After weeks of nasty comments, threats and strenuous negotiation, the actors' union boycott of "The Hobbit" films was called off late on Wednesday. At this point, the films have officially been greenlit, casting can now commence, and (seemingly), nothing else stands in the way of the films' February start-date.
Numerous difficulties have not prevented "The Hobbit" from holding casting sessions over the past year, and now that the boycott of the films has ended, we may see the characters in the two films find their faces very quickly. Already, casting rumors have been leaking online for several months.
Supposedly, Martin Freemain, star of the UK hit TV series "Sherlock" is in negotiations to star as a young Bilbo Baggins, while former Doctor Who David Tennant may be circling a role, and another former Doctor Who, Sylvester McCoy, is reportedly in talks for the Wizard Radagast the Brown. Michael Fassbender may also be in line for a role, (smart money has his character as either Bard the Bowman or the Elf King Thranduil). Jimmy Nesbitt is said to have landed a "major" role, while four other actors possibly in line to play Dwarves include Peter Mullan, Ewan Stewart, Gary Lewis and Gilly Gilchrist.
Brian Cox was once rumored to be playing Thorin Oakenshield, but that was some time ago. British comedian Bill Bailey is said to have auditioned for the role of Gloin, while a little-known American actress may have tried out for the role of the Hobbit lass Primula Brandybuck. Ian McKellan, Andy Serkis, Hugo Weaving and Cate Blanchett are planned to reappear in their respective roles from the Original Trilogy as Gandalf the Grey, Gollum, Elrond and Galadrial. Additionally, Peter Jackson has stated that health permitting, Ian Holm may appear in some capacity as an Older Bilbo Baggins. Saruman the White may have at one point been a part of the new films, but Christopher Lee has stated that he doesn't feel comfortable flying all the way to New Zealand at his age; there's also the little matter of Peter Jackson cutting him out of the theatrical edition of "The Return of the King" entirely. It's unknown whether Lee may still reprise his role, perhaps filming his scenes on a green screen in London, whether Saruman will be recast, or written out entirely.
In any case, barring any more disasters, "The Hobbit" can now fully move forward and start shooting! Play Howard Shore's celebratory piece "Forth Eorlingas" at your discretion.