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One Possible Bilbo Baggins Is/Was...

Published at:  Feb 24, 2010 10:39:05 AM CST


Merrick here...


It's very important to remember that being auditioned for a part is still a long way from actually landing a role. Nonetheless, this is an interesting glimpse into Guillermo del Toro's search for THE HOBBIT's Bilbo Baggins.

The Telegraph in UK interviewed Matthew Goode (who played Adrian Veidt/Ozymandias in Zack Snyder's WATCHMEN movie). Their discussion turned towards Goode's reticence to move or travel.

Now he’s a father, Goode doesn’t even like travelling that much. But just before we met, he’d auditioned for the role of Bilbo Baggins in Guillermo del Toro’s two-part film of The Hobbit. As he is the first to admit, he’s not an obvious choice – ‘Look at the size of me for Christ’s sake!’ If he got the part, he would, he says, find it almost impossible to refuse – despite the fact that it would involve him spending several months in New Zealand.


...says the Telegraph HERE.

Again, there's no indication at all to suggest Goode is the direction Guillermo & Co. will ultimately head. Just thought it was interesting to know that he is/was, at one point at least, a possible Bilbo.



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    Readers Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 10:25:10 AM CST

    Shatner as Bilbo

    by stallion_cornell

    You know it works.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 10:26:19 AM CST

    What's in the box?

    by manufacturing_comment

  • Feb 24, 2010 10:26:46 AM CST

    What's in the box?

    by manufacturing_comment

    What the fuck is in the fucking box?!?!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 10:29:03 AM CST

    Gary Coleman as Bilbo!

    by johnnyangel

    What you talking 'bout, Gandalf?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 10:29:12 AM CST

    Thought Tobey Maguire was getting this

    by revenge_of_fett

    I don't really care who gets it because if it's not Ian Holm then it's fucked from the get-go.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 10:30:12 AM CST

    Danny Devito FTW

    by blue_dog

    Although "nonwacky" Shatner would be hella dope, too. I guess Bilbo's younger at this point, though, so . . .

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 10:30:25 AM CST

    wow....

    by batvomit

  • Feb 24, 2010 10:31:31 AM CST

    Er...

    by i am rocko

    ...should they not try someone who even looks like Ian Holm...?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 10:31:57 AM CST

    So auditions are a LONG way away...

    by d.vader

    And yet he's already auditioned? Yeah, THAT makes sense.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 10:32:04 AM CST

    IAN HOLM OR GTFO! Goode has that kind of face...

    by zahaladeen

    ...delicate bone structure that may look good for a Bilbo, but why isn't Del Toro just using Ian Holm again? All they really did was slap some foundation on him and give him a wig/jerry-curl anyway.

    I say Ian Holm or GTFO.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 10:32:10 AM CST

    What about..

    by zastrow

    ....Nick Frost? Is he too old? Unavailable? He already looks like a Hobbit for crying out loud!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 10:33:08 AM CST

    I misread that opening statement

    by d.vader

    I thought we all still assumed auditions were a long way away. My bad.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 10:40:14 AM CST

    Martin Freeman!

    by ebonic_plague

    Nathan Fillion! Christina Hendricks! ...what?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 10:41:35 AM CST

    Ricky Gervais

    by mr soze

    Heavey Set everyman

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 10:41:57 AM CST

    Goode doesn't seem to have that Hobbit quality

    by myweaknessisstrong

    I'm sure that he's a fine actor, but I find it strange that Del Toro would consider him for a halfling role. A human ranger or an elf would suit him so much better.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 10:50:21 AM CST

    McAvoy already!

    by human_bean_juice_

  • Feb 24, 2010 10:52:51 AM CST

    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

    by kwisatzhaderach

    Matthew Goode??? Why???

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 10:53:27 AM CST

    BDT for GDT's The Hobbit

    by series7

    The dude is already half way there in terms of looking like a Hobbit! Ohhh wait he isn't white, and middleverse is a whites only deal.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 10:53:44 AM CST

    Ewan McGregor

    by d.vader

    Anyone suggested him yet?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 10:56:10 AM CST

    Please, no Americans doing shit accents in this one.

    by mr gorilla

    I'm a Brit, so I imagine Americans get pissed off at all the Brits doing shit US accents in Batman etc. But please, for this Hobbit film, cast Brits as Brits. Harry Potter got it right - and boy you can tell. Much as I love Sean Astin, his accent was all over the shop.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 10:57:22 AM CST

    No, FUCK James McAvoy!

    by revenge_of_fett

    Fuck that little wussbag up his stupid fucking ass! Every tiem I see that guy I just can't help thinking he needs the shit beat out of him and I don't want to feel that way about Bilbo.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 10:58:20 AM CST

    Looks like they're going to try to push Bilbo younger...

    by flickapoo

    ...the book gives a clear impression of boyish middle age......but that's probably too scary for a studio.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:00:18 AM CST

    Warwick W. Davis is the ONLY choice!!!

    by royston lodge

    I'm kidding.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:01:32 AM CST

    ...I don't hate the idea of Ewan McGregor, but...

