Altaira
Superuser
Sep 7 2010, 3:37pm
Views: 2259
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Update from the Home Page: Martin Freeman was First Choice for Bilbo
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(Re-posted News From Bree post from the Home Page to keep the Martin Freeman discussion in one thread) With the recent news, from the somewhat questionable source at The Sun, that Martin Freeman has declined to be a lead in two 'Hobbit' films, it is time to talk Bilbo Baggins. While we have no information (yet) if Freeman actually turned down the role, we can say with absolute certainty that he was the first choice to step into the hairy Hobbit feet as early as last year. Developing and keeping good sources means that sometimes secrets must stay secret but since Freeman has been outed now, we can definitively declare that 'The Sun' article is absolutely talking about the right actor and so the rest of the story may well have merit. However, the source, or the authors, seem a little confused. The story claims in quotes: "MGM, who are making the film, only got a formal offer over in the last couple of weeks." Those following the production, even moderately carefully, will know that MGM is in deep financial trouble and it seems much more likely that the offer, if a formal one was provided, would have come from Warner Bros. and not MGM which lacks a leadership team. But, if a formal offer did come, it points toward MGM's September 15 deadline as actually meaning something with change with the legendary studio, allowing production to start. The story also fits with news we heard recently of another round of casting for Bilbo, despite hearing that Freeman was already very much wanted for the role, lending the idea that he no longer in the picture some credibility. On that front we will follow up with a story later and perhaps an inadvertently leaked story detail. The whole waiting game that forced director Guillermo del Toro to step away from the production and get back to his job or directing movies may have cost the films an excellent 'Bilbo' as well. If readers will permit just a bit of editorializing, this reporter at least was very much looking forward to seeing Martin as Bilbo Baggins and can only hope that 'The Sun' was given incorrect information or that Freeman would reconsider or somehow juggle his schedule and not pass up a role that would immortalize him and deliver perfectly for fans.
Koru: Maori symbol representing a fern frond as it opens. The koru reaches towards the light, striving for perfection, encouraging new, positive beginnings.
"Life can't be all work and no TORn" -- jflower "I take a moment to fervently hope that the camaradarie and just plain old fun I found at TORn will never end" -- LOTR_nutcase
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(This post was edited by Altaira on Sep 7 2010, 3:37pm)
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