The Hobbit

“While Jackson’s camp has been tight-lipped, I’m told that the case is being made to MGM’s owners to loosen the purse strings and make the movies happen. The impetus for these talks is that Jackson will be the director of both of The Hobbit films, which will be shot back-to-back in his New Zealand backyard.”

The Hobbit movies finally got some good news today when it was announced the project had received the green light from the studios and it was confirmed Peter Jackson would be in the directors chair as well as the producer and co-writer seats.


“Exploring Tolkien’s Middle-earth goes way beyond a normal film-making experience,” said Jackson. “It’s an all-immersive journey into a very special place of imagination, beauty and drama. We’re looking forward to re-entering this wondrous world with Gandalf and Bilbo—and our friends at New Line Cinema, Warner Brothers and MGM.


Warner Bros, New Line Cinema and MGM also announced shooting on The Hobbit would begin in February 2011 and would be shot in 3D.
Where the movies will be shot is still up in the air as the dispute with New Zealand Actors’ Equity shows no signs of coming to an end.


According to The Hollywood Reporter Peter Jackson as shortlisted 5 alternative locations should they decide to move The Hobbit from New Zealand where he shot his Lord of The Rings trilogy.

Martin Freeman says he was offered the role of Bilbo Baggins but had to turn it down because he had already committed to the BBC’s Sherlock Holmes series in which he played Dr. Watson.


In an interview with Empire he also admitted that because shooting of The Hobbit had been delayed and still not finalized that there could be a window of oppurtunity for him to take the role.


“I did have to say no to it for the second series of Sherlock but if something could be worked out, that would be great.” he told Empire.


He also tells them he wasn’t a fan of the book although he liked the 3 movies.
“I wasn’t a fan of it as a kid but I did like the films,” he said. “I think Ian McKellen is very good, and director Peter Jackson’s a clever man. I thought what he did with them was interesting and entertaining.”
When asked if he agreed the part shouldn’t go to someone fresh out of acting he school he agreed.


“Absolutely, because Bilbo isn’t 20 at this stage of the story and I reckon I could do a young Ian Holm. I think I could give that a go.”