I think this is awesome.
The Washington Post reports:
Martin Freeman will play the hobbit who makes the long journey to Lonely Mountain in the two-part film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s book, New Line announced and The Hollywood Reporter, among other media outlets, reported. For those closely tracking news of all things “Hobbit” this doesn’t come as a surprise, since Freeman had already been the subject of Baggins casting rumors.
The British actor is best known for playing Tim on the original version of “The Office.” He also starred in the underrated “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” and appeared in “Shaun of the Dead,” “Hot Fuzz” and “Love Actually,” among other films.
Several other actors also had their “Hobbit” status confirmed in the announcement, including Richard Armitage (another Brit) as Thoren Oakenshield and Aidan Turner (“Being Human”) and Rob Kazinsky (a British TV actor) in the roles of young dwarves Kili and Fili. Two veterans of the previous “Lord of the Rings” films — Ian McKellen as Gandalf and Andy Serkis as Gollum — will also appear in the film, which is slated to begin production in February.
I like it. The guy has a Bilboish feel to me.
I was pleased as punch that Peter Jackson was announced to be directing recently. So now my hopes are officially high. What do you guys think?
October 26, 2010 at 10:11 pm
At first I thought it said "Morgan Freeman."
That would be an interesting casting…
Dave
October 28, 2010 at 3:13 am
Mrs. Zummo: as Athelstane said, hobbits age more slowly. They "come of age" at 33, and a 50-year-old hobbit is probably like a 30-year-old man.
Anonymous/Dave: I also first read "Morgan Freeman". Lol.
October 28, 2010 at 4:04 pm
He does look like Bilbo, but my question is, if they are making the film in two parts, where will they break? Before or after the misty mountains If after, will we get to see Beorn in the first film? There was so much left out in the LOTR trilogy. I was particularly disappointed that Tom Bombadil wasn't included.
As you can probably tell, I'm letting my inner geek run free. If I were a man I still be living in my mother's basement;)