    by flickapoo

    ...he's so well known by now it would probably be distracting.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:03:37 AM CST

    re Ian Holm

    by sansara07

    The guy is 80. Without wishing to sound insensitive, there is a chance he could drop dead halfway through filming (and all that running around would hasten his departure). Unless they stuck his image onto another actor (which would look lame) there is no way to bring in Ian Holm. My choice for Bilbo is Martin Freeman. He can bring that quintessential "Englishness" to the role that Bilbo needs. But, really, almost anyone who is NOT Tobey Maguire will do.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:03:45 AM CST

    Ricky Gervais as Bilbo

    by hagceli

    is actually a very nice idea

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:05:36 AM CST

    in the books he is NOT middle age

    by spacechampion

    Bilbo is 50 when he sets out with the company of dwarves, same age as Frodo was when escaping the Black Riders. For hobbits, 50 is like 20 for us. They need to cast someone who looks as young as Elijah Wood. Ian Holm is like 70-80, he can't do this role.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:06:31 AM CST

    ...I still wan't James Cosmo (Hamish's dad in BRAVEHEART)...

    by flickapoo

    ...for a Dwarf.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:07:59 AM CST

    It needs character more than pretty boy appeal

    by dc films

    I'd rather see Ben Kingsley play Bilbo as Don Logan from Sexy Beast, than see one of these public school boy droids dumb it down.No no no no no no no no, not this time, no fucking way, no fucking way, no fucking way, you made me look a right cunt!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:09:31 AM CST

    Ricky Gervais as vanished Bilbo

    by themanwhocan

    and never to be seen again.
    Id superglue that ring onto his hand! Right after I taped his mouth shut!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:11:02 AM CST

    ...spacechampion, I get you, but...

    by flickapoo

    ...I think Tolkien's ideas on all that evolved during the course of the writing.In HOBBIT, Bilbo is presented as definitely not a kid...while in LOTR Frodo is presented as unusually youthful, even for a Hobbit.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:12:42 AM CST

    Man, I don't know.

    by colonelfatheart

    I'm just not looking forward to these movies. And I love LOTR. I love PJ. I really like GDT. But with each day I give less and less of a flying fuck about this. Is there something wrong with me? Shall I turn in my geek credentials?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:12:49 AM CST

    Johnny Lee Miller looks like Alien Holms

    by bigdrawz

    Compare Miller to Holms some one do a side by side

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:13:36 AM CST

    Andrew Garfield (Boy A, Red Riding), or...

    by dc films

    ...or Ben Whishaw (Perfume, Bright Star).2 excellent, young, interesting actor who have proved they can carry a film, as well as do character...Matthew bleeding Goode... Give us a break!!!! Gay, latex superantihero, fine. Bilbo bleeding Baggins, no fucking way!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:14:50 AM CST

    ..."wan't"? Weirdest type-O ever.

    by flickapoo

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:15:30 AM CST

    Flick, I think your instincts are right.

    by colonelfatheart

    The Hobbit is a mid-life crisis story, in a way. Bilbo's reluctance to get out and see the world would be more believable in the movie if the actor looks like he's in his 40s/50s.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:17:47 AM CST

    ...Colonel...as always, you make my point better...

    by flickapoo

    ...than I do.It's a mid-life crisis story.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:19:56 AM CST

    Rather, Flick, your comments nudged me

    by colonelfatheart

    toward my conclusion.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:21:51 AM CST

    Morgan Freeman is the only man for this

    by optimuscrime

    He defines hobbit.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:22:43 AM CST

    ...I'm really looking forward to this because I've finally...

    by flickapoo

    ...worked out my love/hate with Jackson's trilogy. I'm so familiar with and emotionally attached to the books that I could never settle down and enjoy the LOTR movies...it was like watching a biopic about your dad or something. Impressive, but awkward and weird.With THE HOBBIT I'm ready to watch it as just a movie. And I suspect they'll have to mix it up more, so hopefully I'll be making less constant comparisons to the book.Also, THE HOBBIT has fewer Elves...most of the Elves in Jackson's trilogy made me feel queasy.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:24:43 AM CST

    definitely WATCHMEN's weak link

    by argentino

    Most actors nailed their parts in that movie. Hell, I liked Manhattan better in the movie than in the comic. Goode played Veidt like a one dimensional Bond villain.
    Loved the movie anyway.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:25:48 AM CST

    Question, Mr Godzilla.

    by johnnyangel

    So you're saying Middle Earth was a suburb of London? People in Middle Earth didn't speak English, so what difference does it make what their accents are?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:25:54 AM CST

    "like watching a biopic about your dad or something"

    by colonelfatheart

    HAHAHAHAHA!!!! Yes, I see your point, but I love the movies anyway. I think I'm down on this project because of prequel fatigue.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:27:43 AM CST

    Goode? Really?

    by audio_of_being

    I can't remember a role where the guy was a good actor, and to use Watchmen as a reference doesn't exactly inspire confidence in his abilities. I swear he was reading off cue-cards for all of his lines.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:27:56 AM CST

    I think they'll "elf up" THE HOBBIT.

    by colonelfatheart

    Too many swoony ladies the last time.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:28:42 AM CST

    Ian Holm???

