Since hobbits routinely live for more than a century, 11 years is practically nothing, right? That’s how long it’s been since actors Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Elijah Wood flew out to New Zealand in August 1999 to start shooting The Lord of the Rings. Now here they are, in an L.A. studio on a hot May morning, posing for EW’s Reunions issue and catching up on lost time.
Category: Hobbit Cast News
By now, many of us are aware that Martin Freeman was the first choice to play the role of Bilbo Baggins in the upcoming Hobbit films, and as many of us are also aware that he turned down the offer due to scheduling conflicts (though that wasn’t the end of the matter!) But there wasn’t really any official word from the man himself… until now! Empire Online managed to snag an interview with Freeman on The Hobbit, and for fans in the “Freeman for Bilbo” camp, there seems to be hope yet.
Here follow a couple of snippets from the interview:
“I did have to say no to it [an offer to play Bilbo Baggins in the upcoming Hobbit films] for the second series of Sherlock. But if something could be worked out, that would be great. I did it [turn down the role] with a heavy heart, definitely.
If there is any outside possibility [of finding a way to fit The Hobbit into his schedule], 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.”
Of interest is Freeman’s thoughts on an older actor portraying Bilbo Baggins:
“Bilbo isn’t 20 at this stage of the story, and I reckon I could do a young Ian Holm. I think I could give that a go.”
Head over to Empire Online to read more of the interview.
Thanks to message board member Silmaril for the heads-up.
Things have quieted down a bit in the world’s media, but nothing has been settled yet on the two-part “Hobbit” production and a dispute with actors. What has changed is that both sides have gone mostly quiet in the press while government officials from both New Zealand and Australia have stepped in to comment or mediate. Meanwhile, Sam Neil says the whole thing could be resolved over a cup of tea.
But could ‘The Hobbit’ really leave New Zealand? Could it really walk away from the landscapes and the people who were the heart and soul of the LOTR trilogy? Isn’t this all a bluff in negotiations that everybody knows will be resolved? A spy close to the production tells us the possibility is absolutely real. The studios, after finally getting all the ducks in a row, want to greenlight and shoot these films and they are willing to leave New Zealand if they must. Canada believes it, so does Scotland and ironically, so does Australia. TORn is lacking a translator for most Eastern European languages but Romania and its neighbors also seem like a possibility. (I would throw Utah in the hat too!)
And the online petition we reported on, initiated by film industry pros in New Zealand, has at least has been noticed. In an interview “Hobbit” co-writer and co-producer Phillipa Boyens said,
“I tell you one thing that’s been amazing and that’s the support and it has I think personally made a huge difference, is the New Zealand industry has started to rally around to save this and they have the online petition . . . that’s been fantastic and Pete’s been reading that and taking heart from it.”
Keen eyes will discover many familiar names on the petition list, including a “confirmed” Elijah Wood. As always, TORn will bring you the latest news as it gets reported.
Sir Ian McKellen was one of the many celebs at the “Les Miz” 25th anniversary show on Sunday night at London’s O2 Arena. Just finished with a stage production of “Waiting for Godot,” Sir Ian is now Waiting for Peter Jackson. He’s supposed to appear in Jackson’s “Hobbit” movie, and is hopeful that the lawyers involved will have papers for him to sign soon so he can reprise the pivotal role of Gandalf. “It’s still a matter of MGM and Warner Bros. sorting things out, but I’m told they’re close.” More..
Seven global actors’ unions have instructed their members to walk away from roles in the two big-budget Lord of the Rings prequels because producers have allegedly refused to negotiate a deal guaranteeing wages and working conditions for performers in New Zealand. Unions in the US, Australia, the UK and Canada, acting under the umbrella of the International Federation of Actors (FIA), said Kiwi performers had “struggled on non-union contracts” for some years during filming of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. They said the contracts “provide no minimum guarantees of wages or working conditions”, no payment for future broadcasts and no cancellation payments. More..
Virgin Media writes: Who’s playing Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit? Good question. We haven’t a clue, although that’s not to say there haven’t been a few actors rumoured for the part. Ian Holm, who played Bilbo in the Lord Of The Rings trilogy, won’t reprise his role, meaning James McAvoy, Daniel Radcliffe, Tobey Maguire, David Tennant or Martin Freeman could play the hairy-footed hobbit. As long as it’s not Shia LaBeouf, we’re happy. More..