[captainarchive]

Isn't the title of this thread now inaccurate.

[raigraphixs]

Originally Posted by captainarchive

Isn't the title of this thread now inaccurate.

i did ask a mod for a rename yesterday, hopefully soon

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by TheForge

Its a great shame Ian Holms was not recast as Bilbo again, once Bilbo finds the ring, he stops aging so it makes perfect sense to look exactly the same as he does in LOTR.

For me Ian Holms played bilbo perfectly

I've no doubt that Holm would have got the role but as far as I remember his health isn't that great, certainly not good enough to commit to such a long project. Plus as you say, he stopped aging when he found the ring. That means that he would need to look now, like he did in the first LOTR film. He was almost 70 when he made LOTR though, 10 years and a bout of cancer later, I doubt he looks quite as good!

Still fingers pointing at Freeman though.
Simon Pegg all but Confirms Martin Freeman as Bilbo? UPDATE | Hobbit Movie News and Rumors | TheOneRing.net

[brian s]

James Nesbitt, Michael Fassbender and David Tennant are being offered roles.

david tennant – Search Results – Deadline.com

Bri

[raigraphixs]

Originally Posted by brian s

James Nesbitt, Michael Fassbender and David Tennant are being offered roles.

david tennant – Search Results – Deadline.com

Bri

Posted that on previous page

Be interesting to see who else gets linked.

[brian s]

Originally Posted by raigraphixs

Posted that on previous page

Be interesting to see who else gets linked.

Sorry mate I don't come here often and I thought it was something new.

Bri

[raigraphixs]

Martin Freeman is Bilbo Baggins, and other castings announced

Press Release;

Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Rob Kazinsky, Aidan Turner, Graham McTavish, John Callen, Stephen Hunter, Mark Hadlow and Peter Hambleton have joined the ensemble cast of The Hobbit, it was jointly announced today by Toby Emmerich, President and Chief Operating Officer, New Line Cinema; Alan Horn, President and Chief Operating Officer, Warner Bros.; Steve Cooper, co-Chief Executive Officer of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., and Peter Jackson.

Since The Hobbit films received a green light on October 15, pre-production has been in full swing. Set for release in December, 2012 and December, 2013, we can confirm that Martin Freeman (The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Hot Fuzz) will play Bilbo Baggins, the hero of the story. Richard Armitage (UK TV’s “MI-5″ (Spooks) and soon to appear in Captain America: The First Avenger) is set to play Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the Company of Dwarves which sets off to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from a thieving dragon.

“Despite the various rumors and speculation surrounding this role, there has only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us,” says Peter Jackson. “There are a few times in your career when you come across an actor who you know was born to play a role, but that was the case as soon as I met Martin. He is intelligent, funny, surprising and brave – exactly like Bilbo and I feel incredibly proud to be able to announce that he is our Hobbit.”

He adds: “Richard is one of the most exciting and dynamic actors working on screen today and we know he is going to make an amazing Thorin Oakensheild. We cannot wait to start this adventure with him and feel very lucky that one of the most beloved characters in Middle-earth is in such good hands.”

Rounding out the Company of Dwarves are Aidan Turner (TV’s “Being Human”) and Rob Kazinsky (TVs “EastEnders”) who play Kili and Fili, respectively. Jackson comments, “Rob is an extremely talented young actor with a huge career in front of him, I’m thrilled that he has agreed to take on the role of Fili. Besides his talent as an actor, Rob is also a champion sword fighter; I’m looking forward to seeing the damage he can do to a horde of marauding Goblins!” He continues, “Adian is a wonderfully gifted young actor who hails from Ireland. I’m sure he will bring enormous heart and humor to the role of Kili.”

The remaining dwarves will be played by Graham McTavish (Secretariat and TV’s “24″) as Dwalin; John Callen (TV’s “Power Rangers Jungle Fury”) as Oin; Stephen Hunter (TV’s “All Saints”) as Bombur; Mark Hadlow (King Kong) as Dori; and Peter Hambleton (TV’s “The Strip”) as Gloin.

Jackson notes, “Graham is a terrific actor, with a great depth of experience, which I know he will bring to the role of “Dwalin. I have worked with Mark Hadlow on many projects; he is a fantastic actor. I am thrilled to be working with both of them on these movies. He adds, “I am also proud to announce the casting of New Zealand actors as Peter Hambleton, John Callen and Stephen Hunter. Fran and I know that they will bring great depth and talent to our Company of Dwarves.”

