Peter Jackson Officially Announces Orlando Bloom as Part of 'The Hobbit' Cast

After months of speculation and rumors Orlando Bloom has been confirmed by Peter Jackson as a cast member in The Hobbit. The news was posted on Jackson’s Facebook page stating,

“Ten years ago, Orlando Bloom created an iconic character with his portrayal of Legolas. I'm excited to announce today that we'll be revisiting Middle Earth with him once more. I’m thrilled to be working with Orlando again. Funny thing is, I look older—and he doesn’t! I guess that's why he makes such a wonderful elf.”

Welcome back Legolas!

Sir Ian McKellen Watches Gandalf in 3D

There he sits, Sir Ian McKellen in full Gandalf garb, sporting a snazzy pair of 3D glasses on the set of The Hobbit. The photo was released through McKellen's Flicker account, giving the snapshot's credit to non other than Peter Jackson! On closer inspection, you can see McKellen glancing over as the shot was taken. It was just two days ago, fans where treated to another post on McKellen's blog, confirming several cast members: Hugo Weaving as Elrond, Bret McKenzie as Lindir, and Sylvester McCoy as Radagast the Brown.

Due to Personal Reasons, Robert Kazinsky Has Left ‘The Hobbit’

It came as a shock to all The Hobbit fans, when Peter Jackson broke the news on his Facebook page, that Robert Kazinsky (Fili the Dwarf) has had to leave the project due to “personal reasons”. It was just last week, fans watched him on Jackson’s first video blog release, as he waved enthusiastically to the camera. Through Twitter, the former Fili had this to say, “Thanks for all your support, Peter and team have been the most wonderful and supportive team to work for and it's with a truly sad heart that things have turned out this way. The Hobbit will go on to be as great as I've seen and I will miss the family and friends that I've here. ‘From every disaster I've tried to make an opportunity.’ -John D. Rokerfeller" Jackson assured fans, Kazinsky’s absence would not hinder filming, as they are currently working with Martin Freeman (Bilbo Baggins), giving them time to hunt down a replacement.

Robert Kazinsky has been a big part of middleearthnews, really he was the reason this news source came into being. I had never even been on Twitter, let alone, understood how it worked, when I happened upon a small post on TheOneRing.Net. There, in 140 characters or less, he told the world of Twitter, “farewell Los Angeles, Hello Middle Earth”. He was leaving LA and was headed to New Zealand to prepare for ‘The Hobbit’. It was so simple, but it amazed me that I could follow him on his journey, and so he became the first person middleearthnews followed. You can’t imagine my excitement when he followed me back, and continued to support my news source. What an honor that has been. So it is with a heavy heart that I write this today. My thoughts and prayers are with him as he tends to whatever has caused his leaving, and be assured middleearthnews will keep you updated with all his goings on.

Peter Jackson Shares First 'The Hobbit' Behind the Scenes Video

It has been posted! Peter Jackson’s much anticipated behind the scenes video of ‘The Hobbit’ was posted today, and is promised to be the first of many videos to come. For 10 glorious minutes viewers and fans are treated with all kinds of visual eye candy like Rivendell sets, the wardrobe department, meetings discussing camera shots and lines, weapon training, horseback riding, a dwarf in costume, Bag End being set up for that famous opening scene when Bilbo is inundated by 13 dwarves and 1 wizard—who is never late—and much more. And it wasn’t just sets and props. Everyone in the cast makes appearances on the video. Of course, the icing on the cake is the very first roll of filming, when a little hobbit happens upon a ring in Gollum’s cave.

The “Hobbit Paparazzi” Strikes Again

Even before the cast of The Hobbit began arriving in New Zealand, photos of a supposed hobbit set and “barrel testing” graced our computer screens. Yesterday TheOneRing.net released a set of “exclusive” images including Andy Serkis- complete with his Gollum body suit. Today they've manged to top that, with a new set possibly showing Martin Freeman in is Bilbo get-up.

I’ve been very unopinionated on my blog. I make it a point to bring you the news, without any prejudice, but these particular reoccurring stories have gotten under my skin. Don’t get me wrong, I am all for The Hobbit and will be one of those crazy fans who memorizes every behind the scenes moment ( “It’s a splinter?!”). However, when December 2012 finally rolls around, I don’t want to go into the theater knowing all the secret bits. I want it to be fresh, like one of Gollum’s fish. Something I can sink my teeth into.

So, what’s your opinion? I’d love to hear it! Send an e-mail ( middleearthnews@gmail.com ), comment on my blog (below), chat over Twitter, or Facebook.

Hobbit Cast Press Conference

Source: Ross Setford, Associated Press/New Zealand Press Association

One hobbit and thirteen dwarves spoke and posed for cameras Friday, at a press conference held at Park Road Post production facility in Wellington, NZ. The happy crew seemed up-beat and excited for filming to begin on March 21st. Martin Freeman, playing the character of Bilbo Baggins, dismissed and joked about the recent “curse of The Hobbit” rumors that have been circulating saying, “'There are some bits of bad luck associated with it, but we're all very optimistic. We’re ready to go – just as soon as 2015 comes around.” He also talked a little about his roll as Bilbo, “'Obviously I have been looking up what he was doing ... I genuinely, without being … either big headed or falsely modest … think I am quite a good match for him.”

Sir Peter Jackson, who is still recovering from his recent surgery, released this statement: “I’d love to be with you all this morning, but I’m currently under a medical form of house arrest, to prevent me from overdoing it until fully recovered from my recent operation. I’ll be jumping back into it very soon, and to be honest the guys that you’ll be talking to this morning make me laugh so hard, right now I’d be in danger of popping a few stitches.”

The complete press conference , just shy of 40 minutes in length, has been posted by 3news.co.nz and can be viewed here.

The Hobbit, Part 1 premieres in theaters in December 2012.