The Hobbit could have Freeman in the head role

After years of delays, the lead role has finally been cast for the live action film version of “The Hobbit”. Actor Martin Freeman has been cast as Bilbo Baggins, and also the rest of the cast is getting filled out as well. Freeman is best known for his role in the BBC version of “The Office”. It has been slow going so far for the movie. Problems with the studio and a labor dispute in New Zealand have kept up filming for years.

Martin Freeman plays Bilbo Baggins

Peter Jackson just lately announced that Martin Freeman has been cast as Bilbo Baggins in “The Hobbit.”. In the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, the role was played by Ian Holm. The “Lord of the Rings” series came after “The Hobbit”. BBC, reports that the majority of the main roles have been thrown as the thrown is coming together. ”Lord of the Rings” trilogy actors will continue in their roles for instance Ian McKellan as Gandalf and Hugo Weaving as Elrond. And Gollum could be the exact same. Andy Serkis will play him still. The film is going to be released 2 times in two different parts.

The film having problems

ABC reports that actor’s union in New Zealand and the studio have had a labor dispute causing the process to be slowed. Scouting for locations has begun in Britain, where a soundstage in a previous Rolls Royce factory, used for the Harry Potter films, is available. New Zealand will lose a lot of cash if the filming ends up someplace else. In fact, $1.5 billion can be lost for the country. The film industry is good for New Zealand. Over 1 percent of the gross domestic product within the country comes from the movie industry.

It might take place at last

The movie version of “The Hobbit” had been thought to be lost in what is called “development hell.”. Originally, Guillermo Del Toro had been attached to direct, but left the film earlier this year. Next year, “The Hobbit” is expected to start filming. This would allow for a December 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