Freeman cast as lead in the Hobbit

A lead actor has been thrown for “The Hobbit,” and also the highly envisioned movie is moving forward after years of delays. The main roles are being filled, and also the lead of Baggins has been provided to Freeman. Freeman is best known for his role within the BBC version of “The Office”. The movie has been seriously affected with a recent labor dispute in New Zealand and years of studio difficulties.

Freeman hired as Baggins

Peter Jackson recently announced that Martin Freeman has been cast as Bilbo Baggins in “The Hobbit.”. In the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, the role had been played by Ian Holm. The book, “The Hobbit” is the prelude, or prequel, to the “Lord of the Rings” series. BBC, reports that most of the main roles are cast as the cast is coming together. It is likely that some actors from the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy could be resuming their roles, including Hugo Weaving as Elrond and Ian McKellan as Gandalf. Gollum will still be played by Andy Serkis too. The film will be split into two halves, which will be released a year apart.

Motion picture seriously affected with problems

ABC reports that actor’s union in New Zealand and also the studio have had a labor dispute causing the process to be slowed. They are looking for locations in Britain to shoot. A former Rolls Royce factors where Harry Potter had been shot is accessible as a soundstage. Should the filming not take place in New Zealand, it is estimated that up to $1.5 billion in revenue for New Zealand could possibly be lost. New Zealand needs the movie industry to make up more than 1 percent of gross domestic product.

It may at last occur

”Development hell” is what “The Hobbit” movie version was said to be lost in. Originally, Guillermo Del Toro had been attached to direct, but left the movie earlier this year. Next year, “The Hobbit” is expected to start filming. This would allow for a Dec 2012 and 2013 release date for both halves of the movie.

Citations

BBC

bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11604193

ABC News

abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wirestory?id=11943149 and page=1