Comments on: Hobbit Casting Talk

By: Phil

Phil — Sat, 03 May 2008 05:55:04 +0000

Actually, what I’m sure they will do will have Ian Holm reprise the role in some fashion such as “retelling his old story” in the writing of the Hobbit, something like that, just as he did at the beginning of LoTR.

But yes, within the actual storyline they’ll likely have to cast somebody new. Hopefully it’ll be somebody reminiscent and just as good at acting as Holm.

By: steven the git

steven the git — Sat, 03 May 2008 00:50:35 +0000

I think having played Dent would be excellent to move on to Bilbo. Both are men close to middle age who are comfortable in their quiet lives and totally unaware of the wider, wilder existence around them.
He would likely need to fill out a bit, but he has a homely look for it.

By: kmad

kmad — Fri, 02 May 2008 21:36:03 +0000

These could be older/younger versions of each other, huh? http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3527907584/nm0293509 http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2881985280/nm0000453 Obviously, the Arthur Dent character is a bit under-confident compared to Bilbo, but Martin looks to have that kind of range to me.

By: steven the git

steven the git — Fri, 02 May 2008 21:24:15 +0000

You know what, I don’t hate that idea.
hmmm, that could work.

By: kmad

kmad — Fri, 02 May 2008 20:50:33 +0000

I read something about Martin Freeman being a possibility (but that’s probably like 23rd hand info). I know I enjoyed his performances in both Love Actually and Hitchikers Guide.

By: Screen Rant

Screen Rant — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:26:38 +0000

Holm is WAY too old for the part. They’ll need to find a younger look-alike.

Vic

By: steven the git

steven the git — Thu, 01 May 2008 09:34:15 +0000

Apart form the age, there is also the issue that Bilbo will be the star of this one, so they need a star.
I think Holm is great, but I can’t see him being that for the movie, especially in terms of appealling to younger fans.

I hope they don’t go for someone really young again though. As said, Bilbo was a middle-aged hobbit and set in his ways. They need someone who at least looks like an adult.

By: ZAR

ZAR — Thu, 01 May 2008 04:10:48 +0000

I guess they can use Ian Holm in a proper way – a frame story that tells The Hobbit as a flashback.

But apart from that… using only his voice with another actor or making him digitally or by make-up younger. Who knows, maybe that could work too.

ZAR.

By: Spark

Spark — Thu, 01 May 2008 02:42:01 +0000

Personally, I don’t think Ian Holm should return for the role since the character is supposed to be roughly 60 years younger than the version he played more than 8 years ago (granted the ring would slow his age to a degree). I think the film demands his role to be recast.

By: Spark

Spark — Thu, 01 May 2008 02:41:01 +0000