    by argentino

    Isn't he a little bit old? Have a little imagination guys. What about Martin Freeman? Has that kind of look and is quite likable.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:29:47 AM CST

    Louie Vito!! That snowboarder IS a hobbit!

    by chromedome

    seriously.... have you seen that guy?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:34:32 AM CST

    Charlie from Always Sunny...he's short

    by macready452

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:35:52 AM CST

    NO!!! Goode was the weakest link of the 'Watchmen' film.

    by jimmy rabbitte

    Every one of his scenes brought the proceedings to a screeching halt. Keep this boring hack away, from 'The Hobbit'.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:39:30 AM CST

    ...Re: Elves in Jackson's trilogy...

    by flickapoo

    ...I would have loved to see them try digitally altering the Elves...just a little bit, in subtle ways...tweak the facial proportions and stuff.Elves are supposed to like humans, but better.Elves are most certainly not bloated, double chinned, and pasty.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:40:51 AM CST

    ...chromedome, you weren't kidding...

    by flickapoo

    ...a snowboarding Hobbit!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:42:17 AM CST

    Steve Guttenberg!!

    by human_bean_juice_

    Your ship has come in...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:43:15 AM CST

    Paddy Considine

    by spartacushughes

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:43:39 AM CST

    Simon Pegg

    by spartacushughes

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:45:43 AM CST

    Angus Macfadyen

    by spartacushughes

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:46:54 AM CST

    Goode was awful in Watchmen

    by jasper stillwell

    Mind you that could have been slack directing.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:46:55 AM CST

    Come on, we ALL know it's going to be McAvoy.

    by orbots commander

    It's inevitable.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:47:06 AM CST

    Jamie Bell

    by spartacushughes

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:47:45 AM CST

    Matthew Broderick

    by spartacushughes

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:51:47 AM CST

    WTFucking shit! There's a Speedy Gonzalez movie???

    by d.vader

    And George Lopez is going to voice him? And he won't be "racist" this time? AYE CARUMBA!!!!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:52:20 AM CST

    I recently auditioned to play a Goblin

    by fa_tass_dinomolester

    But they told we there wasn't enough make-up in the universe to make me look more like a goblin that I already do! At which point I spanked Peter Jackson's ass a couple of times, and jumped out of a window.

    Overall, I think it was one of my better auditions.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:53:14 AM CST

    Paddy Considine

    by jackalcack

    Excellent shout.

    Simon Pegg...horrible suggestion.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:56:36 AM CST

    Colin Firth

    by spartacushughes

  • Feb 24, 2010 12:00:08 PM CST

    Tim Heidecker

    by spartacushughes

  • Feb 24, 2010 12:00:32 PM CST

    Paul Dano

    by spartacushughes

  • Feb 24, 2010 12:01:19 PM CST

    Zach Galifianakis

    by spartacushughes

  • Feb 24, 2010 12:06:15 PM CST

    Harry Potter and the Misty Mountains

    by pedro_voted_for_me

    How about Daniel Radcliffe? He has that same look that Elijah Wood brought. Although as pointed out by Flickapoo with Ewan McGregor, too distractingly well known now

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 12:10:57 PM CST

    If they can make blue people fly dragons in 3d

    by gotilk

    they can make Ian Holm look younger, god damnnitt!!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 12:12:44 PM CST

    He's no Goode

    by sansara07

    Couldn't resist.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 12:13:32 PM CST

    Ian Holm of GTFO indeed

    by hervoyel

    Anyone other than Ian Holm is unacceptable and this film will be shit as a result. You can pull the scouring of the shire from my movie and I'll forgive but recasting Bilbo isn't going to work for me. I'm pretty sure I'm not alone.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 12:18:16 PM CST

    I hope he doesn't get it. I fucking hate the guy

    by thewaqman

  • Feb 24, 2010 12:18:53 PM CST

    It will be either Jamie Bell, Freeman or McAvoy

    by thewaqman

    the former having worked with Peter Jackson twice now I think makes him likely.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 12:19:32 PM CST

    Paddy Considine would be the best I agree

    by thewaqman

  • Feb 24, 2010 12:20:59 PM CST

    And I disagree about it being a mid life crisis story

    by hervoyel

    I think it's "think piece" about a mid-level hobbit struggling with his own limitations in the harsh face of a fucking dragon about to eat his ass. That's what I think.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 12:30:02 PM CST

    You know GDT wants Ron Perlman for Bilbo...

    by darth_inedible

    'Hobbiton. Hobbiton never changes...' 'Gandalf, you and me gotta get something straight. You can't just barge into my place with a bunch of dwarves and expect me to follow you on some crazy-assed adventure.'

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 12:30:50 PM CST

    Sharlto Copley

    by retroqqq

  • Feb 24, 2010 12:35:25 PM CST

    MARTIN FREEMAN.

    by the_ghost_of_marcus_brody

  • Feb 24, 2010 12:37:35 PM CST

    Well, if that's the direction, I'm not interested

    by v'shael

    It's true. Adrian Veldt as Bilbo, is so wrong it defies rational explanation.

