As previously reported the two films based on the book ‘The Hobbit’ set in Middle Earth prior to the Lord of the Rings trilogy have begun principal photography in New Zealand under the direction of Peter Jackson after long delays due to a variety of issues. There has been ample casting news so far as the films moved into production, the latest of which comes directly from Peter Jackson’s facebook page.
Martin Freeman was cast in the central role of Bilbo Baggins for the two films, he appeared in the 2010 film ‘Wild Target’ which also starred Emily Blunt and Bill Nighy. It seems however there will be two actors playing Bilbo in the films, with Ian Holm who played Bilbo in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy set to make a return as an older version of Bilbo.
Peter Jackson posted the following information via his facebook page;
One comment that came up from the recent video blog was the Bilbo voice at the end—many of you assumed it was Sir Ian Holm. Whilst Ian will be returning as the older Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit, that recording was actually Martin Freeman’s voice, taken from a script read through we recorded when the cast first arrived. I have to admit, I wasn’t sure who it was when I first heard it, either. Cheers, Peter J
Ian Holm is another actor in an ever growing list of ‘Lord of the Rings’ cast members who will be returning for the new films including Andy Serkis, Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett, and Orlando Bloom. It seems that continuity for the series is well in hand, we’ll bring you more news as it’s announced.
