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Gondorian_Ranger
Ossiriand
Jul 15 2008, 9:31pm
Post #1 of 28
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James McAvoy Picture
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Here's a picture I found of James McAvoy looking rather hobbity, in my opinion, especially the hair. When I look at this picture I can really see him as Bilbo, moreso than others I've seen, for some reason. Some people have said the really can't see McAvoy as Bilbo and I just want to know if this changes any minds.
Your thoughts, please:
"The city of Osgiliath has been reclaimed, FOR GONDOR!"
(This post was edited by Gondorian_Ranger on Jul 15 2008, 9:33pm)
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Arwen's daughter
Gondolin
Jul 15 2008, 9:58pm
Post #2 of 28
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I love James McAvoy as an actor... just not for Bilbo
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For me it's not as much about how the character looks done up, but about how he acts and moves. Ian Holm incorporated a lot of nervous energy into Bilbo. He sort of bounces and bustles through Bag End, talking all the while. Now, any decent actor the filmmakers choose would be stupid not to watch FOTR and try to mimic some of Bilbo's quirks. But I've never seen James McAvoy in this sort of innocent and happy part. His personality just doesn't strike me as very Bilbo-y, if that makes sense.
Good picture, though. It's from a movie called Becoming Jane, in which McAvoy plays Jane Austin's love interest. A pretty good movie, imo.
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Gondorian_Ranger
Ossiriand
Jul 15 2008, 10:19pm
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Ok, Arwen's daughter, thanks for your input! I agree that an actor who looks the part won't necessarily be able to play it. I do think, however, that James McAvoy's role in the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe as Mr Tumnus did have a little bit of the quirkyness of Bilbo, especially in his first meeting with Lucy. I may be way off with that but if memory serves...Hmm, maybe I'm just making excuses for him, now. Either way, I'd like to see him give it a shot. I'm not really against any other actor who's been mentioned playing the role but of the names I've heard, James McAvoy seemed the best choice. Ah, I wondered what film that picture was from. Again, thanks for contributing 
"The city of Osgiliath has been reclaimed, FOR GONDOR!"
(This post was edited by Gondorian_Ranger on Jul 15 2008, 10:23pm)
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Compa_Mighty
Dor-Lomin
Jul 16 2008, 1:08am
Post #5 of 28
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He looks a little too young for Bilbo...
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I agree with you when you say he's a good actor, but not right for Bilbo.
If we are looking for an actor who can copy mannerisms maybe we could get Ewan McGregor.  People can say whatever they want about the SW prequels, but Ewan captured Alec Guiness's accent, intonation and mannerisms quite well.
Being serious, however, you are right. The actor who gets the part should be responsible and studious enough to try to emulate some of Holm's mannerisms.
Let us just not forget that Holm's Bilbo acts like that after 60 years with the Ring and 111 years on his back, which would not only justify changes, but it would even call for them.
Here's to Del Toro becoming the Irvin Kershner of Middle Earth!
Essay winner of the Show us your Hobbit Pride Giveway!
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Compa_Mighty
Dor-Lomin
Jul 16 2008, 1:14am
Post #6 of 28
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For some reason I had not seen that direct comparison
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Martin Freeman would be great for the role! Not only physically. In Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy he showed that he can bring some kind of naïveté to a character who embarks on an amazing journey.
Could he bring enough graveness to more solemn and important moments in the story? That I do not know. I have not seen him on a serious role.
Here's to Del Toro becoming the Irvin Kershner of Middle Earth!
Essay winner of the Show us your Hobbit Pride Giveway!
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Nimloth
Menegroth
Jul 16 2008, 5:18am
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too young, I think. But I am a Martin Freeman fan so I may be biased  . The picture you have posted certainly gives a good impression of what he might look like as Bilbo but I'm not swayed at this stage.
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tedster88
Lindon
Jul 16 2008, 11:02am
Post #8 of 28
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Yes can definately see it, he would be perfect for role as Bilbo he has the looks and the acting ability.
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BlackBearForge
Registered User
Jul 16 2008, 1:19pm
Post #9 of 28
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Wow! I think Martin Freeman really would be a great choice, uncanny resemblance. I'm really looking forward to finding out definitely who the actor choices will be over the next months. (A little off topic, I haven't been on this forum since before the first LOTR movie, I have to say I couldn't be more pleased at having Del Toro at the helm for these.)