    Either you can see it, or I can't possibly explain it to you.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 12:47:42 PM CST

    maybe as an Elf

    by oisin5199

    but not a hobbit. Don't see it.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 12:53:23 PM CST

    C'mon Edris Elba

    by jtp8000

    If he's gotta have an English accent this is your guy.
    "Give me the ring mothafucka or I'll mess you up

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 12:53:27 PM CST

    I'd love to see Nick Frost as Bombur.

    by nice marmot

    He would have been a kickass Samwise, too. I can definitely get behind Paddy Considine as Bilbo. Not sure why SO MANY damn people are wanting McAvoy. Just don't see it. Still picture Timothy Dalton as Beorn and Clive Owen as Bard of Laketown. Fingers crossed that Tom Waits is voicing Smaug or, if not, the goblin leader.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 12:53:43 PM CST

    Good God No

    by sminkypinky

    Goode's so wrong for it. I'm all for Martin Freeman but know I'll be disappointed.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 12:55:26 PM CST

    Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje

    by jtp8000

    Only question is whether he plays him as Adebisi or Eko.

    He's English and if Elba isn't available the toughest, meanest Bilbo ever

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 1:01:50 PM CST

    Not Hobbity enough

    by benbraddock

    Does he even have hairy feet?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 1:12:35 PM CST

    I like the Martin Freeman idea...

    by kells

    ...he'd be damn near perfect in terms of face and voice. As for other cast members, it's Del Toro, so you can pretty much assume that Ron Perlman will be in it somewhere, my guess is as Smaug or Beorn.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 1:13:13 PM CST

    Morgan Freeman as Bilbo.

    by dr. samuel loomis

  • Feb 24, 2010 1:14:03 PM CST

    Seriously

    by series7

    How has Benicio not been casted for this yet?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 1:14:03 PM CST

    we ALL know it's going to be...

    by human_bean_juice_

    Jean Cluade Van Damme!
    Search your feelings...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 1:16:25 PM CST

    hahaha Perlman

    by series7

    The one role he'll be able to have where he's not covered in shit. Assumming he's just cast as a troll.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 1:17:04 PM CST

    Actually, Colin Firth WOULD be pretty good...

    by kells

    ...but you know they're gonna try to get Hugh Grant...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 1:26:27 PM CST

    ...my biggest concern with this are the Dwarves...

    by flickapoo

    ...Gimli got the shittiest treatment in LOTR. John Rhys-Davies seemed to think he was in some sort of fantasy spoof...and he had too much fake looking shit on his face.Also, thirteen Dwarves are a lot to keep straight and make interesting...without coming off like SNOW WHITE.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 1:27:35 PM CST

    STEPHEN GRAHAM!

    by birdy birdman

    or Tom Noonan

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 1:29:08 PM CST

    Mad Mel Gibson is the One

    by xiphos_2

    To play Bilbo. "GIVE ME BACK MY RING!" Ah just imagine...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 1:30:16 PM CST

    Shia Le Bouf for Bilbo

    by ominus

  • Feb 24, 2010 1:30:51 PM CST

    13 is more than 7!!! 13 > 7. Thirteen > Seven

    by thewaqman

  • Feb 24, 2010 1:31:49 PM CST

    By the way fuck Leo DiCaprio, that poes is a eunuch

    by thewaqman

    I can't believe Martin Scorcese has gotten so senile that he's cast him as Sinatra. This will not end well in the long run.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 1:32:12 PM CST

    kevin smith

    by alice133

    hes already dressed for the part.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 1:32:33 PM CST

    Ron Perlman will be Thorin, Bard, or Beorn.

    by mostholy

    Bank on it.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 1:33:05 PM CST

    Imagine the younger actor doing the Bilbo/Gandalf scene

    by performingmonkey

    The one where Bilbo accuses Gandalf of wanting the Ring for himself. You need an actor who has that sort of energy.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 1:34:27 PM CST

    Kevin Smith won't even be able to make it to NZ!

    by thewaqman

    Fat arse will be kicked out of the plane.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 1:36:48 PM CST

    WHO'S AUDITIONING FOR CAPTAIN AMERICA:

    by zipzopzoobitybop

    John Krasinski, Michael Cassidy, Patrick Fluger, Scott Porter, Mike Vogel, and Chance Crawford

    I don't particularly care for any of these choices.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 1:37:08 PM CST

    I was absolutely shocked that the answer wasn't

    by smackfu

    Taylor Lautner.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 1:45:06 PM CST

    Martin Freeman

    by nemov

    I've been thinking Martin Freeman from the beginning. He seems like such a perfect choice that it's almost unfathomable that he wouldn't at least get an audition.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 1:46:08 PM CST

    I called Weta

    by cornponious

    Left a message. I told them there is a large group of fans who think it should be Martin Freeman who should play bilbo.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 1:46:54 PM CST

    accents

    by cyberskunk

    Johnnyangel, although one could argue that the story's set long before London accents etc. existed, Tolkien expressly gave some of his characters recognizable accents, such as the trolls from the Hobbit, who speak in very Cockney accents.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 1:47:53 PM CST

    Zipzopzoobitybop - I could see Scott Porter as Cap.

