Cate Blanchett gets role in The Hobbit
CBC News - Film
December 8, 2010

Director Peter Jackson will bring Cate Blanchett back to the screen in The Hobbit, reprising the role of Galadriel, which she played in his Lord of the Rings trilogy.

J.R.R. Tolkien's original fantasy tale The Hobbit does not actually mention Galadriel, a leader of the elf people who made a powerful impression in Lord of the Rings.

But Jackson appears to ready to tamper with Tolkien's story to bring back a popular character. He is reported to be beefing up the female roles in The Hobbit, notably lacking in all of Tolkien's work.

Blanchett is an Australian actor and theatre director who also appeared in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Elizabeth: The Golden Age.

The Hobbit is set to begin filming in New Zealand next February, after Jackson worked out his differences with local film unions.

Other casting that has been confirmed:

Radagast the Brown, a wizard friend of Gandalf, to be played by Scottish actor Sylvester McCoy.
The dwarf Balin, to be played by Scottish actor Ken Stott.
Beorn, to be played by Swedish actor Mikael Persbrandt.
The hobbit Drogo, to be played by British actor Ryan Gage.
Dwarves Nori and Bifur, to be played by New Zealand actors Jed Brophy and William Kircher.

Ian McKellen has not yet been confirmed in the role of Gandalf, the wizard. Martin Freeman was previously announced to play hero Bilbo Baggins and Richard Armitage will portray Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the Company of Dwarves.

Cate Blanchett joins Hobbit cast
Stuff.co.nz
December 8, 2010

Australian actress Cate Blanchett will reprise the role of Galadriel in Peter Jackson's adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit.

New Line and Warner Bros made the announcement today.

Blanchett played the role of the elf in Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy but the character does not appear in Tolkien's Hobbit.

"Cate is one of my favorite actors to work with and I couldn't be more thrilled to have her reprise the role she so beautifully brought to life in the earlier films," Jackson said of Blanchett in a statement.

Jackson also announced other actors who will join the film.

Ken Stott (Charlie Wilson's War) will play the Dwarf Lord Balin; Sylvester McCoy (Doctor Who) will play the wizard Radagast the Brown; Swedish actor Mikael Persbrandt will play the shape-shifting bear-man Beorn; British actor Ryan Gage will play Drogo Baggins; and New Zealand actors Jed Brophy and William Kircher will play the dwarves Nori and Bifur.

The new actors join the previously cast Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins and Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield.

There's still no official word on Sir Ian McKellen's return as Gandalf the Grey.

McKellan has stated on his official web site that he will reprise his role from the Lord of the Rings films but has yet to be officially announced as part of the cast.

Cate Blanchett Joining The Hobbit Cast
TheHDRoom
December 8, 2010

Cate Blanchett will don pointy ears again in surprisingly reprising her role as Galadriel from The Lord of the Rings trilogy in Peter Jackson's two The Hobbit films, Deadline reports. The character did not appear in The Hobbit books but Jackson felt strongly enough about her to write her into the story.

Also joining The Hobbit cast today as dwarves are Ken Stott (Charlie Wilson's War) as Lord Balin, Jed Brophy (The Lord of the Rings) as Nori, and William Kircher as Bifur. Sylvester McCoy (Dr. Who) will portray the wizard Radagast the Brown, Mikael Persbrandt (Day and Night) will blur his body as the shape-shifter Beorn, and Ryan Gage (Outlaw) is set as Drogo Baggins. These new actors join Martin Freeman (BBC's The Office) as Bilbo Baggins, Ian McKellen reprising his role as Galdalf and - though unconfirmed but anticipated - Andy Serkis creating the movements for Gollum.

Production on The Hobbit films will get underway in New Zealand this upcoming February.

BBC News - Cate Blanchett joins The Hobbit cast
December 8, 2010

Oscar-winning-actress Cate Blanchett will reprise her Lord Of The Rings role of Galadriel for the trilogy's prequel The Hobbit, it has been confirmed.

Director Peter Jackson said he was "thrilled" she had signed up as she is one of his "favourite actors to work with".

Jackson, who directed all three Lord of the Rings films is making two movies based on the novel by JRR Tolkien.

The Office star Martin Freeman will play the key role of Bilbo Baggins.

Scottish actors Ken Stott and Sylvester McCoy have also been cast in the films.

Blanchett, who won her Oscar for the 2004 film The Aviator, will portray Elven leader Galadriel, the Lady of Lothlorien.

"Cate is one of my favourite actors to work with, and I couldn't be more thrilled to have her reprise the role she so beautifully brought to life in the earlier films," Jackson said in a statement.

Shooting will begin in New Zealand in February, although Warner Bros and New Line had considered taking the production elsewhere after acting unions threatened to boycott the films in a row over wages.

The first instalment of The Hobbit is expected to be released in December 2012, with the second following a year later.

Cate Blanchett returns as Galadriel as cast added to The Hobbit
News.com.au December 8, 2010

CATE Blanchett is, rather oddly, returning to the world of JRR Tolkien as a host of actors are added to Peter Jackson's The Hobbit.

Blanchett has agreed to reprise her role as the powerful elf Galadriel, while Ken Stott, Sylvester McCoy, Mikael Persbrandt, Ryan Gage, Jed Brophy and William Kircher are also aboard.

Lord of the Rings veteran Galadriel doesn't feature in The Hobbit, she's old enough to appear in the film's timeline, and she’s also in The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales.

"Cate is one of my favourite actors to work with and I couldn't be more thrilled to have her reprise the role she so beautifully brought to life in the earlier films," said the film's director Peter Jackson.

McCoy, still probably best known as the seventh actor to play The Doctor in Doctor Who, has won the role of wizard Radagast the Brown. His casting had been tipped.

Swedish actor Mikael Persbrandt’s casting was also leaked. Jackson has confirmed that he’s playing the shape shifter Beorn.

"The role of Beorn is an iconic one and Mikael was our first choice for the part. Since seeing him read for the role we can't imagine anyone else playing this character," said Jackson.

Stott (Charlie Wilson’s War) is playing Dwarf Lord Balin.

"Fran and I have long been fans of Ken's work and are excited he will be joining us on this journey."

British actor Gage will play Drogo Baggins; and New Zealand actors Jed Brophy and William Kircher will play the bearded warves Nori and Bifur, respectively.

Jackson plans to start shooting in New Zealand in February, with Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Aidan Turner, James Nesbitt, Rob Kazinsky, Graham McTavish, John Callen, Stephen Hunter, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton and newcomer Adam Brown already in the cast.

Absent from the casting news was Sir Ian McKellan, who has stated on his official web site that he will reprise his role from the Lord of the Rings films as the wizard Gandalf. He still has yet to be officially announced as part of the cast.

For 'The Hobbit,' Peter Jackson Signs Up an Old Friend and a Former 'Doctor Who'
By Dave Itzkoff
NYTimes.com
December 7, 2010

With the start of production drawing closer on his cinematic adaptations of “The Hobbit,” Peter Jackson has begun reuniting his old gang from his Academy Award-winning “Lord of the Rings” movies. On Tuesday, Mr. Jackson announced that Cate Blanchett, who played the elf Galadriel in his film versions of J. R. R. Tolkien’s “Fellowship of the Ring,” “The Two Towers” and “The Return of the King,” will reprise that role in his two-part “Hobbit” series. In a statement reported at comingsoon.net, Mr. Jackson said Ms. Blanchett was “one of my favorite actors to work with and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have her reprise the role she so beautifully brought to life in the earlier films.” Also joining the “Hobbit” movies are Sylvester McCoy, a star of the British fantasy series “Doctor Who,” as the wizard Radagast the Brown, and Ken Stott (“Charlie Wilson’s War”) as Balin, a dwarf leader.

Martin Freeman (of BBC’s “Sherlock” and “The Office”) was previously announced to star in the film as Bilbo Baggins, the title character. Still, no official casting for “The Hobbit” has been given on the role of Gandalf, who was portrayed in the “Lord of the Rings” movies by Ian McKellen. This shall not pass!

Blanchett, Stott, McCoy and Persbrandt Confirmed for The Hobbit
December 7, 2010

Source: New Line/Warner Bros:

Cate Blanchett, Ken Stott, Sylvester McCoy and Mikael Persbrandt have joined the cast of Peter Jackson's highly anticipated adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic 'The Hobbit.' Also joining them are Ryan Gage, Jed Brophy and William Kircher. The films, which are scheduled to commence principal photography in February 2011, mark Jackson's return to Middle-earth following his Oscar-winning 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy. The announcement was made jointly today by Toby Emmerich, President and Chief Operating Officer, New Line Cinema, Alan Horn, President and Chief Operating Officer, Warner Bros. and Steve Cooper, co-Chief Executive Officer of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

Jackson, who directed all three 'Lord of the Rings' films, will helm the two films back-to-back, telling the story of 'The Hobbit' in two parts from a screenplay by Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens and Guillermo del Toro.

Cate Blanchett ('Lord of The Rings' trilogy, 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button') will reprise her role from 'Lord of The Rings' trilogy as Galadriel, the Lady of Lothlorien. Ken Stott ('Charlie Wilson's War', TV's 'Rebus') will play the Dwarf Lord Balin, Sylvester McCoy (TV's 'Doctor Who') will play the wizard Radagast the Brown and well-known Swedish actor, Mikael Persbrandt ('Everlasting Moments', 'Day and Night') will play the shape-shifter Beorn. British actor Ryan Gage ('Outlaw', TV's 'Doctors') will play Drogo Baggins, with New Zealand actors Jed Brophy ('Lord of The Rings' trilogy, 'District 9') playing the role of the dwarf Nori, and William Kircher ('Out of the Blue'; TV's 'Legend of the Seeker') rounding out the company of Thorin Oakensheild in role of the dwarf Bifur.

Peter Jackson welcomed the news of Cate Blanchett's return to Middle-earth 'Cate is one of my favorite actors to work with and I couldn't be more thrilled to have her reprise the role she so beautifully brought to life in the earlier films' On the casting of Scottish actor Ken Stott, Jackson commented 'Fran and I have long been fans of Ken's work and are excited he will be joining us on this journey.' Jackson also welcomed the addition to the cast of Swedish actor, Mikael Persbrandt 'The role of Beorn is an iconic one and Mikael was our first choice for the part. Since seeing him read for the role we can't imagine anyone else playing this character.'

The actors join the previously announced cast including Martin Freeman (TV's 'Sherlock,' 'Breaking and Entering') as Bilbo Baggins, Richard Armitage (upcoming 'Captain America: The First Avenger'), Aidan Turner (TV's 'Being Human'), Rob Kazinsky (TVs 'EastEnders'), Graham McTavish ('Secretariat'), John Callen (TV's 'Power Rangers Jungle Fury'), Stephen Hunter (TV's 'All Saints'), Mark Hadlow ('King Kong') and Peter Hambleton (TV's 'The Strip'). Additional cast announcements include James Nesbitt ('Millions' and TV's 'Cold Feet') and newcomer Adam Brown.

'The Hobbit' films received a green light on October 15, and have release dates targeted for December, 2012 and December, 2013. Jackson will utilize groundbreaking visual effects and his incomparable storytelling to bring J.R.R. Tolkien's novel to the big screen. Both 'Hobbit' movies will be filmed in Digital 3-D, using the latest camera and stereo technology to create a high quality, comfortable viewing experience.

The two films are being co-produced by New Line Cinema and MGM, with New Line managing production, Warner Bros Pictures handling domestic distribution and MGM distributing internationally.

Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Carolynne Cunningham are producing the films, with co-writer Philippa Boyens serving as co-producer and Ken Kamins and Zane Weiner as executive producers. The Oscar-winning, critically acclaimed 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy, also from the production team of Jackson, Walsh and Cunningham, grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide at the box office.. In 2003, 'The Return of the King' swept the Academy Awards, winning all of the 11 categories in which it was nominated, including Best Picture – the first ever Best Picture win for a fantasy film. The trilogy's production was also unprecedented at the time

Former Dr Who cast in Hobbit films
NZ Entertainment - Your daily fix of movie news and film trailers
December 6, 2010

Former Dr Who, Sylvester McCoy, has confirmed that he has been cast in Peter Jackson's two Hobbit films.

While the British actor did not say what part he had landed, he did tell the BBC that he had a role in the Lord of the Rings prequels.

"When they sent out the character description for the part I'm playing, it says he's between 57 and 75. When it started out I was 57, but it's taken so long to get to fruition I'm now 75," the 67-year-old jokingly told the BBC.

But with the roles in The Hobbit movies yet to be announced McCoy says he has been sworn to secrecy about the details.

"I can't say anything! I don't even know if I've said too much already," he says.

"I've already got my wrist gently tapped. I just want to tell the world about it... I know it's all bubbling away and plans are being made."

McCoy, who is best known as playing the seventh Dr Who in the 1980s, also said he had been in the running to play Bilbo Baggins in the Lord of the Rings movies but missed out to Ian Holm.

"In a way you think, what a pity Ian Holm wasn't working that week," he says.

"But at the same time it was an honour to be up against Ian. He won, and he's a brilliant actor.

"As an actor this happens all the time. You never know which way things go."

Former ‘Dr. Who’ Star Sylvester McCoy Confirms He’s Been Cast In ‘The Hobbit’
Won’t Reveal Who He’s Playing, But It’s Probably Radagast The Brown
The Playlist

Late last summer, actor Sylvester McCoy, probably best known to American audiences for his role on the 1980s version of “Doctor Who,” revealed he was in talks to join “The Hobbit” in an unspecified “wizard” role. Well, speaking to the BBC (via Entertainment Fix), the actor has confirmed that those talks went well and that he has been cast in the film. But he’s keeping mum for now on who he’s playing.

“When they sent out the character description for the part I’m playing, it says he’s between 57 and 75. When it started out I was 57, but it’s taken so long to get to fruition I’m now 75,” the 67-year-old actor joked.

McCoy is no stranger to Peter Jackson. He had auditioned for the role of Bilbo Baggins in the ‘Lord Of The Rings’ trilogy but lost out to Ian Holm; clearly he left an impression. But don’t ask him to spill on who he’s playing as he’s been sworn to secrecy.

“I can’t say anything! I don’t even know if I’ve said too much already,” he said. “I’ve already got my wrist gently tapped. I just want to tell the world about it… I know it’s all bubbling away and plans are being made.”

And while McCoy won’t say it himself, he’s has long been expected to take the role of Radagast The Brown, the other major wizard part in the story next to Gandalf (who will be reprised by Ian McKellen). The news follows last week’s bit of “The Hobbit” casting info with Swedish media reporting that Mikael Persbrandt had joined as well in an unspecified “Nordic” role. We figured an official announcement regarding McCoy, Persbrandt and others rumored to be joining will be confirmed soon enough.

“The Hobbit” begins lensing in February 2011 and Part 1 will hit in December 2012 with Part 2 landing a year later.

Clinic star Aidan nabs star role in The Hobbit
By Caitlin McBride - Herald.ie
December 4, 2010

FORMER Clinic star Aidan Turner is about to get his big break.

The Tallaght native (27) has nabbed a coveted role in the big budget production of next year's blockbuster The Hobbit.

Although the film struggled to get off the ground, with several production hiccups along the way, it is now one of the most highly anticipated projects in Hollywood.

And thanks to the involvement of Oscar winning director Peter Jackson, it is expected to be a surefire hit -- even though filming hasn't even begun yet.

Hunky Dubliner Aidan, who played the love interest of Amy Huberman's character Daisy in the hit RTE show, is now set to blaze a trail in Tinseltown.

Having been chosen to star in the two part prequel to Lord of the Rings, he is set to become a household name and achieve the same success as Elijah Wood and co.

He has kept himself busy starring in the BBC drama Being Human since The Clinic was unexpectedly axed last year, but the film will raise his profile to new heights. The actor has been carving out an impressive career for himself in recent years and -- thanks to his role as vampire Mitchell in Being Human -- he has been thrust into the spotlight both here and in the UK.

Now his work seems to have caught the eye of some of Hollywood's biggest names.

Although we may be used to seeing him in more masculine roles, his new role as a hobbit will see him play a dwarf.

Massive:

And he is in good company on set, with a host of stars flying down to New Zealand for the massive production, including Sir Ian McKellan and James Nesbitt.

The two-part film begins filming in 3-D in February with Martin Freeman, star of The Office, playing the lead role of Bilbo Baggins.

Earlier this year, it was speculated that Ireland would be one of the potential locations for filming. However, film buffs insisted that the only suitable place for filming was in New Zealand, where the Lord of the Rings trilogy was shot.

BBC News - Martin Freeman 'already fitted for Hobbit make-up'
November 29, 2010

Actor Martin Freeman has been fitted for prosthetics to play Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit, he has told the BBC.

"I've had wig, feet, ears," he revealed at the Evening Standard theatre awards on Sunday. "Full steam ahead for me to look like Bilbo."

Clybourne Park - in which Freeman starred - won best play at the event.

He said it was "really disappointing" he would not be able to perform in the West End transfer of the play because of his Hobbit commitments.

"In an actor's life, there are so many times you hear 'this will definitely go into the West End' - and it doesn't," he told the BBC news website.

"I've heard that so many times, and the one time I do have the West End transfer, I can't do it.

"It's for a lucky good reason that I can't do it," he continued. "But I will feel a bit of a pang of regret that I'm not with them, definitely."

Bruce Norris' play, which revolves around a Chicago house in the years 1959 and 2009, will open at the Wyndham's theatre in London in January.

Former EastEnders star Sophie Thompson and the rest of the original cast will reprise their roles in Dominic Cooke's acclaimed production.

Peter Jackson's two-part Lord of the Rings prequel The Hobbit is due to begin filming in New Zealand in February.

Freeman, best known as Tim in BBC sitcom The Office, was recently seen playing Watson opposite Benedict Cumberbatch's Sherlock Holmes.

‘The Hobbit’ Production Update: Cutting-Edge 3D, CGI Dragons & More
By Sandy Schaefer
Screen Rant.com
November 29, 2010

Peter Jackson will shoot ‘The Hobbit’ in 3D using new RED EPIC digital cameras. Meanwhile, Ian McKellen looks to reprise his role as Gandalf the Grey for both of the ‘Hobbit’ films.

Charged with the task of realizing mystical beasts and creatures from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit on the big screen, Peter Jackson must be quite relieved that he can now concentrate on actually making the film adaptation – rather than having to wade through yet another series of production delays.

Production on The Hobbit is moving forward at last (we promise!), with Jackson officially in the director’s chair for the new cinematic venture through Middle-Earth, which will be shot in New Zealand once again and feature the return of several Lord of the Rings alumni, including composer Howard Shore.

Jackson will shoot both Hobbit movies in 3D using no less than 30 RED EPIC digital cameras, each of which – according to the RED Studios press release – “has 5K resolution, can shoot up to 120 frames per second and has a new HDRx™ mode for the highest dynamic range of any digital cinema camera ever made… The EPIC’s small size and relatively low weight makes it perfect for 3D – where two cameras have to be mounted on each 3D rig.”

For those less familiar with filmmaking jargon, the short of it is this: Jackson is using cutting-edge technology that will both allow him to avoid some of the burdens that come with shooting in 3D and assure that The Hobbit is as visually impressive (if not more so) than Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy – and that is saying something.

The Hobbit‘s narrative is far less sprawling than that of Lord of the Rings, which is also much more grandiose in scope and tone. The former still has its share of fantastical locales in Middle-Earth that were left unexplored in LOTR, and will feature plenty of stunning visuals and CGI monsters – especially that of the treasure-hoarding dragon Smaug, who plays a pivotal role in the quest undertaken by a young Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman). Devoted LOTR fans may even recall that Bilbo’s expedition was (albeit briefly) referenced in the first exchange between Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Gandalf the Grey (Sir Ian McKellen) in the film version of Fellowship of the Ring.

Speaking of McKellen’s shaggy old wizard character, the actor has not yet been officially confirmed as returning for The Hobbit movies. McKellen’s official site indicates that he is very much onboard to return as Gandalf – which is excellent news since, frankly, it’s difficult to envision anyone else embodying the 2,000 (or so) year-old wizard with as much charm and charisma as McKellen did.

Jackson to shoot Hobbit in 3D
Belfasttelegraph.co.uk
November 29, 2010

Peter Jackson has confirmed he is to shoot The Hobbit in 3D after investing in brand new 3D technology.

The New Zealand director has announced he will be shooting the two-part film - which stars Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins - using Red Digital Cinema's soon-to-be-released Epic Digital Cameras, which claim to have the "highest dynamic range of any digital cinema camera ever made".

Jim Jannard, the owner and founder of Red, flew to New Zealand earlier this year with members of his team so that Peter could test the Epic cameras.

Peter has a long history with Red, dating back to when he directed the short film Crossing The Line as a very early test of prototype Red One cameras.

He said: "I'm not a scientist or mathematician, but the image Red produces has a much more filmic feel than most of the other digital formats.

"It is a fantastic tool, the Epic not only has cutting edge technology, incredible resolution and visual quality, but it is also a very practical tool for film makers."

Guillermo del Toro, who was forced to step down from directing the project due to production delays, said in an interview earlier this month "I myself was not interested in shooting The Hobbit in 3D."

Meanwhile, Sir Ian McKellen, who has yet officially signed up to play wizard Gandalf in the films, has updated the Hobbit page on his official website.

Ian has added details including that the project will start shooting for a year beginning next February, giving fans hope he will be on board.

The Hobbit to be EPIC 3D production
By Paul Heath
The Hollywood News
November 29, 2010

It was announced today that Peter Jackson‘s THE HOBBIT is set to shoot digitally, using the brand new EPIC RED 3D cameras. The two-part story is set to go into production in early 2011 with Martin Freeman headlining the film as Hobbit Bilbo Baggins.

Here’s the release:

RED announces that Peter Jackson’s two film adaptation of The Hobbit will be shot in 3D using RED DIGITAL CINEMA’S soon to be released EPIC Digital Cameras.

The successor to RED’s industry changing RED ONE, the EPIC has 5K resolution, can shoot up to 120 frames per second and has a new HDRx™ mode for the highest dynamic range of any digital cinema camera ever made. Taking everything they had learned from building their first camera, RED designed the EPIC from scratch and have produced a smaller, lighter camera that is an order of magnitude more powerful.

The Hobbit will be amongst the first productions in the world to use the EPIC and at least thirty cameras will be required by the 3-D production. The EPIC’S small size and relatively low weight, makes it perfect for 3-D – where two cameras have to be mounted on each 3D rig.

Jackson has a long history with RED, dating back to when he directed the short film ‘Crossing the Line’ as a very early test of prototype RED ONE cameras. “I have always liked the look of Red footage.” he says, “I’m not a scientist or mathematician, but the image Red produces has a much more filmic feel than most of the other digital formats. I find the picture quality appealing and attractive, and with the Epic, Jim and his team have gone even further. It is a fantastic tool, the Epic not only has cutting edge technology, incredible resolution and visual quality, but it is also a very practical tool for film makers. Many competing digital systems require the cameras to be tethered to large cumbersome VTR machines. The Epic gives us back the ability to be totally cable free, even when working in stereo.”

Jim Jannard the owner and founder of RED flew to New Zealand earlier this year with members of his team so that Jackson could test the EPIC and assess its suitability. “Everybody at RED is incredibly proud that Peter has chosen the Epic” says Jannard, “The Hobbit is a major production, and could have chosen any camera system that they wanted. The fact that they went with us is extremely gratifying.”