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Goldberry of the river
Menegroth
Jul 16 2008, 4:01pm
Post #10 of 28
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Looking at the comparisons between Holm and Freeman I can really see a similarity. But I'm not so sure that Freeman has the acting ability to play Bilbo because he seems to always play the same character. Who knows though, maybe he could pull it out of the bag (end) when the time comes.
Brian Blessed for Thorin!
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Patty
Elvenhome
Jul 16 2008, 4:11pm
Post #11 of 28
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Yes, Rosie, if we can't have Hugh Bonneville...
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I could get behind the Martin Freeman bandwagon (James McAvoy, brillant actor though he is, is too young--shades of Stuart Townsend all over again.) It would be up to GdT to pull a great performance out of him.
Hanging out with the Lonely Isle elves.
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sphdle1
Hithlum
Jul 16 2008, 4:24pm
Post #12 of 28
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that's GDT's job, and I think he would get great performances out of just about anyone, but Freeman I think is up for the challenge.
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Goldberry of the river
Menegroth
Jul 16 2008, 4:28pm
Post #13 of 28
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He's 5'6-5'7 so I've read! I've got a suspicion though that GDT or PJ know exactly who they want for Bilbo and it might not be a well-known actor.
Brian Blessed for Thorin!
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Lord Maegmoth
Lindon
Jul 16 2008, 5:01pm
Post #14 of 28
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Ultimately, the role of Bilbo ought be awarded to the actor most appropriate for the role, in terms of acting capability, dedication to the craft, age, height, etcetera as opposed to casting someone based purely on their resemblance to Sir Ian Holm. Martin Freeman, for instance, certainly resembles a youthful Sir Ian, but might that justify selecting him to perform the role of Bilbo Baggins? Conversely, James McAvoy doesn't really resemble Sir Ian at all, yet should he be precluded from being cast as Bilbo? In my opinion, James McAvoy would be a far superior actor compared with Martin Freeman, he possesses far more depth, versatility and has a rather distinct screen presence. Not that I would be opposed to MF being cast, but there would be something rather unique and intangibly singular about JM which would be an asset to the character of Bilbo. Of course, GDT might decide to cast a complete unknown for the role, and perhaps that shall be the end result when the casting for the position of Bilbo is announced. Only time will tell.
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bearagorn
Menegroth
Jul 16 2008, 6:49pm
Post #15 of 28
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Definately Martin Freeman as Bilbo.
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Have been in the Martin Freeman for Bilbo camp from the start, so am biased.However like most others i have total faith in PJ and the team to choose the right person for the character.
Forth, Eorlingas!
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Patty
Elvenhome
Jul 16 2008, 8:05pm
Post #16 of 28
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many of us who want continuity to the existing films do want someone who is a believable earlier version of Ian Holm. That would make him appropriate for the role--and his director ought to be able to get a good performance from him unless he is just a lousy actor, in which case whoever it is wouldn't have been chosen in the first place. I'm sorry, but McAvoy is not that person to me.
Hanging out with the Lonely Isle elves.
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sphdle1
Hithlum
Jul 16 2008, 8:05pm
Post #17 of 28
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Holm set the bar really high on comedic timing for Bilbo, and Freeman doesn't have half the timing necessary for an authentic Bilbo like Freeman does. Freeman is right up there with the best of them on serious acting as well, so don't count him out as being just a comedian. He has the full package of acting ability and looks.
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Compa_Mighty
Dor-Lomin
Jul 16 2008, 10:24pm
Post #18 of 28
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I take you meant McAvoy doesn't have... as Freeman does?
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Holm set the bar really high on comedic timing for Bilbo, and Freeman doesn't have half the timing necessary for an authentic Bilbo like Freeman does. Freeman is right up there with the best of them on serious acting as well, so don't count him out as being just a comedian. He has the full package of acting ability and looks.
Anyway, where can I catch Freeman in a serious performance?
Here's to Del Toro becoming the Irvin Kershner of Middle Earth!
