Despite rumor to the contrary, producer Peter Jackson insists that filmmakers behind 'The Hobbit' do not have any plan to reveal the actor who will portray Bilbo Baggins at San Diego Comic Con 2009.
- Jul 18, 2009
AceShowbiz - Which actor will tackle on Bilbo Baggins role in "The Hobbit" won't be unraveled at San Diego Comic Con 2009 like what has been suggested before. Producer Peter Jackson has slammed the possibility in an interview with Empire Online. When asked about the circulating rumor, the three-time Academy Award-winner said, "No, we won't be announcing Bilbo for a little while."
Moreover, the director of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy explained on why the filmmakers are yet to move forward with the casting. "We're starting to think about casting, but we're knee-deep in the script right now. And when we do go to actors, they're probably going to ask to see a script, so we're powering ahead with getting the first draft done."
Days back, Los Angeles Times' Hero Complex reported that there was a chance that at Comic Con 2009, director Guillermo del Toro will make casting announcement for the lead character in the J.R.R. Tolkien's adaptation. The publication added that "Harry Potter" star Daniel Radcliffe, "Doctor Who" actor David Tennant and "Atonement" leading man James McAvoy are the potential candidates for the part.
"The Hobbit" is taken from J.R.R. Tolkien's novel of the same title and made into two-part movies. The movies will re-create the scenes of the novel, with additional events that make an impact to "The Lords of the Rings", such as the expulsion of Sauron from Mirkwood by The White Council. The first movie is scheduled for December 2011 U.S. release, while the second one is expected to hit theaters across the U.S. a year later.
Shooting is expected to start in March 2010 and go on for about 370 days. Hugo Weaving, Ian McKellen and Andy Serkis are all said to reprise their "The Lord of the Rings" roles as Lord Elrond, Gandalf and Gollum respectively in this adventure fantasy.
