Martin Freeman cast as head in the Hobbit

A lead actor has been cast for the brand new movie version of “The Hobbit” after years of delays. Actor Martin Freeman has been cast as Bilbo Baggins, and also the rest of the cast is getting filled out as well. Apart from his film work, Freeman is well known for his position in “The Office,” the popular sitcom that has a wildly successful United States of America counterpart. It has been slow going so far for the movie. Troubles with the studio and a labor dispute in New Zealand have held up filming for years.

Baggins can be Freeman’s persona

According to Peter Jackson, the position of Bilbo Baggins in “The Hobbit” had been cast. Martin Freeman can be playing the role. He didn’t have the position within the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Ian Holm played that. ”The Hobbit” had been meant to be before “Lord of the Rings.” It’s the prelude. The thrown is starting to come together. BBC, accounts that they have already cast the majority of the main roles. Elrond can be played by Hugo Weaving still as he was within the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Other actors, such as Ian McKellan as Gandalf, can be playing the same roles as well. Andy Serkis may also return as Gollum. The movie will be divided into 2 halves, which will be released a year apart.

Issues with the film

ABC reports that actor’s union in New Zealand and 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 was shot is available as a soundstage. New Zealand will lose about $1.5 billion if the filming takes place elsewhere. The movie industry makes up just more than 1 percent of gross domestic product for New Zealand.

It is finally going to happen

”Development hell” is what “The Hobbit” movie version was said to be lost in. The director of the movie had been intended to be Guillermo Del Toro. He left it earlier this year though. 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.

Articles cited

BBC

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

ABC News

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