‘Hobbit’ casting: Martin Freeman could still play Bilbo Baggins …
Yesterday, the British newspaper The Sun ran a story saying that Martin Freeman (a.k.a. Tim from the original U.K. Office) had to decline an offer (and seven…
Excerpt found on popwatch.ew.com
Yesterday, the British newspaper The Sun ran a story saying that Martin Freeman (a.k.a. Tim from the original U.K. Office) had to decline an offer (and seven-figure payday) to play Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson’s Hobbit movies due to a scheduling conflict: The actor was already committed to shoot the BBC series Sherlock, in which he plays Dr. Watson. That’s all true, but according to sources close to the Hobbit production, it’s not over yet. New Line and MGM, the studios backing the Hobbit films, have since come back to Freeman with a proposed schedule that would allow him to shoot both projects. All parties are currently negotiating a deal.
Good news, right? What do you think? Is Freeman the right guy to play the titular hobbit in Jackson’s next epic trip to Middle Earth? How will Freeman’s Bilbo compare to Ian Holm’s? Whose feet will be hairier?
Though I’m not the biggest McAvoy fan, I think he’d be a good pick for Bilbo. I wouldn’t trust this role to a TV actor who’s biggest movie credit was Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
Laura, can you believe that "TV actor" comment? An actor’s TV roots have NOTHING to do with his talents or abilities. That said, I agree with Nathan and CindyC that McAvoy could be good as Bilbo Baggins.
Nathan, I`m in total agreement. Freeman has ZERO charisma and Bilbo is a leading man. The Hobbit isn`t an ensemble where a charisma vaccuum such as Elijah Wood doesn`t matter too much because stronger actors – especially McKellen, Serkis and Bean – made up for his shortcomings. Bilbo is the Tony Stark of The Hobbit. I`m sorry but nothing I`ve seen of Freeman so far points out that he has the leading man thing going. he`s alright supporting player with the tendency to play the same character over and over and penchant for goofy comedy. Not what Bilbo is about. But tell that to the director who throught jack Black was the awesome choice for the leading man in King KOng. (sarkasm)
Thought about it, and although I ADORE McAvoy, I think Freeman would be better for this. This would make Freeman’s career, while James McAvoy is already doing just fine on his own. Besides, he has X-Men coming up.