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Martin Freeman Might Still Play Bilbo Baggins in 'The Hobbit'
by Ethan Anderton
September 8, 2010
Source: EW.com
The initial story that precedes this bit of news didn't make it over here simply because an actor not stepping into a coveted role isn't all that newsworthy unless the actor who actually gets the role is mentioned in the same breath. But it looks like we have some fuel for the fire as EW reports Martin Freeman (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Love Actually) could still end up playing Bilbo Baggins in the troubled yet anticipated production of The Hobbit with Peter Jackson finally at the helm. A commitment to BBC's series "Sherlock" (where he plays Dr. Watson) initially held him back, but a new schedule proposal may allow him to do both.
No doubt it would be an exhausting run for Freeman, but it might be well worth it for a role of this caliber that will certainly make him a household name. Freeman already has made a decent name for himself in the original British version of "The Office" not to mention Hitchhiker's Guide and bit parts in films like Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, but this would be huge. Personally, I love the choice, and if New Line and MGM want him badly enough to jockey around their production schedule to accommodate his other commitments, he's obviously impressed all the right people. Apparently a deal is currently being negotiated so this is the most official word we've heard on casting Bilbo Baggins. I really hope it happens. What do you think?
16 Comments
1
If "If's" were fifth's we'd all be drunk! Tired of speculation! Just film it! Freeman better join.
Xerxex on Sep 8, 2010
2
I love Martin Freeman to pieces, but I just can't quite picture him as Bilbo. Then again, I haven't really been able to picture anyone as a young Bilbo other than James McAvoy.
Craig on Sep 8, 2010
3
At this point I'm almost ready to accept bloody Pee Wee Herman as Bilbo if that would get the damn movie started ... Enough speculations, get on with the bloody thing and then we can crucify, er, I mean discuss Jackson's choices after.
Hattori Hanzo on Sep 8, 2010
4
im not so hype about The Hobbit cause im not a big fan of prequels anyway i feel this project should stay dead @shero what u talking about you cant accept him as much as some other American Actor because there is no much hype around him. to me thats abit odd statement u forget that Bilbo Baggins was played by a British actor Sir Ian Holm.
tazz on Sep 8, 2010
5
im with xerxex i no longer care about "this's" and "that's" of this movie i just want them to film this mother fucker!
DoomCanoe on Sep 8, 2010
7
@shero u dont need a big name famous Hollywood actor to sell a movie it has been proven over the years. even Elijah Wood who starred in LOTR would not consider a powerhouse Hollywood when he starred in the movie.
tazz on Sep 8, 2010
8
Michael Sheen as Bilbo would be perfect IMO, either way I dont really care I just wanna see this friggin movie already.
Cody w on Sep 8, 2010
9
He seems a perfect fit. Finally a casting rumour about this film that has me interested.
Mark on Sep 8, 2010
10
xerxex - you took the words right out of my mouth!............freeman is a perfect choice -NOW GET THESE MOVIES GOING - i'm dying to see them!
beavis on Sep 8, 2010
11
1 coudnt agree more this is jackson's destiny
8=D on Sep 8, 2010
12
Morgan Freeman as Bilbo??? lol jk lets see this movie already
Guy on Sep 9, 2010
13
#7 - you don't need big name stars at all! Viggo Mortensen was all completely unheard of before he played Aragorn, one of the main roles in Lord of the Rings. John Rhys Davies, Orlando Bloom, Sean Astin AND Elijah Wood were all "forgotten men" of Hollywood. For a film that is so story-centric you need good actors, not big names.
Big John on Sep 9, 2010
14
Wow... the conversation between Tazz and Shero is fascinatingly incoherent.
Kevin on Sep 9, 2010
15
Perfect choice, Bilbo was always more of a smart ass, stumblingly brave character compared to Frodo and this guy can play that perfect.
Hiro on Sep 10, 2010
16
Please, PLEASE BE TRUE! This movie has the potential to be the most epic film in ever. Bring back the original actors where applicable.
Tolkien Freak on Sep 12, 2010
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