The Hobbit may have Martin Freeman in the lead position

A head actor has been thrown for the new film version of “The Hobbit” after years of delays. Bilbo Baggins can be portrayed by Martin Freeman. The other main roles are beginning to be filled as well. Freeman is well known for his position in “The Office,” the sitcom that had been remade within the U.S., and became a smash success. Production of the film has been slow because of studio troubles and a labor dispute in New Zealand.

Martin Freeman will play Baggins

Bilbo Baggins in “The Hobbit” can be played by Freeman according to Peter Jackson. In the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, the role had been played by Ian Holm. ”The Hobbit” had been meant to be before “Lord of the Rings.” It is the prelude. The thrown is beginning to come together. BBC, accounts that they have already cast many of the main roles. ”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 could be split into 2 halves, which can be released a year apart.

Problems with the film

ABC reports that actor’s union in New Zealand and also the studio have had a labor dispute causing the process to be slowed. There is a soundstage in former Rolls Royce factory, where Harry Potter was filmed, is available as they’re searching for Britain locations. 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.

After waiting around, it might take place

The film version of “The Hobbit” was thought to be lost in what is called “development hell.”. The director of the film was supposed 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 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