Along with the previous casting rumors of who will play the titular character in Guillermo del Toro and Peter Jackson’s adaptation of The Hobbit, we also recently had a rumor floating around saying that The Hobbit would be split into three movies. Today, however, we have news that debunks one of the rumors, and at least part of the other.
The latest Hobbit rumors pertain to the casting of Bilbo Baggins, which we last heard was a three-man race between Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), David Tennant (Doctor Who) and James McAvoy (Wanted). Courtesy of the LA Times’ Hero Complex (as well as the actor himself), we now know that Daniel Radcliffe will NOT be starring in The Hobbit as Bilbo Baggins (or anyone else for that matter). Here’s a quote from the actor:
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“I’d have to say, ‘Thanks but no thanks,’ not that anyone has asked me… Honestly, I don’t think they would want me anyway, it’s just too close. Whatever I do next, I don’t think there will be any wizards in it!”
I’m very glad to hear that Radcliffe’s name has been officially crossed off the list of Baggins candidates, for the very same reason the actor himself cites. The Hobbit/Lord of the Rings universe is too similar to the vein of Harry Potter movies, which Radcliffe is still very much associated with (do you think will he ever be able to shake that image off?). On top of that, I also don’t think Radcliffe is right for the role of Bilbo, and I would much rather see either of the other rumored actors, McAvoy or Tennant, get the role.
Who should replace Ian Holm as Bilbo Baggins?
Then there was this latest rumor (which comes from MarketSaw) about The Hobbit being cut into three movies instead of the two films it was previously confirmed to be. According to the rumor, the The Hobbit is going to be split into two parts with a third movie serving as a bridge between The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Here’s a quote from Market Saw’s source:
“I’m hearing word “and its only speculation at the moment”, that it wont be two films. It will be three. The two parts and the bridge movie. Word alone is not trustworthy. However I hear this from lots of people. And have seen things to indicate this may be the way it is heading. Del Toro on Hobbit duty, Jackson on the bridge project. Time will tell.”
The rumor also states that del Toro would still direct the two Hobbit movies, with Peter Jackson himself directing the “bridge movie.” However, after deciding to e-mail del Toro outright to check the validity of these rumors, Latino Review got a reply from the director himself that debunks them. Del Toro says that all of it is speculation, with some of it being, “quite wild and inventive.”
Market Saw also has some info – which may be true or not – on the characters of The Hobbit book being darker in the movie version. We’ll just have to speculate as to how much darker they will be – that’s if the info turns out true, of course.
When The Hobbit was first announced, the rumor was that the structure of the two movies would be one Hobbit movie and one bridge movie. That rumor turned out to be untrue and now this one looks to be untrue as well. It would have been nice, in a way, if there WAS some kind of “bridge movie” so that we could see some of the characters and actors from LOTR make a return to the big-screen. However, I’m still happy with the way they seem to be going with the project.
It’s inevitable these sort of rumors come up – particularly with a high-profile project like The Hobbit. I’m guessing that we’ll be seeing (and shooting down) lots more of these rumors over the next couple of years.
The first film of The Hobbit is set to hit theaters in December, 2011, with the second following a year later in December, 2012.
Sources: MarketSaw, LA Times’ Hero Complex and Latino Review
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11 Comments
I’m glad that Radcliffe isn’t gonna be Bilbo. I think hes a decent actor in all, but he doesn’t seem like a good choice. I would really prefer it to be McAvoy.
A bridge movie is completely out of the question if they’re going to make up their own story. However, I wouldn’t mind if they filmed some of the supplemental stuff for a bridge film, like Aragorn’s search for Gollum.
There was fan movie that did that, and it was very well done, but I’d like to see Viggo back as Aragorn and that, to me, is the only logical way short of making new stuff up, which I definitely don’t want.
Thank God. The Hobbit film I can understand, but a Hobbit Trilogy just sounded like they were milking the franchise for all it was worth.
Bridge movie sounds great. I trust Peter Jackson to write an ‘original’ Lord of the Rings movie (with his two co-writers), based on The Silmarillion (which basically consists of a lot of ideas and outlines for Middle Earth stories). And there’s a relatively new book, written by Tolkien’s son, right?
As long as Jackson writes and directs, I’m all for as many Hobbit (and other folks) movies as possible.
McAvoy for Bilbo in my opinion. He is a great actor and perfoms at an A level in everything he is in….though I am yet to see wanted
I’m not convinced by either McAvoy OR Tennant. I know they’re somewhat bankable names right now; but — honestly — who quotes their names alongside Ford or Eastwood or (*sighs*) even Ryan Reynolds. I hated typing that, you know.
SO if del Toro and Jackson want a good face and a good performance (and who really really looks like and feels like a younger Ian Holm), why aren’t they talking to Martin Freeman???
Check out this picture from the IMDB:
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2244057344/nm0293509
or this one:
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3527907584/nm0293509
THAT’S who I want in my Hobbit movie. Not some crazed, intense, deeply damaged Bilbo; a regular old pub mate, a soft-eyed, quiet chap with an easy smile, someone who’s always one step away from catching up with the rest of the world.
Martin Freeman? Are you serious? I mean the guy’s a good actor, he was enjoyable in The Office and managed well in Hitchhikers Guide, but a guy who’s signature look is one of pure bemusement isn’t one I’d want in the role.
A bridge movie would be great, I think most fans of Middle Earth wanted three movies to begin with. But this is why it wont happen. I dont think PJ nor Del Toro want to spend the necessary time nor money for three films. If it was up to the fans there would be a third film. But its not up to us.
Its funny the more the fans want it, the more it doesnt happen. Most wanted PJ to be director..didn’t happen. Many want a third bridge film..Guess what it wont happen either.
Sort of like most people want to see a Freddy vs Jason vs Myers movie. But it didn’t happen. Instead we get remakes of Firday the 13th,Halloween and now Nightmare on Elm Street. The folks in the movie business need to remember its not about them its about the consumer.
Martin Freeman would be great I think, but he may be a bit to “comic” for the role
Is McAvoy good in wanted? He is EXCELLENT in Shameless, starter for ten and last king of scotland… he is my definite pick
Um, no, Mcavoy was horrible in Wanted, and Wanted is horrible itself.
Although he’d be a good pick for young Bilbo and he’s got that scottish accent which fits the character.
I’m so glad Radcliffe isnt in it, imagine harry potter with hairy feet. HAHAHA, Hairy Potter The Hobbit, oh my god that’s dumb.
Btw, there are many stories that Tolkein created, it would be amazing for Jackson to continue with a bridge film, introducing, Gimli, Frodo, Legolas and even Aragorn which they can introduce in The Search for Gollum, which will be an amazing story. They can strengthen the relationship between him and Arwen, so we can actually feel their love in Return of the King.
I think Jackson and Del Toro, know what they doing and us fans should let them get to work, afterall they are the professionals
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