The Hobbit will start shooting in New Zealand early next year.

For Howard Shore, the symphony isn't finished yet
By Glen Schaefer, The Province
November 18, 2010

Middle Earth has been good to Canadian-born composer Howard Shore, who sees his Oscar-winning score for the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy as his crowning achievement.

"The piece is very close to me, I spent close to four years writing it," says Shore.

His Rings symphony has gone on to a life on the concert stage, the latest stage being next week's performance by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

The performance, conducted by Markus Huber, and featuring soprano Kaitlyn Lusk, will also include the Vancouver Bach Choir, the Vancouver Bach Children's Chorus, and images by Tolkien artists projected on video screens in the hall.

The two-hour, 10-minute symphony takes the listener through the entire Lord of the Rings story, although Shore wrote a total of nearly 11 hours of music for the three movies based on J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy novels.

"Really, everything I knew about composing, orchestrating, conducting -- everything I had learned about music was in it," says Shore over the phone from his New York office.

"I had probably done about 70 films before I recorded and wrote the music for Lord of the Rings. It was such a wonderful book to write to, one of the most complex fantasy worlds ever created."

Shore keeps in close contact with the principals when his symphony is conducted, in this case German conductor Huber, who has conducted the work about 60 times.

Since its concert premiere in 2003, the symphony has been performed about 160 times all over the world.

"These symphonic concerts are always done locally, that's really the fun of doing it," says Shore.

"People study the books, they learn his languages. The choirs are learning the right phonetics, they have to learn five Tolkien languages that he created specifically. Each one has its own sound."

Shore got his musical start in Toronto, where he was a member of the 1970s pop band Lighthouse. He moved to New York to lead the Saturday Night Live band, helped Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi put together The Blues Brothers and segued into movie soundtracks, ranging from dark David Cronenberg films to lighter fare with Robin Williams (Mrs. Doubtfire) and Tom Hanks (Big).

And now it looks like Shore is going back to Middle Earth with Rings director Peter Jackson. The long-awaited two-part movie adaptation of Tolkien's The Hobbit is in the works.

"We've talked about making these movies for many years, at least since 2002," Shore says.

"It looks like finally it's going to be happening. I'll be working on it for the next three years -- it's going to consume a lot of my time and work now."

The article below has been translated to English.

Martin Freeman
Consuelo Bautista - 10/11/2010
Martin Freeman yesterday in Barcelona, where wheel Animals under the direction of Marcal Fores.

This type will be the new hobbit
By Gregorio Belinchon - Barcelona
ELPAIS.com
November 10, 2010

Martin Freeman will play Bilbo Baggins in the prequel to "Lord of the Rings - The actor reveals the secrets of the most anticipated film of recent years.

In New Zealand the sigh sounded strong general. That sigh of relief was immediately echoed on the Internet. There will be film The hobbit. In fact, there are two movies that will premiere in December 2012 and December 2013. And, of concern to New Zealanders, will be shot in the same stages of the trilogy The Lord of the Rings.

After lagging behind the production that led to the glut of Guillermo del Toro, the original director, after a fire in October Wellington warehouse used to store the thumbnails of the original trilogy, following the suspension of payments of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer , the producer of the series, which has been underpinned financially by Warner Bros. and New Line, after the government managed to keep filming New Zealand in their country through a special law that saves the obstacles in the labor law to bother Warner ... after all it seems that the pieces fit together, that there is no turning back, and that the division is preparing to face a year of shooting under the command of Peter Jackson.

And this time, the lottery ticket to the big film, the award he enjoyed Elijah Wood The Lord of the Rings English has played Martin Freeman (Aldershot, 1971): He will play the hobbit Bilbo Baggins, the protagonist of The Hobbit the book J. R. R. Tolkien wrote as a prologue The Lord of the Rings.

But first you have to fulfill prior commitments and Freeman signed a while ago that would play a master Animals, The directorial debut of Catalan Marcal Fores, who these days is filmed in Barcelona. While Freeman plays the high school English teacher, machinery The Hobbit which should be at the height of the trilogy -30 predecessor Oscar nominations, 17 statues of Hollywood, and a global collection of nearly 2,200 million euros, has already begun. Initial budget: more than 480 million euros. "Months of filming? "I know my plan of work," says Freeman. "I start in January, unemployment in the summer when the second season filmare Sherlock, BBC series in which he played Watson, and back to New Zealand in September to end at year's end. "English says summer because he thinks European stations, but in reality it will be winter in that part of the world: so shooting stops. "To me the rumors about whether or not I was filming too worried. I am concerned about my family [has two young children] and if they move me. They will, so I was more interested in knowing if we would shoot in Eastern Europe or New Zealand. "

Peter Jackson directed a little regret, because even co-wrote the screenplay with his wife, Fran Walsh, and is the producer of two films, I wanted to stay away from fulfillment. But after several delays, the original director, Guillermo del Toro, resigned from the project. By telephone, the Mexican mind, "opened to me a heartache. We designed the dragon Smaug, the spiders of Mirkwood forest, wolves Warg ... Everything was visually overwhelming." He explains: "For me, the best possible Bilbo Baggins is Martin Freeman." "I appreciate those words in the soul," says the aforementioned. Jackson defended it alike: "A few times I've come across in my career with an actor and I knew the moment he was born for that character. And Martin is one of them." Freeman's response: "I had run into Peter in a couple of occasions in February and sent him a tape with my test as Bilbo. Del Toro replied with a very nice note, which I clarified that I was chosen, Despite rumors he had heard. When Peter took over the helm, spoke during the World Cup and told me very honestly how I was doing the project. " The Englishman loves the small size of this blockbuster: "There is a contradiction, is that Peter always written with his wife, Fran, and Phillipa Boyens, and has the right to Carolynne Cunningham. They give a great family, faith emanate the projects. "

Freeman says that moves by the scripts: "It is fundamental. So here I am rolling with Forés. Certainly not for the money [the producer AnimalsSergi Casamitjana, of Scandal films, says that actually did not change one iota of contract after signing with Jackson Freeman]. My priority has always been the script. "Not always." True, there is still no final script The hobbit. So Peter can not say much about how it will be my Bilbo, but I trust him completely. Of course younger than Ian Holm starred in The Lord of the Rings. I like the fact that most of the characters I've red so far are reactive and Bilbo is active: he creates an adventure. "Not so much like her character, more timid and loving buenrollismoOf Animals. Sequence shooting touch with hundreds of extras, high school students dressed up for Halloween, one biker with a naked girl package, And on average, teachers with Freeman at the helm. English should be removed from the middle to the students before the bike hit by them. Seeing their ways, looks set to enjoy more daring adventures in New Zealand.

The names that make up the rest of the cast are not as well known as Freeman, with the exception of James Nesbitt, and certainly neither star status rubs. "Well, my career has gone step by step, in pursuit of good writing: Love Actually, Hitchhiker's Guide, series as The office or Sherlock ... This is a stroke of luck. I wanted honesty in my work, not having a larger pool in the backyard. "Freeman admits that only now have read The Hobbit - "Was not a fan of Tolkien, now" - and has already been tested for makeup: "Just a couple of weeks I tried the hairy feet of Bilbo, ears, but already I have them great, and the hairdo. Also, I made molds of those parts of my body was important because I will use the prosthesis many, many months. " And how do you see? "Very different ... But I'm ready for Bilbo."

'The Hobbit' Gets Two New Stars
Plus, Ian McKellen, who plays Gandalf, says he's not under contract to return for the film.
By Lindsay Powers - The Hollywood Reporter.com
November 2, 2010

Two more names have been added to the cast of Peter Jackson's The Hobbit: James Nesbitt and newcomer Adam Brown.

Nesbitt is set to play a dwarf named Bofur.

Says Jackson in a statement, "James’s charm, warmth and wit are legendary as is his range as an actor in both comedic and dramatic roles. We feel very lucky to be able to welcome him as one of our cast."

Brown will play Ori, another dwarf who fights the infamous dragon, Smaug. "Adam is a wonderfully expressive actor and has a unique screen presence. I look forward to seeing him bring Ori to life," Jackson says .

They join recently announced co-stars Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage (soon to appear in Captain America: The First Avenger), Aidan Turner (Being Human), Rob Kazinsky (EastEnders), Graham McTavish (Secretariat), John Callen (TV’s Power Rangers Jungle Fury), Stephen Hunter (All Saints), Mark Hadlow (King Kong) and Peter Hambleton (The Strip).

Meanwhile, Sir Ian McKellen, who plays Galdalf, tells Broadway World he has not yet signed a contract to appear in the next film. "I am not under contract, no." he says. "I’m not going to say any more than that because it might complicate things! So, I would say - at the moment - no, I am not under contract."

The Hobbit films are currently in pre-production and will be released in December 2012 and December 2013. They're being co-produced by New Line Cinema and MGM, with New Line managing production, Warner Bros Pictures handling domestic distribution and MGM distributing internationally.

'Sherlock' creator denies 'Hobbit' clash
By Morgan Jeffery, TV Reporter - Digital Spy
October 26, 2010

Mark Gatiss has confirmed that Martin Freeman's role in The Hobbit will not affect the production of Sherlock.

It was previously reported that Freeman had turned down the part of Bilbo Baggins in order to film a second series of the detective drama. However, it was later announced that the actor would indeed star in the J.R.R. Tolkien adaptation.

Gatiss wrote on his Twitter account: "Huge congratulations to the brilliant Martin Freeman on becoming Bilbo Baggins! No change to Sherlock schedule, I'm glad to say."

It was rumored last month that New Line and MGM had revised the filming schedule for The Hobbit to allow Freeman to participate in both projects.

Sherlock will return to BBC One in 2011. The Hobbit films, to be directed by Peter Jackson, are scheduled for release in December 2012 and December 2013.

New Zealand PM caved in to studio over 'Hobbit': unions
October 26, 2010

(AFP) - WELLINGTON - New Zealand Prime Minister John Key was accused of kowtowing to Hollywood moguls Thursday, as parliament prepared to rush through special legislation to keep "The Hobbit" movies in the country.

Key agreed to change New Zealand's industrial laws and pay sweeteners worth tens of millions of dollars to prevent the Warner Bros. film studio moving Peter Jackson's latest Tolkien saga elsewhere.

Unions said the conservative leader had surrendered New Zealand's sovereignty to the studio behind the Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck cartoons, while the opposition said he had been "screwed" by hard-bargaining movie executives.

Council of Trade Unions president Helen Kelly said it was outrageous that Key had bargained away the rights of workers in the film industry.

"A foreign corporation can come into this country and demand that workers' rights in this industry be removed... that's effectively what's going to happen," she told TVNZ.

Under the deal, struck Wednesday after two days of tense negotiations between Key and visiting Warner's executives, New Zealand will pass legislation designed to ensure "The Hobbit" is not threatened by industrial action.

The law will confirm film workers are independent contractors, rather than employees of the firm producing the movies, which would entitle them to benefits such as holiday pay and sick leave.

The opposition Labour Party's industrial affairs spokesman Trevor Mallard welcomed news the movies would stay in New Zealand but said the studio executives extracted a hefty price from Key.

"It makes us look like a very Mickey Mouse state," Mallard said.

While the Labour Party and Greens are set to oppose the legislation, the government and its coalition partners have the numbers to pass it.

The New Zealand Herald said Warner held a gun to Key's head by threatening to move the films but he made the right decision to keep the 500 million US dollar production in New Zealand.

"What kind of country, however, sells its democratic soul for 30 pieces of silver?" it said.

"The answer is a small one. And one where the economy shows little sign of recovery in the short term."

The two-art prequel to "The Lord of the Rings" is scheduled to begin shooting in 3D next February, with British actor Martin Freeman from "The Office" in the lead role of Bilbo Baggins.