    by vic twenty

    Where was this reported?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 2:00:11 PM CST

    Cool, he's a good singer...

    by triple_j_72

    ...I really like his song "Hello Time Bomb." Oh wait... I'm thinking of Matthew Good. No "e" at the end... heh...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 2:00:54 PM CST

    Martin Freeman

    by mr claypole

    It just has to be. Can't see the execs wanting a weird looking Brit to be the lead though.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 2:01:57 PM CST

    He would have been good.

    by maxthesilent

    But he's way to tall and good-looking.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 2:04:28 PM CST

    That's actually a pretty Goode call...

    by killakane

    Like his work, don't have a problem with him as Bibo, but I still think McAvoy would be spot on for the role.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 2:05:08 PM CST

    A weird looking Brit should play Bilbo, no?

    by vic twenty

    And yes, I found the article stating that Martin Freeman's American doppleganger, John Krasinski, is the frontrunner for the Captain America gig. That is such an odd way to go if true....

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 2:05:33 PM CST

    no subject

    by kirks_merkin

    Pretty surprised no one's suggested Patton Oswalt for this. Seems like a no-brainer.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 2:10:10 PM CST

    nathan fillion

    by oriongods

    well i got that out of the way

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 2:16:05 PM CST

    GOODE WOULD BE GREAT!

    by imjustsaying

    I feel like I'm the only fan of his Ozymandias performance, but yeah man, I want to see more of him, and I think he'd rock Bilbo. It's outside the lines casting, but I'm always down for that.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 2:22:45 PM CST

    Will he do a German accent?

    by ricarleite2

  • Feb 24, 2010 2:29:00 PM CST

    Gary Coleman for Bilbo...no visual effects needed

    by slimbutnotreally

    Gary Coleman is the obvious choice. "WHAT 'CHOO TALKIN' 'BOUT GANDALF?" Anyway, they wouldn't have to use forced perspective to make him look short, and who says Bilbo is white? We need some halfing brothers!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 2:34:34 PM CST

    Martin Freeman

    by giricns

    For The Win!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 2:36:32 PM CST

    RUSSELL TOVEY

    by spartacushughes

    ............

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 2:38:31 PM CST

    Freeman

    by spartacushughes

    Always does the same character. Bemused everyman. Bilbo needs a little more range than confused or irritated.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 2:44:14 PM CST

    Freeman

    by nemov

    Just signed on for the PBS Sherlock Holmes series. That might take him out of the running.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 2:44:15 PM CST

    Paddy Considine

    by spartacushughes

    Holding the ring in the palm of his hand, points to it and closes hand and says "ya fookin there mate" Now get on that warg & fook off"
    http://tinyurl.com/ykv4mvx

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 4:13:48 PM CST

    Martin Freeman: simple as that

    by palimpsest

    The only possible spanner in the works is the SHERLOCK series he's filming for the BBC and PBS. Perlman's gotta be cast (I kinda assumed from day one that he'd be Beorn, though that's not a massive part - mebbe he'll do that in part one, and voice Smaug in part 2.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 4:14:56 PM CST

    SHERLOCK is 3 x 90 minute episodes

    by palimpsest

  • Feb 24, 2010 4:16:25 PM CST

    Patton Oswalt

    by neorith

    He even looks like a Hobbit!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 4:31:34 PM CST

    Michael Sheen

    by rodie

    Cast Michael Sheen as Bilbo. He'd be fantastic. And he looks lie like a hobbit already.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 4:55:46 PM CST

    Too pointy

    by broosethescharuk

    Hobbits should have a lot more rounded friendly bits and far fewer pointy, handsome bits. I felt the same about Wood, Monaghan and Boyd with LOTR (despite good performances). Even Sean Astin was shy a few pounds to be Sam. Hobbits should be endearing and hardy-looking, not gaunt and effeminate. It's like they want everyone to be like elves now, thanks to the Orlando Boom of the early naughts. Or maybe it's Twilight fallout. Bring on the androgynous-looking heartthrobs. W

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 5:02:49 PM CST

    Why not cast Peter Jackson as Bilbo?

    by charabicharabia

  • Feb 24, 2010 5:10:26 PM CST

    Jim Broadbent is 60.....

    by charabicharabia

    If he were 5 or 10 years younger I'd absolutely go for him... Bilbo is supposed to be 50...is that right?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 5:24:44 PM CST

    seth green

    by oriongods

  • Feb 24, 2010 5:31:01 PM CST

    Ian Mcshaine as Smaug.

    by mr soze

    How about a riddle you cocksucker.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 5:39:57 PM CST

    David Tennant?

    by johndillingers20inchseveredcock

  • Feb 24, 2010 5:40:38 PM CST

    Actually Martin Freeman would be awesome

    by slimbutnotreally

    Good recommendation there...he would make a great Bilbo

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 6:12:05 PM CST

    Bilbo as an effete homosexual

    by mgmax

    Matthew Goode is, without a doubt, the most boring actor alive. There is not a scene he's ever been in that he hasn't sucked the life clean out of.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 6:20:14 PM CST

    not true mgmax

    by waka_flocka

    see. the lookout

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 6:22:03 PM CST

    I have 3 things to say about this

    by orschigh

    1. When I saw R.Gervais in Stardust I thought he'd make a decent Bilbo 2. To the earlier TBer whose name I care too little about to go back and look up: Everyone in Middle Earth is white because it's a northern tale. No more to it than that, so take your race-baiting somewhere else. 3. We all need to be prepared for the Hobbit movie to be very strange and almost completely unlike the trilogy. GDT is going to do things that are so far afield from what Jackson gave us that it will be jarring if you're not in the right mindset going in. Don't expect a tonal prequel.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 6:26:20 PM CST

