We recently got our hands on what we think is some authentic Bilbo casting and production information which seemed to contradict something we knew with absolute certainty: The Hobbit production wanted Martin Freeman for Bilbo and has since as long ago as last year. Seemingly at odds with that fact was apparently concrete casting details about Bilbo and actors still giving audition tapes. Was the role sewn up or not?
A spy has provided an exclusive clue or two about what the role of Bilbo will be like and even a plot detail and a production outline but we were reluctant to report it because of apparent contradictions, but with all the recent Freeman news, it now fits in context. And yes, you have to read on. This is news you must work for, at least a little bit. Continue reading “Exclusive: Bilbo the Brave? Hobbit casting details”
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The Los Angeles Times reports today that Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum, founders of Spyglass Entertainment, have signed a non-binding letter of intent to manage MGM, according to familiar sources. They are also discussing a Chief Operating Officer position for veteran Hollywood executive Ken Schapiro.
They write: “Schapiro is partnered with Amir Malin in private media investment fund Qualia Capital, which earlier this year proposed restructuring MGM with a $500 -million cash infusion to keep the studio alive as a scaled-back operation.” The Hobbit production would need such an infusion of cash to get off the ground.
There is more issues to consider before the deal can be approved and MGM’s sixth forebearance date (September 15th) is looming. Read the entire story here.
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With the recent news, from the somewhat questionable source at The Sun, that Martin Freeman has declined to be a lead in two ‘Hobbit’ films, it is time to talk Bilbo Baggins.
While we have no information (yet) if Freeman actually turned down the role, we can say with absolute certainty that he was the first choice to step into the hairy Hobbit feet as early as last year. Developing and keeping good sources means that sometimes secrets must stay secret but since Freeman has been outed now, we can definitively declare that ‘The Sun’ article is absolutely talking about the right actor and so the rest of the story may well have merit. Continue reading “Martin Freeman was ‘first choice’ for Bilbo”
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Although the film version of The Lord of the Rings was a massive worldwide success, getting J.R.R. Tolkien’s prequel, The Hobbit, to the screen has proven much more difficult. With the rights finally sorted out after being tied up for years and a studio feud with Rings director Peter Jackson resolved, the project finally began moving forward in 2008—only to be stalled this year by the looming collapse of MGM, one of the two companies financing the production, should it fail to find a way out of its $4 billion debt. More..
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Hobbit fans have been waiting for years to see progress on the movie version of Tolkien’s classic novel The Hobbit. Or at least word on what final decision will be made. There is now hope that some answers may be forthcoming.
Stuff.co.nz posted an interview with Peter Jackson mentioning that Warner Bros was “making progress untangling the MGM situation, so we should have certainty with The Hobbit sometime soon”. A decision on whether Jackson would direct the film has not been reached but that verdict likely would be part of any potential announcement.
According to the article, Jackson is anxious to finalize everything in order to “map out a five-year plan for projects that will keep many people very busy”. That would be happy news for the movie industry in New Zealand and the very enthusiastic fan base.
You can read the entire article here.
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Ain’t It Cool News sat down with Guillermo del Toro to talk about his upcoming projects and other topics, including The Hobbit. As in other interviews, Guillermo expressed disappointment over his departure but reiterated his confidence in ultimately making the correct decision.
However, he did mention there is still involvement in The Hobbit. Not directing, of course. And he would still love to see Peter Jackson take the reins. Del Toro says he’s still “an active writer” as well as “an active partner in their quest” to get The Hobbit made. He also remarked that while he is in favor of 3D overall, he felt it would be inappropriate for The Hobbit. He said “it needed to be consistent with the trilogy” and that if used it could take “a little bit away from the classicism of the tale”.
You can read the entire interview here.
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