The Hobbit to be filmed in New Zealand after deal reached
Metro.co.uk
October 27, 2010

New Zealand's government has agreed a deal with Warner Bros to ensure the filming of The Hobbit will take place in the country.

The announcement by prime minister John Key on Wednesday came after two days of talks with Hollywood executives over where the Lord of the Rings prequels should be shot.

New Line and Warner Bros had been forced to consider taking the production of the eagerly awaited films elsewhere after acting unions threatened to boycott the two prequels in a dispute over wages.

Confirming the news this morning, Mr Key said: 'I am delighted that we have reached this result.

Making the two Hobbit movies here will not only safeguard work for thousands of New Zealanders, but it will also follow the success of the Lord of the Rings trilogy in once again promoting New Zealand on the world stage.'

New Zealand's government stepped into the negotiations after concerns were raised about what damage the loss of the projected $500 million production would be on the country's film industry.

Mr Key, who had originally claimed there had only been a '50-50' chance of keeping production of the films, said his government would now introduce legislation into parliament on Thursday to change local labour laws at the heart of the dispute.

An agreement has been reached between the New Zealand government and Warner Bros that will enable the two Hobbit movies to be directed by Sir Peter Jackson to be made in New Zealand.’ he announced.

'We will be moving to ensure that New Zealand law in this area is settled to give film producers like Warner Bros the confidence they need to produce their movies in New Zealand.’

As part of the deal, New Zealand will now also expand its film subsidy programme and pay an extra $7.5 million to Warner Bros for each Hobbit movie.

A joint marketing deal to promote the country as a film production and tourism destination was also agreed for which the government had said it will offset $10 million.

Jackson, who directed all three of the previous Lord of the Rings films, revealed last week British actor Martin Freeman has been cast to play Bilbo Baggins, the lead character in The Hobbit.

Hobbit cast confirmed
Movies - NZ Herald News
October 22, 2010

The filming location may be up in the air, but Sir Peter Jackson has confirmed who will play some of The Hobbit's lead roles.

As has been widely touted, English actor Martin Freeman has been confirmed to star as title character Bilbo Baggins.

Freeman is known for his roles in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and The Office.

"Despite the various rumours and speculation surrounding this role, there has only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us," said Sir Peter in a press release from New Line Cinema.

"There are a few times in your career when you come across an actor who you know was born to play a role, but that was the case as soon as I met Martin. He is intelligent, funny, surprising and brave - exactly like Bilbo and I feel incredibly proud to be able to announce that he is our Hobbit."

Richard Armitage is set to play Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the company of dwarves which sets off to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from a thieving dragon.

Armitage is an English actor who is soon to appear in Captain America: The First Avenger.

"Richard is one of the most exciting and dynamic actors working on screen today and we know he is going to make an amazing Thorin Oakensheild," said Sir Peter. "We cannot wait to start this adventure with him and feel very lucky that one of the most beloved characters in Middle-earth is in such good hands."

Rounding out the Company of Dwarves are Aidan Turner (TV's Being Human) and Rob Kazinsky (TVs EastEnders) who play Kili and Fili, respectively.

Kiwi actors who have nabbed roles include Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, John Callen and Stephen Hunter, who play dwarves Dori, Gloin, Oin, and Bombur.

Other actors thought to be returning to the roles the played in the Lord of the Rings trilogy are; Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Cate Blanchett (Galadriel) and Hugo Weaving (Elrond).

British actor Sylvester McCoy, a former Dr Who, has also been tipped to play the wizard Radagast the Brown. McCoy is currently in Auckland attending the Armageddon Expo pop culture exhibition.

NZ Herald staff

Peter Jackson and New Line Announce Hobbit Casting
By Borys Kit - The Hollywood Reporter
October 22, 2010

Martin Freeman is set to star as Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson's two-movie adaptation of The Hobbit.

New Line confirmed the Freeman news, rumored for months, and also took steps to clear up other casting rumors by announcing a slew of other names, many of whom will play key roles of as part of the Company of Dwarves.

Richard Armitage, who stars on the U.K. series MI-5 and will appear in Captain America: The First Avenger, is set to play Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the Company of Dwarves, who set off to reclaim the lost dwarven kingdom under the Lonely Mountain from Smaug, a thieving dragon.

Aidan Turner (Being Human) and Rob Kazinsky (EastEnders) will play Kili and Fili, respectively.

The remaining dwarves will be Graham McTavish (Secretariat, 24) as Dwalin, John Callen as Oin, Stephen Hunter as Bombur, Mark Hadlow as Dori and Peter Hambleton as Gloin.

Other key parts that soon to be cast include a host of human and elf roles -- including Elrond the sage, Beorn and Bard the Bowman -- as well as the voice of the dragon.

Expected to return from the Lord of the Rings films is Ian McKellen as Gandalf and Andy Serkis as Gollum.

The UTA and Creative Artists Management-repped Freeman is best known to U.S. audiences for his work in the U.K, version of The Office, Love Actually, Hot Fuzz and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. He also plays John Watson in Sherlock, the BBC's Sherlock Holmes series that debuts stateside next week on PBS.

BBC News - Martin Freeman to play Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit
October 22, 2010

The Office actor Martin Freeman will play Bilbo Baggins in two-part Lord of the Rings prequel The Hobbit, director Peter Jackson has announced.

He said in a statement there had "only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us".

Freeman, 39, was "intelligent, funny, surprising and brave - exactly like Bilbo", Jackson added.

Meanwhile, Jackson's wife Fran Walsh has reportedly told a radio station filming could move to the UK because of an industrial dispute in New Zealand.

Dwarves cast:

Jackson said he was "incredibly proud" to be able to announce that Freeman would be the hobbit.

"There are a few times in your career when you come across an actor who you know was born to play a role, but that was the case as soon as I met Martin," Jackson said.

Spooks actor Richard Armitage, 39 - who has a role in the forthcoming film Captain America: The First Avenger - will play Thorin Oakenshield - leader of the dwarves.

Former EastEnders actor Rob Kazinsky, Sean Slater in the soap, will also play a dwarf.

He will appear alongside Irish actor Aidan Turner, who has appeared in BBC Three's Being Human, and British actor Graham McTavish, who has appeared on TV shows including Red Dwarf.

Other dwarves will be played by John Callen, Stephen Hunter, Mark Hadlow and Peter Hambleton.

The films are due to be released in December 2012 and December 2013.

As with the Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy, the film had been due to be made in Jackson's native New Zealand.

But on Thursday, film studio Warner Bros said the ongoing pay wrangle with acting unions had "forced us to consider other filming locations for the first time".

Jackson's wife and creative partner Fran Walsh, meanwhile, reportedly told Radio New Zealand that film producers "had people in the UK taking location photographs".

"They've got a huge studio there that Harry Potter has vacated, the ex-Rolls Royce factory, that they say would be perfect for us."

Canada, Australia and the Czech Republic have also been linked with the production.

Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy won a total of 17 Oscars Unions representing actors and other workers urged a boycott against the $500m production because of the dispute over contracts.

They are trying to force Jackson's production company, Wingnut Films, and Warner Bros to enter negotiations with them over the contracts deadlock.

While major unions including America's Screen Actors Guild and New Zealand Actors' Equity have retreated, smaller unions in New Zealand and Australia are continuing their boycott.

Meanwhile, non-union film workers have hit the streets in New Zealand to demand that filming stays there.

Earlier this month, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said he would be "greatly concerned" if production on Jackson's film was lost.

Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy won 17 Oscars and earned billions of dollars at box offices worldwide.

Freeman, Armitage bag Hobbit roles
October 22, 2010

(UKPA) - The Office star Martin Freeman has been cast in the title role of Peter Jackson's The Hobbit, executives have announced.

Freeman, who more recently starred in the BBC's Sherlock and The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy movie, will play Bilbo Baggins in the two much-anticipated films.

Fellow Briton Richard Armitage, who stars in BBC spy drama Spooks, will portray Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the Company of Dwarves.

There is currently a dispute over where the movies will be shot. Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed in New Zealand, but an industrial dispute may lead to Jackson taking the production elsewhere.

Jackson said in a statement that Freeman is "exactly like Bilbo and I feel incredibly proud to be able to announce that he is our Hobbit".

He called Armitage "one of the most exciting and dynamic actors working on screen today".

Other actors joining the ensemble cast are Aidan Turner, Graham McTavish, John Callen, Stephen Hunter, Mark Hadlow and Peter Hambleton.

The Hobbit, based on the J.R.R. Tolkien novel, began production in New Zealand earlier this month. The films are set for release in December of 2012 and December of 2013.

Martin Freeman to play Hobbit's Bilbo Baggins
By Neil Sands (AFP)
October 22, 2010

WELLINGTON — British actor Martin Freeman from "The Office" was officially cast in the starring role of "The Hobbit" Friday, as New Zealand flagged a last-ditch compromise to stop the production moving offshore.

Director Peter Jackson took time out from a bitter row with acting unions to announce Freeman would play Bilbo Baggins in the two-part prequel to "The Lord of the Rings".

The Oscar-winning director said Freeman was always his first choice to play the J.R.R. Tolkien character.

"Despite the various rumours and speculation surrounding this role, there has only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us," Jackson said.

"There are a few times in your career when you come across an actor who you know was born to play a role, but that was the case as soon as I met Martin.

"He is intelligent, funny, surprising and brave -- exactly like Bilbo."

Freeman, 39, rose to prominence in the Ricky Gervais comedy "The Office" and has also featured in "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy", "Love Actually" and "Shaun of the Dead".

The casting decision came as the New Zealand government scrambled to try to ensure "The Hobbit", which will begin filming in 3D next February, was shot in the country.

Prime Minister John Key flagged possible changes to industrial laws at the centre of a dispute between Jackson and the actors' union NZ Equity, saying he was hopeful the films would still be made in New Zealand.

"I don't think we should write off our chances of retaining the movies," he told national news agency NZPA.

"There's work to be done and the government hasn't given up trying to do its best to secure the movies," he added, saying he would meet with Warner Bros executives due to arrive next week to make a decision on locations.

The row over the 500 million US dollar project erupted over NZ Equity's demand that Jackson allow it to negotiate minimum standards for actors, which the director refused, saying it would set an unacceptable industry precedent.

It escalated when NZ Equity last month called for a global boycott of the production through international actors' unions, which was lifted this week.

Warner Bros said in a statement that the boycott had already disrupted its plans to shoot in New Zealand.

"The actions of these unions have caused us substantial damage and disruption and forced us to consider other filming locations for the first time," it said. "Alternative locations are still being considered."

New Zealand provided a stunning location for "The Lord of the Rings" and Jackson said Thursday that the country's three billion dollar (2.3 billion US) a year film industry would be devastated if "The Hobbit" moved elsewhere.

Producers have mentioned Scotland, Canada, Ireland, Australia and eastern Europe as possible alternative locations, along with the Leavesden Studios near London, where the "Harry Potter" movies were filmed.

Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins, a match made in Hobbit heaven
By Ben Child - Film - guardian.co.uk
October 22, 2010

So Martin Freeman is taking the title role in Peter Jackson's The Hobbit. Might this aid the UK in their bid to play host to the production?

The Hobbit is often considered to be a lesser book when compared to JRR Tolkien's later opus, The Lord of the Rings. This is patent nonsense: the two novels are simply entirely different beasts, one a vivid but fuzzily drawn tale, the reading of which feels like a warm hearth and a mug of mulled wine, the other a thrilling yet terrifying vision of a world in which nightmarish creatures of genuine evil vie to destroy that kind of comfortable existence.

The disparity between the two books is also the reason why the casting of Martin Freeman in the central role of Bilbo Baggins – announced today – comes as such a relief. For Freeman is a quite different type of actor to Elijah Wood, who played Frodo as an overwrought, angsty, almost emo-ish little hobbit in Peter Jackson's film adaptations of the later tome.