    Ian Holm...

    by azlam orlandu

    ...should do it again. Just use CGI and makeup. He's the only one with the charm.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 6:29:48 PM CST

    I actually kinda like Goode, but he's no Bilbo...

    by redjester

    McAvoy on the other hand clearly is.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 6:34:37 PM CST

    Correction

    by redjester

    I thought Goode showed potential in Match Point, since then however, I'm sort of meh about him...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 7:15:26 PM CST

    nick nolte but filmed from

    by iwasinjuniorhighdickhead

    really far away

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 7:18:03 PM CST

    I second Adebisi for Bilbo

    by iwasinjuniorhighdickhead

  • Feb 24, 2010 7:29:17 PM CST

    I hate to be the one to say it...

    by pelhamsim

    but the Hobbit movie is going to suck balls.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 7:29:38 PM CST

    Has anyone mentioned Samuel L. Jackson yet?

    by fa_tass_dinomolester

    I'm sick of these mother-fucking dragons in this mother-fucking mountain!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 7:30:11 PM CST

    And George Wendt as Bard!

    by fa_tass_dinomolester

  • Feb 24, 2010 7:35:21 PM CST

    MARTIN FREEMAN

    by donlogan

    i'm glad people are putting him forward finally here, i'll actually be disapointed if i hear they HAVEN'T casted him for Bilbo...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 9:12:30 PM CST

    TOM HOLLANDER FOR BILBO!

    by romanxp47

    I'll say it again:

    TOM HOLLANDER FOR BILBO!!!!!

    Nobody else comes close.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 9:54:06 PM CST

    Martin Freeman

    by juggernaut125

    would be a good choice. I still like Nick Frost personally.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 9:57:54 PM CST

    no subject

    by mr lucas

    Interesting Choices:
    Michael Sheen
    Tom Hollander (short and possibly slightly mad)
    Paddy Considine
    Russell Tovey - could be a repeat of the Carey Mullian success story
    Choices Only An Idiot Would Make
    Freeman - shit
    McAvoy - has a face crying out to be hit with a bat
    Nick Frost - not even a real actor
    Pegg - great in Spaced, embarassing in just about everything else
    Firth - prize cock

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 10:00:35 PM CST

    no subject

    by mr lucas

    I meant Carey Mulligan of course. My g key is on the fritz. I also forgot to type a subject. Or maybe I did it deliberately in the spirit of anarchy.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 10:23:57 PM CST

    Tom Hollander.......

    by charabicharabia

    I can totally see him as a hobbit....and it would really help his career as he always plays the bastard or the idiot....
    Michael Sheen is simply too pointy jawed...but could be a nice addition to the film as someone else..!
    Russell Tovey is way too young
    I agree with the bad choices though....
    It needs to be someone with a friendly fatherly face....

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 10:43:35 PM CST

    Oh give it up already everyone!

    by dougmckenzie

    It's going to be Pattinson. There is not a single fucking exec in Hollywood not saying, "Make this movie like Twilight, Please". You already saw it with Spider-man so expect the same here. Mark my words they don't cast Pattinson, the plug gets pulled by the studio.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 10:51:44 PM CST

    QUEEN LATIFAH AS BILBO!

    by thehumanbeingandfish

    Search your feelings, you know it to be true.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:19:30 PM CST

    If this guy gets the role- we know Toro's direction

    by lamerz

    The dragon will have a BIG BLUE COCK hanging out for half the movie!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:20:43 PM CST

    I second Sheen for the role ...

    by lamerz

    Charlie needs a good solid movie role. 2 1/2 Men ain't gonna last fo'eva.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 24, 2010 11:57:09 PM CST

    I think they meant Michael, not Charlie Sheen...

    by redjester

    Of course you probably knew that. But Michael needs a good solid movie role as well (excluding Frost/Nixon). The Underworld franchize ain't gonna last fo'eva.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 25, 2010 12:14:15 AM CST

    Ellen Degeneres for Bilbo!

    by lamerz

    Seriously. She can pull off a short stocky dude no problem. They can even have Bilbo scope out some Hobbit chicks and it'll be totally believable. Make it happen.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 25, 2010 12:21:27 AM CST

    Polanski As Cousin Dildo Bugger

    by wirraway

    he's a natural

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 25, 2010 12:21:43 AM CST

    Another vote for Michael Sheen! Tony Blair and a Werewolf?

    by 5_day_forecast

    Dude can do anything. Before I even checked the talkbacks, I started by trying to dig up some older photos of Ian Holm. Guess who he's got a passing resemblance to? Get this guy.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 25, 2010 12:25:33 AM CST

