven King and New Fili
Aceshowbiz.com
May 2, 2011

Director Peter Jackson has tapped Lee Pace to star as the Elven King Thranduil in "The Hobbit". He has also found an actor to portray Fili, casting New Zealand actor Dean O'Gorman to replace Rob Kazinsky, who left the role vacant earlier in April.

Peter has taken to his Facebook page to reveal the casting news. The post read, "Dean O'Gorman will be playing Fili. Dean's a terrific Kiwi actor, who I am thrilled to be working with. He's recently been in an excellent TV series down here called 'The Almighty Johnsons', and I should let fans of that show know that our shooting schedule allows Dean to continue with a second series next year. Dean will be joining us next week."

"I'm also pleased to announce that Lee Pace will be playing the Elven King Thranduil," the message went on. "Casting these Tolkien stories is very difficult, especially the Elven characters, and Lee has always been our first choice for Thranduil. He's going to be great. We loved his performance in a movie called 'The Fall' a few years ago, and have been hoping to work with him since. When we were first discussing who would be right for Thranduil, Lee came into mind almost immediately."

Additionally, Hugo Weaving allegedly will reprise his "Lord of the Rings" role as Elrond. Stuff (via Cinema Blend) has reported that Melissa Booth, "The Hobbit" spokesperson, has confirmed to the site about rumor suggesting that Hugo was spotted in Wellington.

In "Lord of the Rings" mythology, Thranduil is the father of Legolas and plays a supporting role in "The Hobbit", while Fili is one of the Bilbo Baggins' dwarf companions. As for Elrond, he is the father of Arwen, played in "Lord of the Rings" trilogy by Liv Tyler.

Lee is best known for his role on ABC series "Pushing Daisies" as Ned. The role made him nominated for Best Actor in a Television Series Musical or Comedy at 2008 Golden Globe Awards. He has also starred in "Marmaduke" as Phil Winslow. He will appear in "The Twilight Saga's Breaking Dawn" as Garrett.

Meanwhile, Dean started his acting career by appearing on the television movie, "The Rogue Stallion", at the age of fourteen. He also appeared as multiple characters on "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" and "Xena: Warrior Princess". He made guest appearances on shows including "Go Girls" and "The Cult".

Hugo is best known as Agent Smith in "The Matrix" trilogy. He has also voiced Megatron in the first two films of "Transformers" franchise, and will be once again providing voice for Megatron in "Transformers: Dark of the Moon". He will next be seen in "Captain America: The First Avenger".

"The Hobbit" follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever.

The fantasy film has Martin Freeman taking the main role as Bilbo, and Richard Armitage playing Thorin. Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood and Orlando Bloom reprise their role as Gandalf the Grey, Frodo Baggins, and Legolas respectively. Fran Walsh, Guillermo del Toro, and Philippa Boyens team up to pen the script for the film which is due in December 2012.

Based on a novel by J. R. R. Tolkien, "The Hobbit" is split into two parts which are shot back-to-back. The second installment, "The Hobbit 2", is expected to hit theaters in 2013.

Email: lmr909@hotmail.com