If Frodo occasionally resembled a My Chemical Romance fan, Bilbo needs to be more like a minor official in a local branch of the Campaign for Real Ale. Getting the casting right is also absolutely vital because Baggins is one of the only a few fully rounded characters (Gandalf, Gollum and perhaps Thorin Oakenshield would be the others) in a story which, in line with its fairytale quality, is populated by creatures who are mainly sketched rather than drawn. Moreover, while Frodo is often a subject for other players to impose their hopes and fears onto, Bilbo is constantly at the heart of the action, carrying us with him. The other denizens of Middle Earth may be used to sly dragons, hideous goblins, giant spiders and mysterious elves, but Bilbo isn't, and neither are we. Just like us, he goes on a journey, and we see it unfold through his eyes. The actor who plays him needs to be able to embody this everyman quality perfectly, and I think in Freeman that Jackson has got his man.

At 39, the actor is the right age (Bilbo was older than Jackson's version of Frodo when he set out on his journey) and he certainly has that world-weary quality about him. One can just imagine him bumbling around his hobbit hole happily, perhaps planning a light mid-morning snack of a cake or two to follow a delicious breakfast, and being most disgruntled by the arrival of a company of dwarves and a wizard intent on enrolling him in a rather uncomfortable adventure. Bilbo is well-to-do and respectable, but crucially very ordinary (at least on the surface). And Freeman does quintessentially English ordinariness like no-one else in the business.

It's hard to read too much into the other casting decisions announced. If Jackson follows the tone of the book, characters such as Bombur, Fili, Kili, Oin and Gloin will barely register as individual personalities. Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the dwarves, is a different matter. On screen he will need to be a more dynamic and charismatic character than he is in the book, a vital figure for whom one would gladly give one's life in battle. Jackson must have some confidence in Richard Armitage, best known from the BBC series Spooks, to have handed him the role.

Fortunately, the film-maker can rely on his Gandalf. The wizard will once again be played by the great Sir Ian McKellen, who so perfectly embodied the character's gruff warmth and kindly menace in the Lord of the Rings films. The news reports today do not mention Hugo Weaving, who made a passable Elrond in the earlier trilogy, even though the character appears in The Hobbit. A re-casting should not prove too much of a burden, since the half-human, half-elven figure is not a major player in the first book.

It remains to be seen where the new films – yes, there are two of them, despite the Hobbit being a relatively short book – will be shot. Following a row with a local union, there have been suggestions that the entire project could move from New Zealand, where Lord of the Rings was filmed and where sets remain, to Europe – even possibly the UK.

Speculation to that effect may have been given a slight boost when you look at some of the newly announced cast, which features a swathe of actors well known from UK television: Armitage, and dwarves Aidan Turner (of BBC 3 drama Being Human), Robert Kazinsky (Sean Slater on Eastenders) and Graham McTavish (Lost) are all Brits. However, John Callen, Mark Hadlow and Peter Hambleton, who will play further members of the company, are Kiwis, and Stephen Hunter, who has been cast as rotund dwarf Bombur, is Australian. Currently, I'd say it looks like all bets are off.

Tim turned Hobbit - Telegraph
October 22, 2010

Is Martin Freeman too ordinary to play the title role of The Hobbit?

The choice of Martin Freeman as the actor to play Bilbo Baggins in the film of The Hobbit is of the greatest importance. No one is obliged to like the book or the film to be made from it, but it is bound to be popular. The Return of the King, the last in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson, drew the third biggest box office revenues of all time.

There is much behind this popularity. The Lord of the Rings is a fantasy, and audiences forget mundane realities while watching it. But it is also a myth, as J.R.R. Tolkien intended above all, for English speakers. Thus it engages interest in the most real choices of all: heroism or compromise, mercy or revenge, vice or selflessness. This myth exercised a deep appeal in the war-torn 20th century, and the transition to terrorism in the 21st is unlikely to reduce the appeal. That is not to say the myth is outstandingly told – in the books or, certainly, in the films. But it is a tribute to the power of mythology that films which are incomprehensible without a thorough knowledge of the sources have captured a mass market.

Martin Freeman – nice Tim from The Office – hardly need change from the dressing-gown that saw him through The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. But if The Hobbit is partly a domestic myth, Mr Freeman might even offer a persona a touch too ordinary. Millions will be interested to see whether that is true.

Martin Freeman cast as Bilbo Baggins in "The Hobbit" - Trending - Salon.com
October 22, 2010

The much maligned "Lord of the Rings" prequel just got a little...funnier?

Director Peter Jackson announced yesterday that British actor Martin Freeman will play the lead role of Bilbo Baggins. Freeman is best known to Americans for playing Tim Canterbury in the British version of "The Office." The character Tim, a mild-mannered salesman who is drolly aware of his job's pointlessness, is the U.K. version of Jim Halpert.

Freeman, at the very least, looks the part of Bilbo: boyish, unassuming, short with a decidedly British expression. "Hobbit" fans, however, wonder if Freeman can carry a dramatic movie. He was at ease starring in the underrated "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" and he proved more than capable with short cameos in "Shaun of the Dead," "Hot Fuzz" and "Love Actually." But those, like "The Office," are comedies. Falling in love with the receptionist is one thing; fighting off trolls, goblins and giant spiders is another.

Jackson, the project's mastermind, isn't worried. "There are a few times in your career when you come across an actor who you know was born to play a role, but that was the case as soon as I met Martin," the director said in a statement. The CS Monitor thinks Freeman is "the perfect Bilbo Baggins." The Washington Post says he'll be fine.

Let's hope.

"The Hobbit" is scheduled to begin production in February 2011.

The Hobbit’s Martin Freeman on the Show That Nearly Kept Him From Middle Earth, Sherlock
Vulture
October 22, 2010

It was announced today that Martin Freeman will be your next Bilbo Baggins, in Peter Jackson's The Hobbit. The Office co-star was originally wanted for the part, but couldn't do it because of scheduling conflicts with the second season of BBC's Sherlock, a modern-day update of the Arthur Conan Doyle character. Fortunately for him, the schedules were worked out so he can do both, and as a result, on Sunday night you can watch season one of Sherlock (on PBS's Masterpiece Mystery) without any residual Tolkien bitterness. We spoke to Freeman before his Hobbit deal was secure (he has since gone into lockdown), and chatted about Sherlock versus Bilbo, missing out on Stateside fame, and why he won’t appear on the U.S. Office.

What are you recognized for more, The Office or Love Actually?

Well, at home, The Office. But, in the States, Love Actually. I sort of forget how big that film is. It’s kind of big. It was seen by gazillions of people. Probably more than saw the U.K. Office.

What were the strangest roles you were offered Stateside in the wake of The Office becoming a cult hit?

That’s a long time ago. I remember things coming in that I was very, very hesitant about. So much so that I didn’t really take anything and, of course, when that cup is offered to you and then you pass it along, it very often doesn’t come back to you. So I’m lucky that I’ve kept my hand in with a few other things. But I probably didn’t, as far as America is concerned, embrace it as much as I should have. At the same time, it’s not like I was bothering Tom Cruise’s office too much. I wasn’t up there in that league.

Is there a role you wish you’d taken?

I don’t think there was. In the eye of hindsight, I probably wished I’d made just more of an effort to embrace it a bit more and enjoy it a bit more and come over, you know, and smile at people a bit more.

Have you ever been approached to appear in the U.S. Office?

No, I haven’t. I think they’ve got more sense than that. I think that wouldn’t be a good idea. They’re doing fine. John Krasinski - he does a good enough job without me.

The Hobbit would be (and now will be!) your first time working with Peter Jackson. But you were up for a part in one of his movies before.

Yeah, of the murderer played by Stanley Tucci (in The Lovely Bones). I’d loved for it to have worked out. But Stanley Tucci is a brilliant actor and we’re kind of different, you know, in a lot of ways. So I had no problem with that. I have no argument with Stanley Tucci getting that role at all. It was good to meet Peter, though. I’ve met him a couple of times and he’s lovely.

Which did you enjoy reading more when you were younger, The Hobbit or the Sherlock Holmes stories?

I didn’t read either! I didn’t read either when I was younger. But I was fairly more familiar with Sherlock - certainly, more familiar with Sherlock Holmes.

How do you think people in the States are going to react to Sherlock and Watson being so tech literate in the new series?

I hope it will be a similar reaction to what it’s been in the U.K., which is extremely positive and extremely favorable. Even more than we could have wished for. It’s beyond our wildest dreams, really. Sherlock, in the Victorian and Edwardian times, used every bit of possible technology known to him, so that’s what ours is doing. It’s not really a differing principle. I imagine there would be some people who are reticent about that stuff, because I think I was myself when I heard that it was gonna be modernized. I thought, Oh, hello, that could be bad TV.

And when you read the script?

It was some of the best writing I had probably ever read for television. I loved it. And, always, if you do something you’re proud of, all you can do is hope that there are some people out there who agree. I hope that Americans go with it, because the most important thing about the Sherlock Holmes stories isn’t the frock coats. It’s the essence of what he is, and the essence of what the [Holmes and Watson] relationship is. And chasing bad guys.

So your Watson is not very put-upon by Sherlock?

No, he’s the polar opposite, really. He’s very able. He’s a man of action. In these stories, he’s handy with a gun; he can save lives and take lives when necessary. This is not really a sedentary man, a put-upon man. We find him at a time in his life when he’s not very happy, but he meets Sherlock and then he gets very fulfilled.

A long expected casting: The Office UK’s Martin Freeman to play Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit
By Jason Rehel
Ampersand - National Post
October 22, 2010

He’s been loved and longed after as the hangdog, in-love-with-unrequited-love punching bag Tim on Ricky Gervais’ original The Office series. He’s been in a Sherlock Holmes adaptation, and had a part in the live-action fantasy thriller The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. He’s shown satirical chops working on Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz.

But Martin Freeman will never be the same after he visits Middle Earth with Peter Jackson and his crew of Tolkien-myth spinners.

Four reasons we think Freeman will fit perfectly into Bilbo’s breeches and his hobbit hole at Bag End:

1. He’s English. And not only is he English, he’s from Aldershot, Hampshire. Shire. That’s right. And the town itself is populated by fewer than 40,000 souls. No word on whether anyone’s been spotted around those parts sporting bare, hairy feet.

2. He’s 5-foot-7. Everyone knows that the dividing line between short and not short for a man is 5-foot-8, and with Peter Jackson’s sleight of hand and camera, we know he’ll appear to be more like 4-foot-9 as Bilbo. Sorry, Martin, you’re short. But in this case, that’s a very very lucrative thing.

3. He clearly has a sense of humour, and embraces the absurd. Any fan of The Office UK will know that Tim’s handling of Gareth’s incessant pranks, and David Brent’s incessant workplace cheerleading, was an epic show of patience. This patience will serve Martin well as Bilbo, since he’ll be called on to deal with any number of distracting characters, from Thorin Oakenshield to Beorn to the wood elves.

4. He’s not Elijah Wood. (And we’re pretty sure) he didn’t make some stupid video of himself running around in a toga in the woods and send it to Peter Jackson to display what a nerd for Middle Earth he was. Mostly, we’re hoping Martin’s hobbitish sensibilities are a lot more like Sean Astin’s or Billy Boyd’s, i.e. showing expressions that go beyond relief and fear.

MARTIN FITS THE BILBO: Hobbit role for star of The Office and Sherlock
By Rick Fulton
California Chronicle
October 22, 2010

ACTOR Martin Freeman is to swap The Office for The Shire in the title role of The Hobbit movies.

Director Peter Jack son yesterday announced that the 39-year-old star of BBC hits The Office and Sherlock will play Bilbo Baggins in the two-part Lord Of The Rings prequels.

Jackson said: "There's only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us.

"There are a few times in your career when you come across an actor who you know was born to play a role but that was the case as soon as I met Martin.

"He is exact ly like Bilbo - intelligent, funny, surprising and brave - and I feel incredibly proud to be able to announce that he is our Hobbit."

