Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies

[fernandito]

Go, Go Hobbit!
Prequels finally get a greenlight -- and a start date.
October 15, 2010


Peter Jackson's two-film take on The Hobbit has finally gotten a greenlight and now has an official start date.

The Wrap reports that the Lord of the Rings prequel project will begin production in February, as per "an individual close to the" films.

"In the final agreement this week, Jackson's deal was finalized and MGM and Warner Bros. agreed to give the project its greenlight," says the site. Sets have already been built in New Zealand and actors have been on hold for months.

Jackson, the man behind all three LOTR films, will direct in addition to producing and writing the two Hobbits.

Meanwhile, the labor issues surrounding the project continue. The New Zealand Herald reports that the decision on whether or not the production will happen in New Zealand is still at least a week away "and in the hands of Warner Bros. despite a 'useful and productive' meeting today between filmmakers and Actors Equity."

Stay tuned for more on this as soon as we hear it…

[alkanto]

Finally! Took them long enough...now how soon do you think we will hear any casting news?

[fernandito]

At the rate things are going, we could see a casting announcement as early as January of next year. I'm dying to know who's going to play Bilbo ...

[frik]

This is great news. Plus the fact Peter Jackson himself will be directing - excellent.
So, December 2012 for the first one?

sk

[mystima]

I read that the actor who played Arthur Dent in Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy might be playing Bilbo...that is what I read.

[Brainslinger]

I read that the actor who played Arthur Dent in Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy might be playing Bilbo...that is what I read.

Martin Freeman. (He is well known over here for a role the original British version of The Office.)

I don't think it's finalised, but I read that too. He is commited to the next series of Sherlock at the moment but if they can work something out, it seems he is open to it. More information here.

I think he would be an excellent choice. He is a very hobbity chap. Actually, I suppose I am too, for all my six feet.

[fernandito]

Back when Del Toro was still spearheading the film, there were strong rumors of James McAvoy coming on board to play Bilbo. Don't know if he's still an option at this point though ...

[fernandito]

!!!!!


Two Magnetos in The Hobbit?
More casting buzz for the now greenlit LOTR prequel.
October 15, 2010

With The Hobbit having now finally received a green-light to commence production in February, the industry scuttlebutt is that the Peter Jackson-directed film could boast not one but two Magnetos, plus two Doctors -- a Who and a Jekyll.

"Word is Martin Freeman will soon be set to play Bilbo Baggins," according to Deadline. Furthermore, they claim James Nesbitt (star of TV's Jekyll, as well as Paul Greengrass' Bloody Sunday) "has been offered a role." They add that the oft-rumored David Tennant (Doctor Who) is also being pursued for a role in the two-part epic, while Andy Serkis is expected to return as Gollum.

But here's where Deadline's casting story gets particularly interesting for fanboys, as they report that Irish actor Michael Fassbender (Centurion, Jonah Hex) is also being considered for an unspecified role. Fassbender, as you may know, is currently playing young Magneto in the prequel X-Men: First Class. Should he be cast in The Hobbit, Fassbender will find himself in a cast that includes his predecessor in the role of the master of magnetism, Sir Ian McKellen, who is expected to reprise his role as the wizard Gandalf.

Stay tuned for more news from The Shire as it happens. Meanwhile, sound off in the Comments below with who you think these new additions might play!

[Emily]

Wowzers. I'll be so happy if Martin Freeman plays Bilbo. Since I've heard that, I've had trouble picturing any other actor playing Bilbo. I can't wait for this to get going.

[alkanto]

As much as I love him, I don't think Tennant would be the right Bilbo. Especially since we are basing him as a younger Ian Holm.
Martin Freeman in the role, I do like. He would be quite entertaining.

[Brainslinger]

Tennant would probably make a good elf character with his looks.

[alkanto]

Yeah, that could work. He could be Legolas' dad. The king of Mirkwood....I forget what his name was.

[Emily]

Thranduil... yea I could see that actually.

[turtlex]

I was watching the Sunday Morning Shootout with Peter Guber and Peter Bart and they were talking about the Hobbit. They predict 500 million for costs, and then an additional 200-300 million for marketing... we're talking about a BILLION dollars for these films! That's just a little nuts.

[ManOfWesternesse]

... they claim James Nesbitt (star of TV's Jekyll, as well as Paul Greengrass' Bloody Sunday) "has been offered a role."...

Hmmm, Nesbitt is good. - I have a feeling he'd make a good Thorin ??

[alkanto]

http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2010...st/#more-39468



Yes! I'm so unbelievably happy with this news post....We have our cast!

[DoctorDodge]

Yay for Freeman as Bilbo!

[alkanto]

I know! He's perfect! Also, Richard Armitage excites me for Thorin. He was awesome in the BBC Robin Hood, and I know he will do fantastically!

[DoctorDodge]

I didn't watch that much of Robin Hood or Spooks/MI-5, if i'm honest, so I'm not so fussed about his casting. But i'm also glad to see Bill Nighy amongst that cast as well. Well, his voice, at least. And interesting to see just how bloody British this cast is! Even a soap actor's in it! And holy shit, I've just noticed: Aidan Turner from Being Human! Fucking hell, that is awesome!

Wow, first Watson, now Bilbo Baggins (which people have been campaining for on many internet message boards for years). What classic British icon will Freeman tackle next? Arthur Dent! Oh, no, hang on...

[alkanto]

I do like Martin Freeman. I'm beyond excited to be able to finally watch Sherlock in two days time! From all that I've watched, as far as previews online, he does a fantastic job. Plus, he was awesome in Hitchhiker's Guide...
Did you see that? What were your thoughts? Not many people in my family enjoyed it, but I am usually the only one who gets British humor, so that didn't necessarily surprise me, but I thought it was much better than was the general consensus.

Did you see my speculation a few posts up regarding Tennant? I still think he would be awesome as Thranduil.

[DoctorDodge]

For me, it wasn't as enjoyable as the radio series or the first book. It was ok, and I love both Martin Freeman and Zooey Deyschanel, but it was hardly my favourite film of the year, really.

And I did see your speculation earlier, and I do agree he would make a good fit for the King of Mirkwood. Definitely a better fit than as Bilbo, at least.

[Brainslinger]

Okay, I came across an article describing the casting... and rushed here and it seems most of you know already! Heh. (I'd have thought Aidan Turner would be a bit pretty for a dwarf, but imagining him with a big beard and helmet, I can just about see it.)

Any how, here's the article in case anyone's interested.

[fernandito]

Don't know much about this Freeman bloke, but he seems to be very highly regarded and I'm eager to see what he'll bring to the table.

[DoctorDodge]

He played Tim in the Office (proper one) and is in the new Sherlock series as John Watson. It's starts in the US on PBS Masterpiece on Sunday. Feev - sorry, AmanDUH - I really recommend catching that. Amazingly brilliant new take on a British classic, and easily one of the best shows to come out of the UK in the past 5 years, at least (and that includes Life on Mars and Doctor Who, for crying out loud!) .Then you'll see what the fuss is about with Freeman being the perfect man to play Bilbo without needing to watch the Office!

[DoctorDodge]

Another casting announcement has been made: Scottish actor Sylvester McCoy as Radagast the Brown, but has not been signed yet.

Source.