Stephen Moffatt’s (Dr. Who) BBC series Sherlock seems like a fine show. From what I’ve heard, it’s a hit in England. But when all is said and done, will it have been worth missing out on the role of a lifetime? That may be the dilemma that faced star Martin Freeman (The Office). A source at The Sun [via TheOneRing.net] indicates that MGM made a formal offer for Freeman to star as Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit, but he had to decline because due to his commitments to a second season of Sherlock — “It was agonizing, but [Freeman] had no other choice.” More after the jump.
Of course, if you’ve been following the drama surrounding the production due to MGM’s financial woes, there could be enough time before The Hobbit starts production that the offer could come back around again. Peter Jackson has indeed begun casting for the epic, and Spyglass Entertainment is doing its best to erase MGM’s debt, but the project still does not have a director. (Officially, anyway — Peter Jackson seems poised to assume the reins.) I find Freeman to be immensely charming, so if he is definitively separated from The Hobbit, that’s unfortunate. For those who know the book better than I do, would he have been right for the role, or are you keeping your fingers crossed for a different actor?
Here’s the synopsis for J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic fantasy:
Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit, is a peaceful sort of cozy hole in the Shire, a place where adventures are uncommon and rather unwanted. So when the wizard Gandalf whisks him away on a treasure hunting expedition with a troop of rowdy dwarves, he’s not entirely thrilled. Encountering ruthless trolls, beastly orcs, gigantic spiders, and hungry wolves, Bilbo discovers within himself astonishing strength and courage. And at the ultimate confrontation with the fearsome dragon Smaug, the hobbit will brave the dangers of dark and dragon fire alone and unaided. [Amazon]
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I’ve always seen James McAvoy in the role but this guy looks the part too.
I won’t believe they are making it until they actually start filming this motherf*cker!
I’ve always seen James McAvoy in the role but this guy looks the part too.
I won’t believe they are making it until they actually start filming this motherf*cker!
A casting call went out for Bilbo at the beginning of September:
(New Zealand) – Email photographs & resumes by September 3, 2010 to: Details Are only Available By Subscription.. Absolutely No Telephone Calls Please. Title: THE HOBBIT, a Feature Film. Shoot Dates: In 2011 (in New Zealand). Breakdown– Titular Bilbo: 25-40, 5’6″-maximum of 6’0″. Bilbo is attractive in a real way, not overly handsome or modely, in one sense not even leading man looks. His build is average, neither in any way overweight or too slim or thin. Bilbo is respectable and well-educated and has a standard, well-spoken English accent. He is a reluctant leader and hero and although he thinks he doesn’t have huge courage he does become, particularly in the last battle, very brave. He has a charming and attractive nature and is renowned for his dry and quirky sense of humour. There is an appealing vulnerability about him and he sometimes comes over quite innocent – in the audition scene he has self doubts, unsure whether he has what it takes to leave The Shire or whether he should remain the staid Hobbit and not leave home. Note: This Is The Only Role Casting. (Posted: September 1, 2010)
Martin Freeman is definitely suited to the role. Honestly, I can’t think of anyone besides a young Ian Holm or Sylvester McCoy. He’s got the same sort of down-to-earth softness, of wanting to be comfortable at home with a nice cup of tea, but there’s also a level of steel underneath, of braveness and adventure.
I’m also a huge fan of Moffat’s Sherlock, and I think Freeman has done an amazing job as Watson, but between Sherlock and the Hobbit? I mean, you might worry about type-casting but still (esp. after years of being stuck with Tim from “The Office”) – it’s the Hobbit!
BBC stands for the British Broadcasting Corporation. They broadcast to entirety of Great Britain, not just England. Please don’t refer to our nation as if it is just one country. Thanks
Freeman would be fine, though Bilbo was always charming in a bumbling sort of way. I think Tom Hollander would be the perfect choice for Bilbo.
No no no, he is all wrong. Freeman doesn’t have the acting chops to pull this off. Why can’t they just re-cast Ian Holm and cgi his old-ness away?
Knowing Freeman from The Office and from Hitchhiker’s Guide, I agree with your assessment. Bilbo is intensely reluctant, but cautiously eager in his role in “the greatest adventure” (those of you who remember the old animated version will recognize the reference to title song). Freeman would be perfect, though it would be best for him to gain a few pounds. Hobbits are creatures of comfort who enjoy food and lounging and not just small in stature as portrayed in Jackson’s earlier rendition where Sam was the only portly hobbit.