Wrangle:

Richard Armitage, best known for starring in TV drama Spooks, will play Thorin Oakenshield, leader of the dwarves.

Former EastEnder Rob Kazinsky - Sean Slater in the soap - will also play a dwarf.

Other actors joining the ensemble cast include Aidan Turner, Graham McTavish, John Callen, Stephen Hunter, Mark Hadlow and Peter Hambleton.

Cate Blanchett and Hugo Weaving are also said to be in talks for parts in the fantasy.

Ian McKellan is expected to reprise his Lord Of The Rings role as Gandalf, with Andy Serkis returning to play Gollum.

Work on The Hobbit movies, based on the 1937 JRR Tolkien novel, began product ion in Jackson's native New Zealand earlier this month.

But on Thursday, film studio Warner Bros said the ongoing pay wrangle with acting unions had "forced us to consider other locations for the first time".

Jackson's wife Fran Walsh reportedly told a New Zealand radio stat ion this week that producers "had people in the UK taking location photographs".

Canada, Australia and the Czech Republic have also been linked with the production.

The first film is set for release in December 2012 and the second a year later.

The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, releasead between 2001 and 2003, won 17 Oscars.

The movies have made worldwide box office earnings of almost pounds 2 billion.

Martin Freeman Is 'The Hobbit'
By Blair Marnell
CraveOnline.com
October 22, 2010

Peter Jackson announces the first cast members from the upcoming film, including Freeman as the title character, Bilbo Baggins.

Less than a week after "The Hobbit" was finally given the greenlight, director Peter Jackson and his partner Fran Walsh have revealed the first cast members from the heavily anticipated film.

Martin Freeman has landed the lead as Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who finds himself thrust into an adventure thanks to the machinations of the wizard Gandolf and a group of treasure seeking dwarves.

"Despite the various rumors and speculation surround this role, there has only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us," said Jackson. "There are a few times in your career when you come across an actor who you know was born to play a role, but that was the case as soon as I met Martin. He is intelligent, funny, surprising and brave -- exactly like Bilbo and I feel incredibly proud to be able to announce that he is our Hobbit."

Despite primarily working in Britain, Freeman is well known for his roles in the original version of "The Office," "Hot Fuzz," "Love Actually" and "The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy." Earlier this year, he co-starred as Dr. John Watson in "Sherlock," a contemporary reimagining of Sherlock Holmes that will debut in the US this week.

Richard Armitage will play Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the dwarves. in addition to his role in the British series "MI-5," Armitage is also set to appear in next summer's "Captain America: The First Avenger."

The other parts currently cast are Aidan Turner ("Being Human") as Kili; Rob Kazinsky ("EastEnders") as Fili; Graham McTavish ("Secretariat") as Dwalin; John Callen ("Power Rangers Jungle Fury") as Oin; Stephen Hunter ("All Saints") as Bombur; Mark Hadlow ("King Kong") as Dori and Peter Hambleton ("The Strip") as Gloin.

James Nesbitt, David Tennant, Stephen Fry, Saoirse Ronan and Bill Nighy are all rumored to be up for roles as well. Ian McKellan and Andy Serkis are also expected to reprise their roles as Gandalf and Gollum, but there has been no announcement about that yet.

Although the film's cast is largely in place, the labor dispute between the New Zealand Actors Equity and the producers may still result in "The Hobbit" shooting outside of New Zealand. Dubbed "The Ire in the Shire" by Deadline, the actor's union recently reminded its call for a boycott against the film but the damage may have already been done. Warner brothers is reportedly considering moving to one of five different countries who have made bids on the production.

Martin Freeman: ‘The Hobbit’ finds its Bilbo Baggins
Hero Complex – Los Angeles Times
October 22, 2010

Let’s hope actor Martin Freeman is prepared to attend Comic-Con for the rest of his life.

With the news that Freeman has snagged the role of Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson’s two-part adaptation of “The Hobbit,” the 39-year-old has earned himself a standing invite to any and all fantasy-fan conventions this side of Middle Earth. More than the Bilbo role, too, Freeman has established fanboy cred with his work in “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” and “Sherlock,” the modern-day television reworking of Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic sleuth, which features Freeman in the Dr. Watson role.

Freeman’s confirmation as Bilbo has received universal praise, and rightly so. He brings a charismatic frisson to the role, just as Elijah Wood did with his spot-on inhabiting of the Frodo part. It just feels right. Bilbo is middle-aged and set in his ways and certainly not looking for an adventure. (“Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner!”) And yet he has decency and reserves of daring that prove the making of him; Freeman’s wry, everyman appeal as “The Office” drone Tim fits that description perfectly.

Numerous other actors were announced, principally the group of dwarves that Bilbo joins in the quest of Erebor to reclaim a dragon’s hoard stolen from their people. As with “The Lord of the Rings,” many of the parts are filled by little-known actors.

A quick rundown:

Thorin Oakenshield, the imposing if long-winded leader of the dwarves, will be played by Richard Armitage, a regular on the UK spy series “MI-5.” In the upcoming “Captain America: The First Avenger, ” Armitage plays Heinz Kruger, a Nazi spy and key early foe of the superhero.

As the cheerful young fellows Kili and Fili (the Merry and Pippin of this tale), Jackson has chosen Aidan Turner (the vampire Mitchell in U.K. series “Being Human“) and Robert Kazinsky (the tempestuous Sean Slater of “EastEnders“).

Graham McTavish (a Russian baddie on “24” and cast member on one season of sci-fi comedy “Red Dwarf,” appropriately enough) will play Dwalin.

John Callen (numerous voice roles, including two “Power Rangers” series) is Oin, rather handy at lighting fires.

Stephen Hunter (a brief turn on “ER”-like hospital drama “All Saints”) has the role of the fat, sleepy, generally clueless Bombur.

Mark Hadlow (voice work in “Meet the Feebles” and a small role in Jackson’s “King Kong“) is Dori, the stout dwarf who drops Bilbo in the tunnels of the Misty Mountains and loses him, thus setting up Bilbo’s meeting with Gollum and the One Ring.

Peter Hambleton (regular work on New Zealand TV, including a turn on “The Strip,” a series about a female lawyer who chucks it all to open a strip club!) is Gloin.

Ian McKellen and Andy Serkis return as Gandalf and Gollum. Oddly, the Hollywood Reporter suggests that the role of Elrond needs to be cast, when surely Hugo Weaving will reprise his role as well.

More juicy roles have yet to be officially announced, including the Goblin King (Alan Cumming?), the shape-shifter Beorn (sorry, Robbie Coltrane, one fantasy series is enough) and the dour Bard the Bowman. Surely Jonathan Rhys Meyers would be an ideal Elf in there somewhere? Numerous names like David Tennant have been bandied about, often more out of fan frenzy than any particular knowledge about Jackson’s leanings.

Perhaps the biggest remaining role is the voice of the wily dragon Smaug. Bill Nighy has been bruited about and that seems so ideal you can’t help but imagine him bantering with Bilbo as they compete in a duel of wits. (Plus, it would be a reunion of sorts since he and Freeman both appeared in “Love Actually” and Nighy played Slartibartfast in “Hitchhiker’s Guide.”) Add in Nighy’s turns in “Shaun of the Dead,” two of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and it appears that he has one of those lifetime passes to Comic-Cons as well.

Sean Connery would be fitting as Smaug, since he reportedly turned down the role of Gandalf. Yet, he’s already done a dragon (remember the Dennis Quaid-starrer “DragonHeart”?) and is all but retired. On the other hand, Connery has done some voice work in recent years, so it’s not completely out of the question. Stephen Fry (another name mentioned repeatedly for a role) would be a delicious possibility as Smaug and especially welcome to the U.K. kiddies who have grown up hearing his delightful audio book readings of the “Harry Potter” series.

In any case, most directors will tell you that casting is at least half the battle in making a great movie, so Jackson had a big decision to make. Even more than Frodo, Bilbo is front and center throughout “The Hobbit.” Freeman must shoulder a burden as daunting as possession of the One Ring but he surely goes into it knowing that the fans are eager for the epic adventure ahead.

Troubled Hobbit gets its Bilbo
October 21, 2010

Reuters - Actor Martin Freeman, best known from British comedy series The Office, will play the heroic Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit.

The announcement of Freeman's casting - along with that of eight largely unknown actors - comes amid speculation that labour strife will drive director Peter Jackson's two-part adaptation of the classic JRR Tolkien novel away from New Zealand, where he shot the Lord Of The Rings trilogy.

In recent weeks, unions representing actors issued do not work orders against The Hobbit, trying to force Warner Bros and Jackson's Wingnut Films to negotiate with them on pay and working conditions.

Warner Bros said on Thursday (local time) that union actions had "forced us to consider other filming locations for the first time. Alternate locations are still being considered."

Since then the boycott has been lifted by key unions, including the Screen Actors Guild.

New Zealand's prime minister, John Key, has said he is prepared to lobby Warner executives personally when they visit the country next week.

Warner Bros' casting announcement today did not shed any light on the imbroglio.

Britain has emerged as a frontrunner alternative location, while Canada, Australia and the Czech Republic have also been mentioned.

But at least Tolkien's Middle Earth - wherever that turns out to be - has some inhabitants.

Jackson says 39-year-old Freeman was born to play Baggins.

"He is intelligent, funny, surprising and brave - exactly like Bilbo, and I feel incredibly proud to be able to announce that he is our Hobbit," Jackson said in a statement.

British actor Ian Holm played an ageing Baggins in the first and third films of the Lord Of The Rings trilogy that grossed nearly $US3 billion worldwide at box offices.

Richard Armitage will play Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the company of dwarves.

The rest of the dwarves will be played by Rob Kazinsky, Aidan Turner, Graham McTavish, John Callen, Stephen Hunter, Mark Hadlow and Peter Hambleton.

The Hobbit films are set for release in December 2012 and December 2013.

Martin Freeman Confirmed for THE HOBBIT Lead; Eight More Join the Cast as Dwarves
By Brendan Bettinger
Collider.com
October 21, 2010

Martin Freeman is officially Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit. For a second there, it looked like he would miss out due to prior commitments. Then he was the frontrunner. As recently as last week, he was in negotiations for the role. But once Warner Bros. puts it in a press release, it’s official. Can’t wait to see him in the role, assuming the film eludes derailment.

Director Peter Jackson has recruited eight more members to play various dwarves:

Richard Armitage (MI-5) as Thorin Oakenshield
Aidan Turner (Being Human) as Kili
Rob Kazinsky (EastEnders) Fili
Graham McTavish (Secretariat) as Dwalin
John Callen (Power Rangers Jungle Fury) as Oin
Stephen Hunter (All Saints) as Bombur
Mark Hadlow (King Kong) as Dori
Peter Hambleton (The Strip) as Gloin

You may recall that David Tennant (Doctor Who), James Nesbit (Match Point), and Michael Fassbender (Inglourious Basterds) are under consideration for unspecified roles; Ian McKellan and Andy Serkis are expected to return as Gandalf and Gollum, respectively. Deadline has thrown the names of Stephen Fry, Saoirse Ronan and Bill Nighy (as the voice of Smaug) into the hat.

Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Rob Kazinsky, Aidan Turner, Graham McTavish, John Callen, Stephen Hunter, Mark Hadlow and Peter Hambleton have joined the ensemble cast of the The Hobbit, it was jointly announced today by Toby Emmerich, President and Chief Operating Officer, New Line Cinema; Alan Horn, President and Chief Operating Officer, Warner Bros.; Steve Cooper, co-Chief Executive Officer of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., and Peter Jackson.

Since The Hobbit films received a green light on October 15, pre-production has been in full swing. Set for release in December, 2012 and December, 2013, we can confirm that Martin Freeman (The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Hot Fuzz) will play Bilbo Baggins, the hero of the story. Richard Armitage (UK TV’s MI-5 and soon to appear in Captain America: The First Avenger) is set to play Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the Company of Dwarves which sets off to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from a thieving dragon.

