Another Look At Martin Freeman As Bilbo Baggins

Peter Jackson Confirms That He Will Direct Tintin Sequel, Script Is Done

Originally when it was announced that Peter Jackson and Steven Spielberg would be bringing Tintin to the screen it was envisioned as a trilogy. Spielberg would direct The Secret of The Unicorn while Jackson would handle the second film The Prisoners of The Sun. That was until Peter had to come in and replace Guillermo del Toro on the two Hobbit films. Leaving in question who would direct both sequels. Now there is word from Jackson (via ThePlaylist/THR) himself he will indeed start production on Prisoners when he wraps The Hobbit. He also adds that a script from Anthony Horowitz is done.

The sequel would combine the stories from both Prisoners of The Sun and The Seven Crystal Balls. It's unknown if either Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish would be contributing to the project's screenplay. It would mean that the earliest the film would start production is late 2013 or early 2014.

Evangeline Lilly & Barry Humphries Join The Hobbit

I'm a little late with this one but I'm still excited for the potential. Back in June Peter Jackson announced on Facebook the casting of Australian comedian Barry Humphries (Dame Edna) and Evangeline Lilly (Lost, Hurt Locker) in the Hobbit films. Barry will play the Goblin King while Evangeline will play a new elf character named Tauriel. It was rumored that Saoirse Ronan (Hanna, Lovely Bones) had been linked for the role and the new heroine would see quite a bit of action in the two films.

The actors join an impressive cast that includes Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Luke Evans, Benedict Cumberbatch, Lee Pace, Stephen Fry, Sylvester McCoy, James Nesbitt and Mikael Persbrandt. Along with returners like Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis, Orlando Bloom, Kate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving and Elijah Wood.

Benedict Cumberbatch Will Play Smaug In The Hobbit

Deadline has yet another casting announcement for the Hobbit films. Benedict Cumberbatch (War Horse, Sherlock Holmes) who had been linked for a role has officially joined the cast playing Smaug the Dragon , doing motion capture and voice work.

Luke Evans To Play Bard In The Hobbit

Deadline reports that Luke Evans (Robin Hood, Immortals) has nabbed one of the final big roles in Peter Jackson's Hobbit films. Luke will play archer Bard The Grim who is the heir of King Girion of Dale (killed by Smaug). Bard is expected to have a larger role in the films similar to that of Viggo Mortensen's Aragorn. Evans along with Richard Armitage (Captain America) could end up becoming the breakout stars of the two films.

Hobbit Films Get Official Titles & Release Dates

Peter Jackson and company have finally released the official titles and release dates for the two Hobbit films. The first installment The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will be in theaters on December 14th 2012. The second is titled The Hobbit: There and Back Again released on December 13th 2013.

Orlando Bloom Reprising Legolas For The Hobbit

After months of rumor and speculation there is now confirmation from Peter Jackson via his Facebook that Orlando Bloom has joined The Hobbit. Reprising his iconic role of Legolas in the film. It sounds like a cameo if anything else.

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.

Behind The Scenes Hobbit Image Shows Bilbo In Gollum's Cave

Anthony Horowitz Working On Tintin Sequel

Author Anthony Horowitz has announced he will be writing the script for the yet untitled Tintin sequel. Horowitz admits he expects he won't be the only writer working on the script. He also confirmed that the film would use elements from the books The Prisoners of The Sun and The Seven Crystal Balls. Previously Stephen Moffat (Coupling, Doctor Who) penned The Secret of The Unicorn then Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish also came in to work on it. I assume Cornish and Wright will return for writing duties. Currently Peter Jackson who is expected to direct the second Tintin film is working on the two Hobbit films which will likely tie him up until 2014. It's possible Jackson could allow another director or bring back Steven Spielberg to make the sequel then direct the third and final film.

Saoirse Ronan Confirmed For The Hobbit?

ComingSoon picked up on casting director Ros Hubbard talking to IFTN about the talented Irish actors working on The Hobbit and slipped Saoirse Ronan's name into the bunch. While this doesn't confirm she is in fact in the film it does mean she could be in talks. The story doesn't name a role but it's assumed it could be that of female elf warrior Itaril. It's likely that more casting announcements will be made in the next couple of weeks.


“[W]orking with Peter Jackson is like working with a family. So they’ll have a great time. Saoirse’s family will go too. Everyone is very close and very loving on those sorts of jobs. It’s not like typical studio movies at all.”

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.

Elijah Wood's Frodo Returning For The Hobbit

Deadline confirms their previous report that Elijah Wood would be reprising his role of Frodo in The Hobbit. It had been rumored for months Frodo would be involved to bridge the two adaptations. I assume the role would more of a cameo at the beginning of the first film or at the end of the second.

Orlando Bloom Reprising Legolas For The Hobbit

It looks like Legolas is headed back to Middle Earth. Deadline reports that Orlando Bloom is set to reprise the role of Elf Legolas in The Hobbit. It's expected that Hugo Weaving, Sir Ian McKellan and Andy Serkis will be returning as well as their characters are prominent in the book. Yet they haven't completed deals at this moment.

Interesting enough the Legolas role will be bigger than a cameo. He could very well join the adventure or show up during the Battle of Five Armies taking down hordes of goblins.

Cate Blanchett & Others Join The Hobbit

New Line/Warner Bros. has announced more cast members for Peter Jackson's The Hobbit. Cate Blanchett will reprise her role of Galadriel, the Lady of Lothlorien. Sylvester McCoy (Doctor Who) will play wizard Radagast The Brown who had been rumored for role for months. Along with Mikael Persbrandt as shape-shifter Beorn, Ken Stott as the Dwarf Lord Balin, Lord of The Rings alum Jed Brophy will play Nori, newcomer Ryan Gage will be Drogo Baggins who is Frodo's father and William Kircher as Bifur.

The film also stars Martin Freeman, James Nesbitt, Richard Armitage, Aidan Turner, Rob Kazinsky, Graham McTavish, John Callen, Stephen Hunter, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton and Adam Brown. It's a decent mix of seasoned and new talent which could launch many future acting careers.

Peter Jackson Will Shoot The Hobbit With 3D & RED EPIC Cameras

There is some interesting technical information being released toady from the set of the The Hobbit. While director/writer/producer Peter Jackson was able to stomp out some serious issues that plagued the production for months. He's now starting to get ready to shoot the two films by choosing his cameras. There is word from Engadget that Jackson will shoot most of the film with 3D and will include the use of 30 Red EPIC Digital cameras. The RED digital format is beyond stunning on the big screen and could help boost the visuals of the films.

James Nesbitt Joins The Hobbit

Warner Bros./New Line have announced two new cast members to Peter Jackson's Hobbit. They include Irish actor James Nesbitt who is best known for the show Jekyll and excellent films like Bloody Sunday. James will play Bofur and newcomer Adam Brown has also been cast as Ori another brave Dwarf.

FIRST LOOK: Tintin

 Empire has the first images from the Steven Spielberg directed Peter Jackson produced Tintin. The first film in a trilogy is completely shot in 3D and uses motion capture animation. Using similar technology which was used in Avatar. It's written by Steven Moffat (Coupling), Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish starring Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Tony Curran, Tobey Jones and Mackenzie Cook.