Jackson: Freeman “Bilbo-esque”

‘Hobbit’ director Peter Jackson recently praised British actor Martin Freeman, who will be portraying the story’s main character, Bilbo Baggins, in The LA Times, stating that Freeman “is fantastic and there is simply nobody else for the job. We couldn’t find anyone who was better than him. He’s simply fantastic.”

Jackson also explained the reason behind the month long production break was to allow Freeman, who had already signed on to another Sherlock Holmes series, to fulfill his previous commitment to the BBC. Jackson, well aware of Freeman’s prior commitment, cast him as The Hobbit’s lead anyway. 

“I can’t imagine anyone else doing Bilbo, which is one of the reasons, really, we signed him up even with having the Sherlock break – normally on a movie you wouldn’t want to do that with the schedule, but we literally couldn’t figure out any other actor we auditioned, you know. There is no other actor.” 

So what did Jackson see in Freeman that stood out from all the other ‘Hobbit’ hopefuls?

“He’s Bilbo-esque,” Jackson said. “You might not always want to say that about you, right? But seriously he has the essential features of this little English gent, this country gent who is slightly old-fashioned and has to go around in the world and try to cope with it. That’s not exactly who Martin is as a person, but as an actor he does that so well. The fish out of water with a sense of courage but also a wonderful sense of humor. The things that happen to him and the way he reacts to them — things he’s never seen in his life before as a stuffy little Hobbit — his response to it all is part of the charm. And he does have a great openness in his face.”

Fans can see Martin Freeman’s portrayal of the hobbit Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the first installment of the two-part adaptation, which opens on December 14, 2012. The second part, The Hobbit: There and Back Again, is scheduled for release on December 13, 2013.

Evangeline Lilly Spotted in Wellington

Three months after the birth of her baby boy, 'Lost' star Evangeline Lilly is the latest 'Hobbit' celebrity to have been spotted in New Zealand's capital of Wellington, following reports of Orlando Bloom, Stephen Fry, James Nesbitt, and Martin Freeman already being in the area. This past Sunday (August 21), she was seen going for a walk with her newborn child and boyfriend, Norman Kali.

Lilly, well-known for her role as Kate Austen on the ABC drama Lost, went on a self-imposed hiatus back in 2009.

"People are excited to try on the next chapter of their lives," she told New York Magazine. "This show is all-encompassing. We have had very little experience outside of the show during the last six years because it's just so demanding. It requires so much of us. So, it's exciting to have your freedom back, essentially."

Lilly is now in New Zealand to begin filming for Peter Jackson's highly anticipated adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, in which she will be portraying the Elf maiden Tauriel. 

“Her name means ‘daughter of Mirkwood’ and, beyond that, we must leave you guessing!" said director Peter Jackson back in June. "What is not a secret is how talented and compelling an actress Evangeline is. We are thrilled and excited she will be the one to bring our first true Sylvan Elf to life.”

A spokesman for Jackson stated that filming had resumed last week and will continue until December.

John Rhys-Davies Discusses the Possibility of ‘Hobbit’ Involvement

Recently, David Sztypuljak of HeyUGuys.co.uk spoke with actor John Rhys-Davies, whose newest film, War of Resistance, comes out next week. John, famous for his roles in such films as Raiders of the Lost Ark and the Lord of the Rings, plays a priest known as Eusi, who is hiding from the Nazis during World War II. And fortunately for us ‘Hobbit’ fans, Sztypuljak couldn’t resist asking a few questions about whether or not John might return to Middle-earth.   

 “I would love to!” John responded when asked about the possibility of a cameo appearance. “I’ve had a great sort of 180 degree turn. After I did The Lord of the Rings, I didn’t want to get near prosthetic masks ever again, I still don’t really, and I didn’t want to play a dwarf to be honest with you. Why be one of thirteen when you can be one of one. As time comes between you and the horrors of that make-up, slowly you begin to see things through rather rosy spectacles. I did go down and see him (Jackson) and I did come as close to grovelling as you can get (Laughs!). I’m sure that Peter knows that I grovelled!”