“Despite the various rumours and speculation surrounding this role, there has only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us,” says Peter Jackson. “There are a few times in your career when you come across an actor who you know was born to play a role, but that was the case as soon as I met Martin. He is intelligent, funny, surprising and brave – exactly like Bilbo and I feel incredibly proud to be able to announce that he is our Hobbit.”

He adds “Richard is one of the most exciting and dynamic actors working on screen today and we know he is going to make an amazing Thorin Oakensheild. We cannot wait to start this adventure with him and feel very lucky that one of the most beloved characters in Middle-earth is in such good hands.”

Rounding out the Company of Dwarves are Aidan Turner (TV’s Being Human) and Rob Kazinsky (TVs EastEnders) who play Kili and Fili, respectively. Jackson comments “Rob is an extremely talented young actor with a huge career in front of him, I’m thrilled that he has agreed to take on the role of Fili. Besides his talent as an actor, Rob is also a champion sword fighter; I’m looking forward to seeing the damage he can do to a horde of marauding Goblins!” He continues, “Adian is a wonderfully gifted young actor who hails from Ireland. I’m sure he will bring enormous heart and humor to the role of Kili.”

The remaining dwarves will be played by Graham McTavish (Secretariat and TV’s 24) as Dwalin; John Callen (TV’s Power Rangers Jungle Fury) as Oin; Stephen Hunter (TV’s All Saints) as Bombur; Mark Hadlow (King Kong) as Dori; and Peter Hambleton (TV’s The Strip) as Gloin.

Jackson notes, “Graham is a terrific actor, with a great depth of experience, which I know he will bring to the role of “Dwalin. I have worked with Mark Hadlow on many projects; he is a fantastic actor. I am thrilled to be working with both of them on these movies. He adds, “I am also proud to announce the casting of New Zealand actors as Peter Hambleton, John Callen and Stephen Hunter. Fran and I know that they will bring great depth and talent to our Company of Dwarves.”

The two The Hobbit films are being co-produced by New Line Cinema and MGM, with New Line managing production, Warner Bros. Pictures handling domestic distribution and MGM distributing internationally. Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Carolynne Cunningham are producing the films, with Phillipa Boyens serving as co-producer and Ken Kamins as executive producer.

The Oscar-winning, critically acclaimed LOTR trilogy, also from the production team of Jackson, Walsh and Cunningham, grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide at the box office. In 2003, Return of the King swept the Academy Awards, winning all of the 11 categories in which it was nominated, including Best Picture — the first-ever Best Picture win for a fantasy film. The trilogy’s production was also unprecedented at the time.

New Line Announces Hobbit Cast, Confirms Martin Freeman As Bilbo
Spinoff Online – Covering TV, Film and Entertainment News Daily
By Kevin Melrose
October 21, 2010

New Line Cinema has announced part of the cast of Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit, confirming Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins in the two-movie adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s famed fantasy novel.

“Despite the various rumors and speculation surrounding this role, there has only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us,” Jackson said in the press release. “There are a few times in your career when you come across an actor who you know was born to play a role, but that was the case as soon as I met Martin. He is intelligent, funny, surprising and brave — exactly like Bilbo, and I feel incredibly proud to be able to announce that he is our Hobbit.”

Freeman (The Office, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy) will be joined by a company of dwarves composed, in part, of: Richard Armitage (MI-5, Captain America: The First Avenger) as Thorin Oakenshield, leader of the dwarves; Aiden Turner (Being Human) and Rob Kazinsky (EastEnders) as Thorin’s nephews Kili and Fili; Graham McTavish (Secretariat, 24) as Dwalin; John Callen (Power Rangers Jungle Fury) as Oin; Stephen Hunter (All Saints) as Bombur; Mark Hadlow (King Kong) as Dori; and Peter Hambleton (The Strip) as Gloin.

That’s only eight dwarves, so expect five more names to fill out Thorin’s company. The press release also doesn’t mention Ian McKellan and Andy Serkis, who are expected to reprise their Lord of the Rings roles as Gandalf and Gollum. Absent, too, is Hugo Weaving as Elrond, as well as characters like Beorn and Bard the Bowman. Presumably we’ll see more announcements in the weeks to come.

Casting, however, may be the least of The Hobbit‘s worries Although the $400-million project finally received a greenlight last week, Warner Bros. is still threatening to move production out of New Zealand following a union boycott.

Published in 1937, The Hobbit follows the home-loving halfling Bilbo Baggins, who joins a band of dwarves in a quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and its fabled treasure from the dragon Smaug.

The two films are set to begin production in February for release in December 2012 and December 2013.

Pegg Believes Freeman Won't Like Attention
Female First
October 20, 2010

Simon Pegg reveals that fellow actor Martin Freeman would not enjoy the attention that a role like Bilbo Baggins would bring.

Freeman is expected to take on the role in Peter Jackson's big screen adaptation of the novel, despite admitting that he had turned the role down due to a clash with Sherlock Holmes.

However since the project has been given the greenlight his name has once again been linked to the lead role. However Pegg believes that Freeman, who appeared in Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead, would not be a big fan of the attention.

Speaking to The Guardian the actor said: "Martin's the anti-me: a soul aficionado and a vinyl junkie - absolutely not a resident of the geek universe.

"Not the type of person who will relish the attention he'll get for being Bilbo Baggins. Ha!"

Actors Michael Fassbender, David Tennant and James Nesbitt have all been linked to roles in The Hobbit, although it hasn't been a announced which roles, while Ian McKellan and Andy Serkis will reprise the parts of Gandalf and Gollum.

Pegg is back on the big screen later this month, teaming up with Serkis, in Burke and Hare, based on Scotland's Burke and Hare murders.

LMR note October 20, 2010: I'm assuming that Martin Freeman decided to play the role of Bilbo because of something that I had read recently. The character role that he has been playing in "Clybourne Park" will be re-cast in January 2011. The filming for "The Hobbit" starts in February 2011. Makes you wonder, doesn't it?

Hopefully, he decides to sign-on for the role of Bilbo.

The Hobbit’ Casting Rumors Target Martin Freeman, Jimmy Nesbitt, Michael Fassbender, David Tennant
MTV Movies Blog
October 18, 2010

For the past several months, Freeman -- best known for playing the "Jim" role on the U.K. version of "The Office" and faithful sidekick Watson on the current BBC series "Sherlock" -- has been considered all but locked for Bilbo Baggins, the mild-mannered Hobbit turned bravest adventurer at the heart of the story. Deadline says that Freeman's casting is imminent; supporters of the actor can all breathe a collective sigh of relief.

Yes, yes, we know casting rumours around The Hobbit have been circling ever since the film was announced. Before, in fact. But now that Peter Jackson finally has the go-ahead to properly make the two films, the hornet’s nest of casting buzz has built into a furious roar, with names ranging from ones we’ve heard before (Martin Freeman, David Tennant) to more surprising choices (James Nesbitt, Michael Fassbender) bandied about.

Deadline is reporting that Freeman might finally be able to put the “will-he-won’t-he” stories behind him and win the crucial central role of Bilbo Baggins. It has yet to be officially announced, but given that language such as “he’s set to take the role” is being used, we wouldn’t expect to wait long before we find out they’ve made it work between the movie’s schedule and his commitment to the Beeb’s Sherlock and he’ll be being fitted for hairy feet make-up before he knows it.

Also looking likely is James Nesbitt, who, according to Pajiba’s Twitter feed, has already being offered a role – that of Bofur, one of the three dwarfs who accompany Bilbo on his quest.

Back in the realms of the rumour-mongers, David Tennant, who has been linked with the Bilbo role before, is apparently being considered for an unnamed part, a move that would give a massive boost to his career, post-Doctor Who. And Fassbender’s name falls into the same category – he’s apparently on Jackson’s list to consider for a job. Given his performances in the likes of Hunger, Fish Tank and Inglourious Basterds, he’d surely be an asset.

And though the press release about the films’ greenlight didn’t including casting info, Ian McKellen has been on standby for months (there really is no one else for Gandalf) and Andy Serkis would almost certainly be summoned back for Gollum and any other performance capture work that needs doing.

Hobbit Casting Buzz Builds Up Again
Empire On Line.com
October 17, 2010

Yes, yes, we know casting rumours around The Hobbit have been circling ever since the film was announced. Before, in fact. But now that Peter Jackson finally has the go-ahead to properly make the two films, the hornet’s nest of casting buzz has built into a furious roar, with names ranging from ones we’ve heard before (Martin Freeman, David Tennant) to more surprising choices (James Nesbitt, Michael Fassbender) bandied about.

Deadline is reporting that Freeman might finally be able to put the “will-he-won’t-he” stories behind him and win the crucial central role of Bilbo Baggins. It has yet to be officially announced, but given that language such as “he’s set to take the role” is being used, we wouldn’t expect to wait long before we find out they’ve made it work between the movie’s schedule and his commitment to the Beeb’s Sherlock and he’ll be being fitted for hairy feet make-up before he knows it.

Also looking likely is James Nesbitt, who, according to Pajiba’s Twitter feed, has already being offered a role – that of Bofur, one of the three dwarfs who accompany Bilbo on his quest.

Back in the realms of the rumour-mongers, David Tennant, who has been linked with the Bilbo role before, is apparently being considered for an unnamed part, a move that would give a massive boost to his career, post-Doctor Who. And Fassbender’s name falls into the same category – he’s apparently on Jackson’s list to consider for a job. Given his performances in the likes of Hunger, Fish Tank and Inglourious Basterds, he’d surely be an asset.

And though the press release about the films’ greenlight didn’t including casting info, Ian McKellen has been on standby for months (there really is no one else for Gandalf) and Andy Serkis would almost certainly be summoned back for Gollum and any other performance capture work that needs doing.

Martin Freeman 'Hobbit' Watch: Actor Confirmed to Play Bilbo Baggins?
The Moviefone Blog
October 16, 2010

With 'The Hobbit' finally getting a greenlight after what seems like forever, the spotlight now shines on Martin Freeman. The English actor, perhaps best known as Tim on the original 'The Office,' has been long rumored as the frontrunner to play Bilbo Baggins, the diminutive fellow who defeats a dragon and finds a ring.

Where does the rumor mill stand right now? Here's what we know:

'The Hobbit' will start shooting in February and be directed by 'Lord of the Rings' guru Peter Jackson.

Deadline Hollywood is reporting that Martin Freeman will indeed play Bilbo Baggins (also that Jimmy Nesbitt, Michael Fassbender and David Tennant are being offered other roles). MGM has not yet confirmed this news.

Freeman was originally offered a seven-figure salary to play the part, but reportedly had to turn it down to appear in the second 'Sherlock' series on the BBC (he plays Dr. John Watson).

Freeman, despite having had to bow out, retained hope that the role could yet be his, telling Empire Online, "if something could be worked out, that would be great."

Entertainment Weekly reported that the studio went back to Freeman to re-negotiate and accommodate the actor's schedule, allowing him to film both 'The Hobbit' and 'Sherlock.'

So are the rumors true? Do we finally have our Bilbo? Keep it tuned here to get the latest on Martin Freeman's potential casting and all 'Hobbit' news.

Martin Freeman on Sherlock Holmes, Hollywood – and turning down The Hobbit
Why Martin Freeman is doing a bizarre new Radio 3 drama – but not the biggest movie ever.
By Olly Grant - Telegraph
October 15, 2010

It must be tiring being Martin Freeman. As we speak, he’s lining up a trip to Spain. “I’m backwards and forwards from Barcelona,” he says, with a contented sort of sigh. It’s for a feature film called Animals, he says; a half-English, half-Spanish fantasy with a mostly unknown cast, made by a young Catalan director whose best-known work is a BBC Three pilot that never became a series (The Things I Haven’t Told You). Offbeat? A bit. “It has a very beautiful script,” he adds quickly.

