Cate Blanchett (‘Lord of The Rings’ trilogy, ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’) will reprise her role from ‘Lord of The Rings’ trilogy as Galadriel, the Lady of Lothlorien.
More info on Blanchett’s return including PETER JACKSON’s reaction as well as casting of key roles from the book can be found HERE.
Orlando Bloom will likely be the next original cast member set for an encore. He’s near a deal to return as Elven archer Legolas. And it’s for more than a cameo.
GUILLERMO DEL TORO, the mastermind behind PAN’S LABYRINTH and the HELLBOY movie franchise, and BATTLESTAR GALACTICA executive producer DAVID EICK are finalizing a deal to create the new TV series version of THE HULK for ABC, which is being produced by Marvel TV and ABC Studios.
Martin Freeman (THE HTCHHIKERS GUIDE TO THE GALAXY, HOT FUZZ) will play Bilbo Baggins, the hero of the story.
Richard Armitage (UK TV’s “MI-5” and soon to appear in CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER) is set to play Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the Company of Dwarves which sets off to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from a thieving dragon.
Rounding out the Company of Dwarves are Aidan Turner (TV’s “Being Human”) and Rob Kazinsky (TVs “EastEnders”) who play Kili and Fili, respectively.
The remaining dwarves will be played by Graham McTavish (Secretariat and TV’s “24”) as Dwalin; John Callen (TV’s “Power Rangers Jungle Fury”) as Oin; Stephen Hunter (TV’s “All Saints”) as Bombur; Mark Hadlow (King Kong) as Dori; and Peter Hambleton (TV’s “The Strip”) as Gloin.
Source: ComingSoon.net
Well if it wasn’t apparent before it would seem to be now.. Giant monster movies of the Godzilla/King Kong type are officially back in style with recent movies like CLOVERFIELD, MONSTERS, and even SKYLINE…
The Wagner/Cuban Company’s Magnet Releasing, genre arm of Magnolia Pictures announced today that it has acquired World rights excluding Europe to writer/director André Ovredal’s The Troll Hunter, produced by John M. Jacobsen and Sveinung Golimo.
Shot in a vérité style, The Troll Hunter is the story of a group of Norwegian film students that set out to capture real-life trolls on camera after learning their existence has been covered up for years by a government conspiracy.
Guillermo Del Toro announced today that he is no longer directing the two movies based on J.R.R Tolkien’s “The Hobbit”, but will continue to co-write the screenplays.
“In light of ongoing delays in the setting of a start date for filming “The Hobbit,” I am faced with the hardest decision of my life”, says Guillermo. “After nearly two years of living, breathing and designing a world as rich as Tolkien’s Middle Earth, I must, with great regret, take leave from helming these wonderful pictures. I remain grateful to Peter, Fran and Philippa Boyens, New Line and Warner Brothers and to all my crew in New Zealand. I’ve been privileged to work in one of the greatest countries on earth with some of the best people ever in our craft and my life will be forever changed. The blessings have been plenty, but the mounting pressures of conflicting schedules have overwhelmed the time slot originally allocated for the project. Both as a co-writer and as a director, I wlsh the production nothing but the very best of luck and I will be first in line to see the finished product. I remain an ally to it and its makers, present and future, and fully support a smooth transition to a new director”.
Read producer PETER JACKSON’s response and more HERE.
Guillermo del Toro responded to questions about the state of The Hobbit, saying that the film does not have a start date, nor will it until MGM sorts out its financial troubles.
“It’s not greenlit,” said del Toro, “That’s categorical… We’ve been caught in a very tangled negotiation…There cannot be any start dates until the MGM situation gets resolved.
“We have designed all the creatures,” he said, “We’ve designed the sets and the wardrobe. We have done animatics and planned battles sequences….We are very, very prepared for when it is finally triggered.”
I wouldn’t read much on it just yet, but now, after all this time, after AVATAR doing the Box Office it did, we have had enquires from above about The Hobbit being in 3-D.
No impositions or heavy leaning. Just enquires. Just fulfilling my promise to let you all know if discussions ever started.
Source: Acting-Auditions.org
Think you have what it takes to be in the new Hobbit films? It helps if you live in New Zealand…
Casting is scheduled to begin next week, December 14, 2009, on the upcoming MGM Studios feature film “The Hobbit” Part 1. The project is now being developed as two films, and principal photography is tentatively scheduled to begin in New Zealand around May or June 2011. Please submit photos and resume by mail only. No phone calls or personal drop-offs.”
Principal Actor Casting:
Liz Mullane Casting
17 Taipakupaku Road
Karaka Bay
Wellington, New Zealand 6022
Extras Casting:
Miranda Rivers
PO Box 6479
Marion Square
Wellington, New Zealand 6022
Casting on “The Hobbit” begins this week, with wide auditions expected for each part except Gandalf, which is being reserved for Ian McKellen, who played the wizard in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.
“We’re auditioning for every role,” [Producer Peter] Jackson said in an interview, adding he is a big believer in casting a wide net to better match actors with the roles.
Read more HERE on some juicy casting rumors – the big one being who will play Bilbo Baggins – and whether or not production on the film has been delayed as has been trickling over the web of late.
In other recent HOBBIT updates:
In a recent in-depth interview, GUILLERMO DEL TORO chatted about all kinds of things he hopes to accomplish in the two movie prequel to the LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy. Check that out HERE.
JOHN RHYS DAVIES recently confirmed he will NOT be reprising his role as GIMLI in the new movies. Find out why HERE.
What we do know for certain in casting news is:
Hobbit’ director Guillermo del Toro confirms that Hugo Weaving will be cast in the upcoming ‘Hobbit’ films. While he does not specifically say he is returning as Elrond, when speaking of Andy Serkis, Ian McKellen and Weaving he says, “…as the roles they originated in the trilogy.”
And finally, in case you missed it; 40 more minutes of LORD OF THE RINGS for you to check out if you’re like us and still haven’t gotten enough of TOLKEIN’s epic and just can’t wait for THE HOBBIT films.
Plot synopsis: Strider must hunt down Gollum to keep the Ring secret.
Directed by CHRIS BOUCHARD, THE HUNT FOR GOLLUM stars; Adrian Webster, Pat O’Connor, Arin Alldridge, Gareth Brough, Rita Ramnani, and Max Bracey.
Made by fans on a shoestring budget for free release on the internet.
It's A Thrall World 