    Ellen Degeneres As The Beaver

    by wirraway

    She's a natural.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 25, 2010 1:02:18 AM CST

    David Tennant is the correct answer.

    by darthcorleone

    He'd be great. No need to cast a known (not that Tennant is an unknown); this movie will make a ludicrous amount of money, and the lead cast won't mean a dollar less or more.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 25, 2010 1:19:23 AM CST

    Simon Pegg for Bilbo

    by bourne again

    Ooh yeahhhh.. It'll be fun if nothing else.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 25, 2010 1:38:07 AM CST

    Brian Cox for Thorin

    by horace cox

    And Michael Sheen for Bilbo. Make it happen!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 25, 2010 1:52:07 AM CST

    Dwarves

    by thehumanbeingandfish

    Ian McNeice for Bombur, Brian Cox as Thorin, Brendan Gleeson as Balin.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 25, 2010 3:44:52 AM CST

    Martin Freeman FTW

    by quixote23

    It's a no-brainer. Thought this from the first moment his name was mentioned as a potential candidate. If there's any justice in the universe, it'll happen. Everything about him, from his look to his personality, screams 'Bilbo!'

    Paddy Considine. Dude is an incredible actor but he's just a little too hard-edged to be Bilbo. He'd be a great ranger though.

    McAvoy - annoying as hell but realistically probably the studio's front runner. He's got the fantasy movie pedigree and has enough star power to pull in audiences.

    My own suggestions:

    Reece Shearsmith (League of Gentlemen) - kinda on the skinny side and tends to play psychos but I think his Bilbo would be kind of sarcastically endearing.

    Chris O'Dowd (IT Crowd) as one of the supporting-case Dwarves.

    Bret McKenzie (Flight of the Conchords) - okay, probably never in a million years, but I bet he'd nail the character and besides, I would personally find it just about the most hilarious casting choice ever.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 25, 2010 3:57:18 AM CST

    I watched Run Fat boy Run..

    by emeraldboy

    what a pedestrian film, really flat. I find simon pegg to be annoying and slightly smug. and also arrogant and remotely funny and not even in spaced. he is a screen mugger.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 25, 2010 4:42:23 AM CST

    Del Toro on Holm's involvement in HOBBIT:

    by burnhollywood

    [QUOTE]Q: You've repeatedly mentioned your desire to include Ian Holm, but given a lot of circumstances, it seems unlikely to me that he would return for all the action. Would you use him as a narrator, or in a framing device? Something like him reading "There and Back Again" to young hobbits? — MTV News
    Del Toro: If Ian Holm is able and willing and in health and in disposition, I would love more than anything to use him. ... I think a lot of people don't take into account the inevitable physical exertion that making two movies back-to-back entails.

    So that said, I think that there are many possibilities to keep Ian Holm involved in the movie. I will be as tricky as I can to keep him involved. A narration would be one resource I would absolutely embrace. But as I said before, I believe he created a beautiful, memorable character. He owns it, and we have to honor that. If there is any recasting for the younger part and so forth, it will permeate that decision and affect it. At the end of the day, the answer is we will keep him as involved as humanly and physically possible."[UNQUOTE]
    http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1590278/story.jhtml
    So, hopefully he'll narrate, possibly appear in a preface/epilogue capacity, but you'd have to be high or stupid to think he's returning at age 78 for an action/fantasy role. Jeezus, buy a clue.
    I'm pulling for Martin Freeman, Ricky Gervais or Simon Pegg.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 25, 2010 5:11:34 AM CST

    "You haven't aged a day"

    by wookie_weed

  • Feb 25, 2010 5:11:44 AM CST

    "You haven

    by wookie_weed

  • Feb 25, 2010 5:12:33 AM CST

    Oh for fucks sake

    by wookie_weed

    "You haven't aged a day", is what Gandalf said to Ian Holm/Bilbo. So why the hell are they casting a younger guy?! Bilbo was oldish in the Hobbit anyway.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 25, 2010 5:48:38 AM CST

    "you haven't aged a day" is like when old schoolfriends say

    by donlogan

    "you haven't changed at all!" but you have, now you look fucking middle-aged

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 25, 2010 6:19:50 AM CST

    Freeman FTW...maybe

    by doctorzoidberg

    The guy looks the part, and can pull off all the squeemish/bumbling aspects of the character. I am not sure he can emote enough when called for though. But WTF do I know? He may be brillant

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 25, 2010 8:13:04 AM CST

    Anne Hathaway

    by notveryfunny

  • Feb 25, 2010 8:21:49 AM CST

    Anne Hathway? William Shakespeare's wife?

    by asimovlives

  • Feb 25, 2010 8:33:59 AM CST

    Martin Freeman sucks

    by stegman84

    Okay, sucks is a bit over the top, but he's definitely one of those guys who can pretty much only effectively play slight variations on himself. On the rare occasions that he tries to play something not entirely Martin Freeman, he has indeed sucked. Hard. Plus, the guy has all the personality and screen charisma of a wet turnip. Honestly, I'll never understand the geek love for this guy, especially after what I thought an absolutely horrible turn as Arthur Dent in Hitchhikers Guide... Then again everyone who isn't me seems to have loved the Hitchhikers Guide movie too, so looks like I'm driving all alone on the Minority Opinion Highway when it comes to this one.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 25, 2010 8:55:42 AM CST

    oh and speaking of shakespeare..