These days, Freeman can afford to be picky. At 39, he’s enjoying a career renaissance. He’s just been in the most talked about TV drama of the year: BBC One’s Sherlock, playing Dr Watson. His name has even been linked to the star role in what could be the most expensive movie ever made (of which more later).

So perhaps we shouldn’t begrudge him a few leftfield projects. The latest is a Radio 3 adaptation of BS Johnson’s book, The Unfortunates, in which he plays a football reporter whose thoughts turn to the death of an old friend.

The Unfortunates is about as far from mainstream as you can get: a 1960s experimental novel; cult in its day but now rarely read; written in stream-of-consciousness by a man once described as “the most important young English novelist now writing” but who is, today, largely forgotten. Oh, and originally published as a book-in-a-box, with unbound chapters to be read at random.

“I just thought it was an interesting idea,” says Freeman. “I hadn’t heard of the book before. Or of BS Johnson. But I liked the idea of a book being published in no particular order, and of applying that to a radio version.” The book’s shapelessness has been played up in an intriguing way. “They did it like an FA Cup draw,” he explains. “They put the chapters on little wooden balls and then drew them out [one by one] to get a random result.”

The other thing that should be said about The Unfortunates is that its hero is typically Freeman; that is, meat-and-two-veg ordinary: downbeat, humdrum. Playing the English Everyman is Freeman’s shtick. He rose to stardom doing it in The Office (2001-03) as Tim, and has flirted with it in subsequent roles, such as Arthur Dent in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005).

Hits have been thin on the ground since The Office – though Freeman has often insisted that his best roles have been the rarely seen ones, such as BBC Two’s 2005 comedy The Robinsons. But then came Sherlock, where he was brilliant as a modern-day, war-scarred Watson, ironing the starch out of Benedict Cumberbatch’s sociopathic Holmes. And even stealing the show, according to some.

Freeman says he was “taken aback” by the programme’s success (it had more than 7 million viewers and critics hollered its praises), but thinks it deserves the accolades. “It’s the best British thing that’s been on telly in ages,” he says. “Quality will out, if that doesn’t sound too arrogant. But why should I sound arrogant? I didn’t write it. I just think it was undeniably good.”

Ironically, though, Sherlock also presented him with a career-defining dilemma. His commitment to the filming dates for series two (due to be screened next year) meant that he had to decline the plummiest of movie roles: that of Bilbo Baggins in the much-delayed big screen version of The Hobbit, reportedly to be directed by Lord of the Rings supremo Peter Jackson, with a record-breaking £315 m budget.

Freeman says he turned down Bilbo “with a heavy heart”, but still hopes there might be a way of resurrecting the part, dates permitting. “If something could be worked out, that would be great,” he says.

But, then again, he’s also a famously unstarry actor who has spent most of his post-Office career eschewing the bright lights of LA. He has admitted being “freaked out” by his first trip to Hollywood six years ago (to promote The Office) and recently described red carpet events as “four hours of my life lost”. Could he really handle being the star of potentially the biggest film ever?

He mulls this for a second. “Well,” he says, “for a start, it wouldn’t be in Hollywood [New Zealand is the likely location]. And I think Peter gives Hollywood a fairly wide berth himself. So it wouldn’t be all that Hollywoody.

“And anyway, I certainly wouldn’t be stupid enough to say that I wouldn’t do anything Hollywoody.” He pauses. “It’s just that I’m more of an Englishman, really, than a Hollywood man.”

Martin Freeman Talks The Hobbit
Exclusive: Actor could still be Bilbo
Empire On Line.com
October 11, 2010

Middle Earth fans, hold on to your oakenshields. Martin Freeman has been linked with the role of Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit for ages now, but he's said precious little about the tenacious rumours. You know what the next bit is: until now.

‘They are as yet rumours, but stranger things have happened,’ Freeman told Empire, while promoting his BBC Radio 3 play, an adaptation of B. S. Johnson’s novel The Unfortunates.

Speaking of unfortunates, Freeman confirmed what many have suspected for weeks – that he was lined up for the role, but had to turn it down. "I did have to say no to it for the second series of Sherlock," he says of the BBC 1 show in which he plays Dr. Watson. "But if something could be worked out, that would be great." But it must have been tough having to turn down such a plum part? "Oh yeah, I did it with a heavy heart, definitely."

But with The Hobbit’s starting date still up in the air, it seems there may still be room for manoeuvre. "I’d like to think so. If there is any outside possibility, then that would be great. But I’ve learned not to think too much or hope too much about stuff. It will happen if it happens."

Though Freeman wasn’t immersed in The Hobbit as a child, he admits to being impressed by the Lord of the Rings trilogy, where Bilbo was of course played by Alien star Ian Holm. "I wasn’t a fan of it as a kid but I did like the films," he said. "I think Ian [McKellen] is very good, and [director Peter] Jackson’s a clever man. I thought what he did with them was interesting and entertaining."

Freeman also agreed that it would be refreshing to see Bilbo played by a slightly older actor, rather than someone fresh out of drama school (he's 39). "Absolutely, because Bilbo isn’t 20 at this stage of the story,’ he said, ‘and I reckon I could do a young Ian Holm. I think I could give that a go."

We're with him on that. So, do you agree? Would Freeman make a good Bilbo? Should, more importantly, Freeman make a good Bilbo? And how gutting must it be to turn down the role of a lifetime? As ever, vent your thoughts below...

'Hobbit' casting: Martin Freeman could still play Bilbo Baggins (EW EXCLUSIVE) | EW.com

SPY: Sir Ian McKellen in Hobbit - Entertainment
By Rachel Glucina
nzherald.co.nz
September 15, 2010

Legendary British actor Sir Ian McKellen is expected to reprise his role as Gandalf in the long-awaited movie The Hobbit and shooting is believed to be starting in New Zealand in January.

It's a big sense of relief for Lord of the Rings fans who believed the trilogy's prequel might never make it to production following director Guillermo del Toro's exit and the studio's financial problems.

McKellen, who received an Oscar nomination for his role as the wizard Gandalf, told The Bolton News: "The aim is to start filming [The Hobbit] in January."

UK actor Martin Freeman (The Office) has been reportedly offered a seven-figure salary to play Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson's Hobbit, but British newspaper the Sun announced last week that he declined the offer because of a scheduling conflict. He has signed up to play Dr Watson in the BBC series Sherlock.

But sources close to the production on The Hobbit say New Line and MGM studios, which are backing the films, have made Freeman a new offer with a revised shooting schedule and negotiations are under way.

Martin Freeman still on for Hobbit role?
from NZCity
September 13, 2010

Martin Freeman is back in negotiations to star in The Hobbit.

The British actor was initially believed to have missed out on playing Bilbo Baggins in the film's production on which is currently suspended due to funding issues with studio MGM, because of his commitment to BBC series Sherlock.

However, sources have told Entertainment weekly New Line and MGM have now come back to Freeman with a proposed schedule allowing him to shoot both the sleuth series and the Lord of the Rings prequel.

Official details have yet to be announced due to the problems with MGM, but reports suggest the financing issues holding back production may be close to being settled due to the reopening of negotiations with Freeman.

An insider told The Sun newspaper earlier this week the 39-year-old was agonised by the decision.

The source said: It was one of the most difficult decisions of his career, MGM, who are making the film, only got a formal offer over in the last couple of weeks.

"It was too late for Martin because he had already signed up for another series of 'Sherlock'. It was agonising but he had no other choice."

The Hobbitï has seen a number of problems beset production, original director Guillermo del Toro pulled out because of the continued delays to the film and Sir Ian McKellen also revealed he would not wait around for the movie to start.

The Hobbit: Martin Freeman, possible January start, new ending rumours
By Ryan Lambie - Den of Geek
September 12, 2010

A round-up of The Hobbit rumours, including fresh reports that suggest the movie's ending could be changed from that of its source novel...

Following the reports last Thursday that Martin Freeman may be set to smoke the pipe of Bilbo Baggins after all, more news has arrived about The Hobbit courtesy of The One Ring.

Reporting on the contents of what are said to be genuine casting and production notes for The Hobbit, the site has revealed that Freeman was the first choice for the role of Bilbo, and has been so since last year.

According to The One Ring's sources, The Hobbit could go into production as early as next January, if the negotiations with Freeman are successful, with shooting expected to last about a year.

What's most interesting about these latest details, however, is a hint in The Hobbit's production notes that the ending of the movie could be rather different from the conclusion in Tolkien's source novel. "Although[...] he doesn't have huge courage he does become, particularly in the last battle, very brave," the notes reportedly state.

Now, if the "last battle" is, indeed, The Battle of Five Armies, readers of the original novel will know that, in that spectacular final confrontation, Bilbo Baggins played no part, having been knocked unconscious before it had even begun. If the sentence is taken at face value, the movie adaptation of The Hobbit could have a rather different conclusion, with Bilbo playing a far more active role in its climactic battle.

Like everything about The Hobbit's production, this is all decidedly up in the air and could well change in the run-up to the film's shoot in January. Nevertheless, it's an interesting piece of news, and likely to cause controversy among dedicated fans of Tolkien's novel.

Martin Freeman - Freeman Still Wanted As The Hobbit
Contactmusic News
September 10, 2010

Movie bosses are still hoping to cast MARTIN FREEMAN in THE HOBBIT - they're set to delay filming to accommodate the star's busy schedule, according to reports.

The British actor was forced to turn down the role of Bilbo Baggins in the upcoming Middle Earth epic due to commitments on BBC series Sherlock, in which he plays the sleuth's sidekick Dr Watson.

But executives at New Line and MGM studios are determined to recruit Freeman and have reportedly proposed a new timeline which would allow the Love Actually star to be in New Zealand for the shoot.

A source tells Britain's Daily Express, "It's hoped something will be worked out. It's widely felt that Martin is ideal for the role."

Martin Freeman may play Bilbo Baggins in the Hobbit after all
By Ryan Fleming
digitaltrends.com
September 9, 2010

A British report has English actor, Martin Freeman up for the starring role of Bilbo Baggins, but scheduling conflicts initially made it impossible. Now it appears that the studios are willing to work around that, and negotiations are underway.

Despite the apparent best efforts of MGM to kill each and every one of its franchises due to its massive debt (see the aborted Sam Mendes directed James Bond movie that is in limbo), Peter Jackson's The Hobbit continues to push through pre-production and casting. According to a new report from Entertainment Weekly, the starring role of Bilbo Baggins has been offered to English actor Martin Freeman, and that producers are willing to work with Freeman's schedule to make it happen.

Freeman, best known for his roles in Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and as Tim (the English counterpart to John Krasinski's Jim) in the original English version of The Office, has long been rumored to be in contention for the role of Bilbo.

The British tabloid The Sun was the first to break the news that Freeman had been offered the role, but due to scheduling conflicts he was unable to accept. Freeman is currently under contract to appear as Dr. Watson in a second season of the BBC show Sherlock, a modern day retelling of Sherlock Holmes that just finished its first season to rave reviews. Of course, it is The Sun, so being incorrect is about par for the course. Those familiar with English print journalism have probably long accepted that anything printed in The Sun has the potential to be incorrect, and in some cases, flat out wrong. In this instance though, The Sun apparently had half the story right.

EW is claiming that Freeman is the top choice for the role, and New Line Cinema and MGM have returned to the actor with a schedule that would allow him to appear in both Sherlock and The Hobbit. According to the report, Freeman is interested, and all parties are in negotiations.

Beyond the news that The Hobbit may have its star, it is encouraging to see that the producers are willing to lock in a timetable for the movie. Delays have already cost the movie director Guillermo del Toro, and Ian McKellan, who has said he would like to return to the role of Gandalf, has expressed concern that his schedule may not allow it due to the delays.

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