First of all, the casting for
The Hobbit is well underway, so all of this could change the next day.
So, yesterday it was announced that
The Hobbit will begin production in February, 2011 for a 2012 release date. Peter Jackson is confirmed as a director and now here are couple of casting news.
It was previously reported that British actor Martin Freeman will play
Bilbo Baggins, but then the actor himself said that he is not sure if he will be able to star in the movie since he is working on the new BBC TV show
Sherlock. Now, it looks like that they have managed to resolve the scheduling issuses and the actor is set to play that role.
Along Freeman, three new roles have been offered to
David Tennant (who was rumored for awhile now),
Michael Fassbender (he plays "Magneto" in Matthew Vaughn's
X-Men: First Class) and
Jimmy Nesbitt.
From
Deadline:
"Things must be getting close on The Hobbit, because casting buzz is getting strong in Hollywood. Word is Martin Freeman will soon be set to play Bilbo Baggins, that Jimmy Nesbitt has been offered a role and that Michael Fassbender is being pursued for another as is David Tennant."
Andy Serkis and Ian McKellan will probably return for the 3D prequels, so stay tuned for the updates...