Another Look At Martin Freeman As Bilbo Baggins

Stephen Fry & Benedict Cumberbatch Join The Hobbit

Peter Jackson announced recently on Twitter the addition of Stephen Fry (Sherlock Holmes 2, Black Adder) as the Master of Laketown in The Hobbit. Now there is word from Bilbo himself Martin Freeman that his Sherlock Holmes co-star Benedict Cumberbatch will also be in the film.

Saorise Ronan Says No Offer For Hobbit Has Been Made

Irish actress Saorise Ronan (Hanna, Atonement) has long been rumored for a role in Peter Jackson's The Hobbit. Deadline previously named her as a possible participant in the two films. ThePlaylist has found Saorise speaking out on the rumor. While interested in the film she hasn't been offered anything. Ronan previously worked with Jackson on The Lovely Bones.

The role has been expected to be Itaril a new character not found in the books. A female woodland Elf, this character is one the Silvan Elves. Shorter than other elves, she is still quick and lithe and physically adept, being able to fight with both sword and bow.

David Tennant Joining The Hobbit?

Deadline reported back in October that David Tennant (Dr. Who) had been offered a role in The Hobbit. Now comes the rumor from the very unreliable MovieWeb that Tennant has been cast as Sindarin Elf King Thrandui. Better known as the father of Orlando Bloom's character Legolas. While I have to assume this is speculation it does make sense since most of the high profile roles are almost filled. I wouldn't even be surprised to see Tennant playing the Goblin King. With production set to start in February more casting announcements should be coming soon.

Ian McKellen Confirmed For Hobbit, Serkis & Others Also In Talks

HeatVision confirms that Sir Ian McKellen will reprise his role of Gandalf The Grey in the two Hobbit films. Deadline mentions that Andy Serkis is close to his deal to return as Gollum. The site also says that Christopher Lee (Saruman) and Ian Holm (Older Bilbo Baggins) are in talks to reprise their roles as well. There is an open offer to Orlando Bloom too but has yet to have accepted.

Martin Freeman Is Bilbo Baggins, Plus More Hobbit Casting Updates

Deadline confirms that indeed Martin Freeman will play Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit. Freeman best known for the British version of the Office and Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy was a fan favorite to play the role. More casting was included in the release which could be big breaks for the actors who are mostly known for television work. Similar to the career explosion the Lord of The Rings actors got they could soon become household names. "Richard Armitage (MI-5 and Captain America: The First Avenger) will play Thorin Oakenshield, leader of the Company of Dwarves which sets off to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from a thieving dragon. Aidan Turner (Being Human) and Rob Kazinsky (EastEnders) will play Kili and Fili, members of the Company of Dwarves. Graham McTavish (Secretariat) will play Dwalin, John Callen (Power Rangers Jungle Fury) will play Oin; Stephen Hunter (All Saints) will play Bombur, and Mark Hadlow (King Kong) plays Dori, while Peter Hambleton (The Strip) will play Gloin."


The site also mentions that Bill Nighy (Hot Fuzz, Pirates 2-3) could voice Smug the dragon. There are still roles for James Nesbitt (Jekyll) and David Tennant (Doctor Who) along with roles for Saoirse Ronan and Stephen Fry (Sherlock Holmes 2). While Andy Serkis and Ian McKellan aren't listed it's expected they'll reprise their roles in the two films. I suspect Stephen Fry could be the Goblin King.

Peter Jackson Officially Directing The Hobbit, Offers Go Out For Roles

It looks like the massive epic of just getting production started on The Hobbit films is finally coming to an end. Deadline reports Peter Jackson has finally come on board to direct, the film has been greenlit and offers have gone out to actors. The only thing holding it back is the current labor dispute which could see the films shot outside of New Zealand. Interesting enough Martin Freeman (Hitchhikers Guide) is up for Bilbo Baggins while others such as David Tennant (Doctor Who), Michael Fassbender (X-Men First Class, Inglourious Basterds) and James Nesbitt (Jekyll, Sunday Bloody Sunday) have been offered unnamed roles in the film. Ian McKellan and Andy Serkis are expected to return as well.

Will Martin Freeman Play Bilbo Baggins?

Not too long ago TheSun reported that Martin Freeman (The Office, Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy) passed on the The Hobbit to focus on his television series Sherlock. Now word comes from EW that the studio wants Freeman so badly they'll work round his show. Martin had been on the top of fans wishlist to play Bilbo and it looks like it could work out.