Essay winner of the Show us your Hobbit Pride Giveway!
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ringbearer9
Menegroth
Jul 16 2008, 10:57pm
Post #19 of 28
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So far JM is my favorite choice for Bilbo. I think we all agree he'sa wonderful acotor. I beleive he could more than pull of the role as Bilbo. He would do a nice job and I can think of worse choices.... *thinks back to Jack Black and Daniel R gosssip*
And when ever I think of him playing Bilbo I think back to him in Becoming Jane (were your pic is taken from). I remember the acting he did in that film and it gives me confidence that he could do a great job as Bilbo. But who knows, eh? A much better choice may come along!
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sphdle1
Hithlum
Jul 17 2008, 11:58am
Post #20 of 28
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Regarding serious roles, to name a few, he is awesome in Dedication and Love Actually (though the cercumstances are comedic by nature, he plays a very convincing serious role throughout the movie and fits right in with some of the top actors in the world).
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Jettorex
Menegroth
Jul 17 2008, 1:48pm
Post #21 of 28
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But he looks more elf like to me, especially seeing the other pictures. But with a few more pounds and his own good acting ability, I am sure he would be fine.
Hugh Bonneville is still my first choice (almost uncanny how similar he is to how I pictured Bilbo in my mind when reading TH). Also,Martin Freeman close second.
What about Kenneth Branagh(sp?). Has his name ever come up? For some reason he strikes me as rather Bilbo-ish.
Love, Truth, Honor, Adventure
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Compa_Mighty
Dor-Lomin
Jul 17 2008, 4:16pm
Post #22 of 28
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sphdle1 , I didn't remember he was in Love Actually... curious role he plays.
Jettorex, Hugh Bonneville looks like Bilbo, but how is he as an actor? I have only seen him in Notting Hill.
People also mentioned Colin Firth, if they wanted to go with a slightly older Bilbo.
May I be so bold as to suggest Hugh Grant? Then, we could have the complete British romantic comedy lineup suggested as Bilbo.
Here's to Del Toro becoming the Irvin Kershner of Middle Earth!
Essay winner of the Show us your Hobbit Pride Giveway!
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Patty
Elvenhome
Jul 17 2008, 8:03pm
Post #23 of 28
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I thought I'd never say this...
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cause it is really childish. But here goes:
If Hugh Grant is Bilbo, I won't go to see it.
Hanging out with the Lonely Isle elves.
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Silverlode
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Jul 18 2008, 3:30am
Post #24 of 28
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I can tolerate Hugh Grant occasionally, but I don't like him, even in movies I otherwise love. He just annoys me.
Fortunately, I can't see him being cast in the role, so I'm not too worried.
Silverlode
"Of all faces those of our familiares are the ones both most difficult to play fantastic tricks with, and most difficult really to see with fresh attention. They have become like the things which once attracted us by their glitter, or their colour, or their shape, and we laid hands on them, and then locked them in our hoard, acquired them, and acquiring ceased to look at them.
Creative fantasy, because it is mainly trying to do something else [make something new], may open your hoard and let all the locked things fly away like cage-birds. The gems all turn into flowers or flames, and you will be warned that all you had (or knew) was dangerous and potent, not really effectively chained, free and wild; no more yours than they were you." -On Fairy Stories
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ShadoFaxs
Ossiriand
Jul 18 2008, 4:12am
Post #25 of 28
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Hugh Bonnieville is an excellent thepsian.
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sphdle1 , I didn't remember he was in Love Actually... curious role he plays. Jettorex, Hugh Bonneville looks like Bilbo, but how is he as an actor? I have only seen him in Notting Hill. People also mentioned Colin Firth, if they wanted to go with a slightly older Bilbo. May I be so bold as to suggest Hugh Grant? Then, we could have the complete British romantic comedy lineup suggested as Bilbo.
Hugh Bonneville is a wonderful , versatile actor, but at 6'2" he is too tall, as is the 6'2" Colin Firth, as is Hugh Grantat around 6' . Humans playing hobbits need to be around 5'7" or under.
Patty, LOL!! I don't think there is any danger of Hugh grant being cast as Bilbo, not even if he was 5'5"!! You made my evening.
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