    by emeraldboy

    Shakespeare will be the subject of Roland Emmerich's new film. this will be pure drama. there will be no cgi. its the story of theory that Shakespeare's plays were written by Edward DeVere. confrmed to star are vanessa Redgrave, Rhys Ifans and david thewlis. there is no alien invasions in this, no blowing stuff up and no end of world apoclyptic stuff. its called anonymous. shooting starts in march in berlin. i am very interested.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 25, 2010 9:22:36 AM CST

    You have too say: thats Bilbo, or the magic won't be there

    by drunkenmonkey73

    Thats what was so, amazing about Lord of the Rings, every actor was so perfect for each charatcer. If you don't find the right actor for Bilbo. some of the magic will be missing. I wouldn't be surprised if they already had someone in mind.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 25, 2010 9:34:59 AM CST

    Martin Freeman..

    by emeraldboy

    is very predestrian actor. his success his down to the office. He has ricky gervaise to thank for his limited success. being tim from the office only gets you so far. a bit like ardal o hanlon. only cast in anything because of fr dougal maguire.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 25, 2010 9:36:29 AM CST

    i dont think he liked ricky gervaise..

    by emeraldboy

    very much. he said gervaise could be very difficult to work with.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 25, 2010 9:46:20 AM CST

    Mr Lucas

    by cornponious

    You're making my eye twitch.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 25, 2010 11:16:20 AM CST

    Start of the movie...

    by i am rocko

    ...will be deaged Ian Holm telling a story about how he got into adventures with Dwarves and dragons cut to something like when I was younger, screen dissolves into younger Bilbo (played by different actor, same kind of look)...and end of the movie(s) dissolves back to Ian Holm finishing with the line "got there and back again..." screen pulls back- he is talking to younger Frodo (possibly Elijah?)- he gasps- "quite an adventure...do you still have that ring?"- ring theme from LOTR swells, screen fades to black- cheesy and cliched I know, but it is one way around the casting matter- Ian Holm has been in remission from prostate cancer since 2001- he is know 78, he has not worked since 2007- the Doctors have probably told him to take it easy as stress may bring the dreaded big C again, he is probably semi retired, they could get him to do a weeks filming or so as soon as production starts and job. Hey in five years time in our super deluxe Hobbit/LOTR box sets they could replace Ian in the FOTR prologue with the other actor- bish, bash- bosh!!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 25, 2010 12:02:50 PM CST

    cornponius

    by mr lucas

    I have a hypo. full of botulinum toxin here - that will fix your nystagmus in a jiffy.
    Idea: cryogenically freeze Holm until such time as we are able to reverse the aging process. Or alternatively clone him and make The Hobbit in about 40 years time.
    I would prefer either of the above to casting someone unsuitable.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 25, 2010 12:53:36 PM CST

    MATT LUCAS from Little Britain!!!

    by gosensgo

    I keep telling you guys........

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 25, 2010 4:34:30 PM CST

    Are Benicio and Guillermo related?

    by mikeyeieio

    I don't really care who Bilbo is but are Benicio del Toro and Guillermo del Toro related?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 25, 2010 7:23:29 PM CST

    David Tennant -- ABSOLUTELY

    by big dumb ape

    I agree with posters who suggested him. You get someone who can act, has vigor for the role, would definitely look good on screen, and is somewhat known. And he's not too young or too old, so he makes a prime heroic figure onscreen.Martin Freeman? Eh, I guess he'd be okay. But I'm not enthralled by those saying it should be him, who then use the argument "This movie will make money no matter what, so hire Martin."Well, if the movie's gonna make money no matter what, I'd rather have a leading actor I can enjoy actually watching across TWO films, which THE HOBBIT will ultimately be. So hire Tennant -- he fits the bill PERFECTLY.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 25, 2010 8:37:14 PM CST

    At this rate why not just have Elijah Wood with a wig

    by murdermostfowl

    JUst film the fucking movie. ahem sorry.. the "two" movies, which will be arbitrarily split down the middle and have some other made up monster called Smaug's Mother at the end. We're accepting this two movie thing... Really, would Elijah with a wig be so bad?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 26, 2010 1:55:38 PM CST

    You dipshit ROF...

    by skyway moaters

    Ian Holm is 79! At the time of "The Hobbit" Bilbo Baggins is 50, (which is equivalent to about 35 in human terms). Holm is a GREAT actor, but FAR too old to play Bilbo in "The Hobbit". Grow some sense!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Feb 26, 2010 8:39:54 PM CST

    you know what?

    by kammich

    i fucking hated Goode's casting as Ozy when it was announced. the sleight build, the accent; nothing at all suggested to me that he'd be a good Veidt. but he ended up being one of the strong suits of that movie. I have no emotional ties to the Hobbit, so I could care less if he becomes Bilbo or not... but I'll no longer doubt the guy.

    Reply to Talkback

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