The two “The Hobbit” films are being co-produced by New Line Cinema and MGM, with New Line managing production, Warner Bros Pictures handling domestic distribution and MGM distributing internationally. Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Carolynne Cunningham are producing the films, with Phillipa Boyens serving as co-producer and Ken Kamins as executive producer. The Oscar-winning, critically acclaimed LOTR trilogy, also from the production team of Jackson, Walsh and Cunningham, grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide at the box office. In 2003, Return of the King swept the Academy Awards, winning all of the 11 categories in which it was nominated, including Best Picture — the first-ever Best Picture win for a fantasy film. The trilogy’s production was also unprecedented at the time.

[Eltee]

I don't care how long we have to wait for The Hobbit, Mr Jackson but for God's sake, do it right.

[Urien Rheged]

What about Balin, Nori, Ori, Bifur & Bofur?

I presume they haven't been cast yet as you definately can't miss out Balin who is the one Bilbo is most friendliest with and who has a tie to FOTR.

[raigraphixs]

Shame if they have to move out of the New Zealand location because of the actors' union disputes, but they are making it too hard to film there. It has been mentioned of using Leavesden Film Studios in Watford, UK, where the Harry Potter films were made. Analysts have estimated that New Zealand's economy stands to lose as much as £1bn should the move happen..

As I have not read the hobbit I assume the back drop of nz would be perfect once again,I think the actors union Is just shooting itself in the foot here,given jacksons passion for his country,I guess this will be a very hard call.if it is shot here,which locations would sub nz? Cos for me the landscape in lotr was spectaular,could they use Scotland? Norway?

[raigraphixs]

Hobbit crisis video

Will it get made in New Zealand or not, seems del Toro left the project in time!, as Peter never originally wanted to direct due to how much time it takes to commit and the pressure. Seems unlikely that union industrial action will happen, and once the filming begins they can forget about all this mess. As you can see he is not very happy with certain people.

YouTube - Close Up: The Battle for The Hobbit

[Spacecat]

PLEASE GOD NOT FREEMAN AS THE Hobbit!


Of all the disasterous castings in the history of film who chose this muppet to be the Hobbit?


This GUY CANNOT act, all he can do is minor variations of TIM from the office everything I have ever seen him in he is exactly the same , with that stupid half smirk vacant expression


He cannot convey emotion in any shape or form apart from as TIM, he wrecked the Hitchikers remake which was pretty awful anyway with his one dimensional portrayal of Arthur Dent...Tim in a dressing Gown, he plays a slightly tough Tim in Sherlock Holmes the tv series

What was on Peter Jacksons mind when he hired this plodder there are loads of better actors out there who could play this role

[TheForge]

Martin Freeman as Bilbo? One actor to ruin it all!

Spoiler tags for anyone who hasnt read The Hobbit (Every normal person should have by now!)

 

Bilbo Baggins is in his 50s when he is chosen by Gandalf as the 14th member and The groups burglar.

He is Homely and a gentle old fellow who likes nothing more than a bit of cake and to blow smoke rings while sitting on his door step on a warm summers day

This gentle old fellow finds that deep down he has the the spirit of The old Bullroar Took in him, the tookish side emerges on his little adventure making him as fierce as a dragon which is saying something if you have ever seen a Dragon!

Martin who looks like hes 12 and about as fierce as a Duracell bunny in a pinch is completely and totaly miss cast.

Its like casting Graham Norton as the Terminator.

Confound you Jackson and may your beard wither and your wife's grow!

The Forge
The road goes ever on and on, then stops due to road works...

i have not read the hobbit,therefore i am abnormal......ooh the shame,how do people look upon my bookshelf? with desdain? pity?

[J1mbo]

Originally Posted by TheForge

Martin Freeman as Bilbo? One actor to ruin it all!

Spoiler tags for anyone who hasnt read The Hobbit (Every normal person should have by now!)

 

Bilbo Baggins is in his 50s when he is chosen by Gandalf as the 14th member and The groups burglar.

He is Homely and a gentle old fellow who likes nothing more than a bit of cake and to blow smoke rings while sitting on his door step on a warm summers day

This gentle old fellow finds that deep down he has the the spirit of The old Bullroar Took in him, the tookish side emerges on his little adventure making him as fierce as a dragon which is saying something if you have ever seen a Dragon!

