Here’s word on what once-upon-a-time-Hobbit-director Guillermo del Toro has to say about the casting choices revealed for The Hobbit films thus far:
“I have the perfect actor for every character in the movie, but I don’t feel morally correct to saying who now that I’m not directing. But [about Martin Freeman playing Bilbo Baggins] absolutely, 100%. I’m a huge fan of his. I love him in The Office and Love Actually.”
As far as his decision to leave the director’s chair of the two-part movie, GDT says:
“[It’s] a hard thing when you’ve spent two years on a movie and it’s going nowhere”.
News courtesy of Simon Reynolds over at Digital Spy.
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Since word got out that the two-part “Hobbit” film might leave the island nation of New Zealand, fans have been e-mailing TORn, posting on Facebook and expressing on message boards that they wish they could help.
Now you can.
In a grass-roots effort, a film production crew is making a film full of the messages of those who feel passionately about keeping “The Hobbit,” in New Zealand (and keeping New Zealand in “The Hobbit.”) Many of those leading the charge are from Weta but this isn’t organized by Peter Jackson or Richard Taylor or the company in any way but rather this is for them, to show widespread support from the ground up. These are artists and craftspeople spending their own time and talents and they are asking for your help.
Here is the information as received from the organizers:
“If you wish to see The Hobbit filmed in New Zealand, then this is your chance to have your say and support the many people working in the New Zealand film industry and related industries. The film production crew at Weta Workshop are putting together a message of support and we need your help! Continue reading “A call for fans to help demonstrate that New Zealand is the right place for ‘The Hobbit’ films”
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Trade union council president Helen Kelly has apologised for calling Peter Jackson a “spoiled brat” but is not sorry for backing industrial action that may see filming of The Hobbit moved overseas. Her apology comes as one of the newly cast stars in the Lord Of The Rings prequel speaks out about the dispute. Scottish actor Sylvester McCoy, famous for his role as sci-fi’s Dr Who in the 1980s, was this weekend cast as wizard Radagast the Brown in the film. Speaking at the Armageddon Expo in Auckland yesterday, McCoy said he – like all of New Zealand – was still waiting to hear where and when filming would go ahead. More..
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Attendees of the Dr. Who Panel at the Armageddon Expo in Auckland yesterday are saying that Sylvester McCoy has confirmed that he has been cast in the role of Radagast the wizard in “The Hobbit.” Rumors have been flying about McCoy having auditioned, some thinking he might have even been cast as Bilbo. As early as August, McCoy started hinting that he had been been cast in a role that was not Bilbo. However earlier this week it started leaking in earnest (from McCoy himself), that he had been cast as Radagast. Confirming the news yesterday at Armageddon adds one more piece to the casting puzzle and confirms that Radagast the Brown, contemporary of Gandalf and Saruman and lover of nature and animals, will indeed be part of “The Hobbit” movies. Thanks to message board member, Earl, for the great tip!
UPDATE: Sylvester McCoy Cast But Not Signed Yet
Here’s more confirmation lending veracity to the above story.
The New Zealand Herald is reporting that Sylvester McCoy flew out to Wellington last Thursday to meet with PJ and Philippa about The Hobbit, and he confirms that he has been cast as Radagast the Brown, but he hasn’t signed any contracts yet.
His journey into Middle-earth began back in 2007 when he met Peter Jackson during the New Zealand tour of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of King Lear.
About the turmoil surrounding the location shooting for The Hobbit, Sylvester McCoy says, “Everybody wants to make it here [i.e., New Zealand]. It would be horrible if it was made anywhere else.”
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How will the cast of “The Hobbit” look together as they journey to the Lonely Mountain and encounter trouble along the way at every turn? Probably not exactly like this but IanH was kind enough to give us a glimpse of actors with digital photoshop makeup in the roles recently announced. Enjoy!
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Cathy sends this in: The timing couldn’t be more perfect for the announcement of Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins. His most recent work in Sherlock will be premiering in the US this coming week on PBS. Check your local listings for Masterpiece Mystery, which typically airs on Sunday evenings, but here in Los Angeles, KCET will be airing it next Thursday evening. The first episode up is Sherlock: A Study in Pink, where we first meet Afghan war vet Dr.John Watson and his soon to be flat mate Sherlock Holmes. It’s a stunning piece of work for both actors. So for those of you who don’t yet know who Martin Freeman is, check this out and take notes.
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