Martin who looks like hes 12 and about as fierce as a Duracell bunny in a pinch is completely and totaly miss cast.

Its like casting Graham Norton as the Terminator.

Confound you Jackson and may your beard wither and your wife's grow!

The Forge
The road goes ever on and on, then stops due to road works...

This isn't correct. Bilbo is not 'old' in the hobbit. Halflings live far longer than humans and at 50 years old Bilbo is not even middle aged. Like most hobbits his habits tend to be somewhat sedentary, but one shouldn't misconstrue them as a result of advanced years. He's also rather a fusspot - overly concerned with his waistcoat buttons, mealtimes and social etiquette.

Freeman might not be everyones first choice as an actor, but in terms of his age and looks it's perfectly reasonable casting.

[Spacecat]

Originally Posted by J1mbo

Freeman might not be everyones first choice as an actor, but in terms of his age and looks it's perfectly reasonable casting.

its the ACTING bit we are worried about!

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by J1mbo

This isn't correct. Bilbo is not 'old' in the hobbit. Halflings live far longer than humans and at 50 years old Bilbo is not even middle aged. Like most hobbits his habits tend to be somewhat sedentary, but one shouldn't misconstrue them as a result of advanced years. He's also rather a fusspot - overly concerned with his waistcoat buttons, mealtimes and social etiquette.

Pretty much what I was going to say. The brief glimpse of Bilbo from his 50s that we saw in LOTR, Bilbo was not what you would picture an "old man". Freeman is fine age wise. Also compare his age to that of Elijah Wood when he played the 33 year old Frodo. I think age wise Freeman is spot on. I also don't have a problem with him as an actor for the part.

[brian s]

Sylvester McCoy has told fans he has been cast as Radagast the Brown.

Bri

[TheForge]

The flash back to bilbo in his 50s when he found the ring was not that different to when he turned 111, Gandalf even said that he had not aged a day which is one of the effects the ring has on its owner.

Even so, Ian in the flash back looks alot older than Martin who looks more like pipin if anything.

[J1mbo]

Originally Posted by TheForge

The flash back to bilbo in his 50s when he found the ring was not that different to when he turned 111, Gandalf even said that he had not aged a day which is one of the effects the ring has on its owner.

Even so, Ian in the flash back looks alot older than Martin who looks more like pipin if anything.

You have to give Jackson a little leeway on his casting for Lord of the Rings here - effectively he was trying to find someone who would have the required gravitas of the older Bilbo Baggins, particularily juxtaposed against a much younger cast. While the ring does indeed promote a 'stretching' of natural life, Gandalfs comment is not entirely literal, more a reflection of how he should have been seen to age far more. The flashback in 'Fellowship' is adroitly handled in how they avoided casting a younger actor - to my eyes the FX make Holm looks considerably younger - but it's a noticeably 'blink-and-you'll-miss-it' scene which is very careful to minimise Holm's screen time.

I honestly loved Ian Holm's Bilbo, but even back in 1999 he was already way to old to play Bilbo in what amounts to a normal persons thirties without considerable costly effects work. Holm is now 80 years old - a whole 30 years older than Bilbo even in Hobbit years! The idea that he could go through the rigours of a 2 year shoot as the lead character AND be adequately 'de-aged' is a bit ridiculous.

There is a parallel between Frodo and Bilbo as young Hobbits leaving The Shire to find life changing adventure. Frodo is doubtless younger than Bilbo was, but nothing in Tolkeins writing suggests Bilbo was an 'old fellow' in The Hobbit - in fact rather the reverse.

[Spacecat]

Lets get Gervais as Gandalf !

[J1mbo]

Originally Posted by Spacecat

Lets get Gervais as Gandalf !

Pardon?

[Spacecat]

Originally Posted by J1mbo

Pardon?

twas a joke my friend just like the casting of TIM...Er i mean MArtin Freeman as bilbo

[quarry2006]

I would sooner not see any of the "prat pack" in this film. Ricky Gervais, Tim Freeman, David Tennant and the awful Simon Pegg - stay at home, lads, stop chasing the Hollywood career and go back to what you were doing.

[raigraphixs]

Hobbit Staying in New Zealand

The government will pay up to US$25 million and make legislative changes negotiated with Warner Bros.

The "Hobbit" is staying in New Zealand, but it cost the country's government a pretty penny and some loss of sovereignty. Prime Minister John Key announced in a live press conference Tuesday night Los Angeles time (Wednesday evening in New Zealand) that the government would broaden the criteria for its large budget incentive program, resulting in an additional rebate to Warner Bros. of up to US$15 million, depending in an unspecified way on how each part of the two-part movie performs.

In response to a question, Key refused to spell out how the criteria would be broadened, saying this was a commercial secret for the studio. Key also said that the government would Wednesday (Thursday in New Zealand) introduce in parliament legislation sought by Warners that would clarify the employment status of film industry workers. The presumed effect would be to make unionization of the film industry more difficult or impossible.

In addition, Key announced a "long-term strategic partnership" with the studio, which will see joint promotion of New Zealand as a film production and tourism destination. The government will offset up to US$10 million of Warners' marketing costs. The partnership will also involve promotion across an unspecified range of Time Warner properties and inclusion of material on DVDs. New Zealand will also host one of the world premieres of the "Hobbit" movies.

[raigraphixs]

Originally Posted by Urien Rheged

What about Balin, Nori, Ori, Bifur & Bofur?

- James Nesbitt is confirmed for Bofur, a disarmingly forthright, funny and occasionally brave Dwarf.

"James's charm, warmth and wit are legendary, as is his range as an actor in both comedic and dramatic roles. We feel very lucky to be able to welcome him as one of our cast," co-director Sir Peter Jackson said.

- American actor Adam Brown has been chosen to play fellow dwarf Ori, another of the Dwarf Company which sets out to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the infamous dragon, Smaug.

"Adam is a wonderfully expressive actor and has a unique screen presence. I look forward to seeing him bring Ori to life," Sir Peter said.

[raigraphixs]

Peter Jackson acquires 31 RED EPIC cameras for 3D production on Hobbit films

Hobbits on Red Epics.

Peter Jackson's two film adaptation of The Hobbit will be shot in 3D using RED DIGITAL CINEMA'S soon to be released EPIC Digital Cameras.

The successor to RED's industry changing RED ONE, the EPIC has 5K resolution, can shoot up to 120 frames per second and has a new HDRx[TM] mode for the highest dynamic range of any digital cinema camera ever made. Taking everything they had learned from building their first camera, RED designed the EPIC from scratch and have produced a smaller, lighter camera that is an order of magnitude more powerful.

The Hobbit will be amongst the first productions in the world to use the EPIC and at least thirty cameras will be required by the 3-D production. The EPIC'S small size and relatively low weight, makes it perfect for 3-D - where two cameras have to be mounted on each 3D rig.

Jackson has a long history with RED, dating back to when he directed the short film 'Crossing the Line' as a very early test of prototype RED ONE cameras. "I have always liked the look of Red footage." he says, "I'm not a scientist or mathematician, but the image Red produces has a much more filmic feel than most of the other digital formats. I find the picture quality appealing and attractive, and with the Epic, Jim and his team have gone even further. It is a fantastic tool, the Epic not only has cutting edge technology, incredible resolution and visual quality, but it is also a very practical tool for film makers. Many competing digital systems require the cameras to be tethered to large cumbersome VTR machines. The Epic gives us back the ability to be totally cable free, even when working in stereo."

Jim Jannard the owner and founder of RED flew to New Zealand earlier this year with members of his team so that Jackson could test the EPIC and assess its suitability. "Everybody at RED is incredibly proud that Peter has chosen the Epic" says Jannard, "The Hobbit is a major production, and could have chosen any camera system that they wanted. The fact that they went with us is extremely gratifying."

The Hobbit will start shooting in New Zealand early next year.

[raigraphixs]

The Shire set (larger image not available)

[Urien Rheged]

There's also a fly over video available here:
http://www.3news.co.nz/Latest-heli-f...7/Default.aspx

What they did last time was build a temporary set, but now it’s a permanent set.
It will begin a perpetual celebration around the party tree, on the set, where The Fellowship of the Ring began with Bilbo’s disappearance.
The Green Dragon, where the dwarf Thorin Oakenshield awaits Bilbo Baggins ahead of their quest, will include a real thatched roof and the nearby Bywater bridge, made from polystyrene blocks resembling stone for The Lord of the Rings, is being rebuilt in permanent stone.