He adds that Peter Jackson “has everything that a Director needs. His organizational ability alone is completely remarkable. I think it will change the way films are made. I think he’s upping the game for every other film-maker in the world. Projecting in 48 frames alone is going to give a level of clarity that we’ve never had in film before, and I think he’s housebreaking 3d. He is such a grounded level man with all the characteristics that a great Director must have. Added to which, he built a film industry from scratch to an international level. Marvellous intelligence and a marvellous modest nature, Peter has got it all!”

Although he is off to New Zealand, he admits that, “It’s for marital purposes as I have a wife and child there!”

You can read the full interview here.

Want to Play an Elf in ‘The Hobbit’?

The ‘Hobbit’ films’ production company, 3 Foot 7 LTD, is currently looking for people to play Elves in the upcoming films, for which filming will resume in Wellington in September.

“We are currently looking for slim men 17-30 years and between 165cm – 178 cm or 5’5” -5’8” AND slim women 17-30 years between 165cm – 173cm or 5’5” to 5’8” to play ELF extras,” the job posting states.

If you are interested in applying, the company asks you to send a head and shoulders and full body photograph to extras@3foot7.co.nz. For more information, you can view the job posting here.

Meet the Hobbits Behind 'Road to the Shire' in our Exclusive Interview

They're down right funny and make the most entertaining videos, all for one purpose: to find their way back to the Shire. The guys behind the Road to the Shire are on a mission to raise $10,000 to ensure their safe travel to New Zealand, where they hope to gain Peter Jackson's attention and secure roles in The Hobbit films. In this interview you get to know the guys behind the project and their hopes for the future.

Who are the three "Hobbits" behind 'Road to the Shire'?

(Left) Berilac (Beri) Bramble of Willobottom: Mitch Stephens

A fairly normal kid from Utah, Fellowship of the Ring was the first novel he ever read and got him hooked on reading. He's an Advertising student at BYU and just finished his first Iron Man triathalon Coeur d'Alene ID.

(Center) Olo Toadfoot (Toad): Jonathan Wright

An advertising and public management grad student at BYU, he was born and raised in Georgia via Hawaii. He's a fierce whittler and loves creating things out of wood as well as making art. Loves music and skateboarding. Grew up listening to mom telling him stories about LOTR.

(Right) Olo Bracegirdle of Hardbottle: John D. Storey

An OG from the OV...comes from the Ogden Valley in northern Utah where his family has been their for like 6 generations. He loves hip hop, making videos, trying to rap, cats, and of course LOTR. His family is known for the delicious black angus Storey raised beef. Best hamburger you've ever tasted. 

(For further reading on their Hobbit life-stories, visit their Bio page.)


Why have you decided to take on this venture?

We love this movie and love the idea that fans can play a role (however small) in this historic event. It's a win win for us, fans, and the production because its a great promotional piece. We're not asking for major story changes--just to be involved...maybe some screen cred.

What will the $10,000 cover?

First and foremost its a way to get Peter's attention. Second to make the documentary and fund the trip/production cost for 3 hobbits. If Peter invites us we might not need the 10gs. We are definitely committed to the funds ourselves. Toad's ready to raffle his car for a dollar entry fee. Beri is raffling his TV right now.


What's your plan once your goal of $10,000 is raised and you find yourself in New Zealand?

We plan on going on location either by invitation or persuasion and documenting the entire journey for a short film.


You have made some very funny and entertaining videos, any others in the works?

Absolutely. We are cooking up some direct message short videos made specifically to reach out to celebrity Tolkien fans who can help get our message out to the masses.


Have you been contacted by any of Peter Jackson's connections?

We've spoken to a guy at Key Creatives who handles the management for Peter Jackson. We're still lookin to get in touch with PJ's people. We recognize it's still early in the game.


What was it that inspired you three to start the Road to the Shire campaign?

A couple things. First we love LOTR and we all have our own connections with the stories. Second one day we were sitting in a guest lecture where the speaker was talking about going out and making your dreams happen. He said you shouldn't wait for projects to be handed to you. We took that seriously. One night Toad was catchin up on some DVD extras from LOTR and realized the Hobbit would soon be in production. He got online searching info about the films all night. The next day, after a conversation with Beri, the concept for Road to the Shire was born. What could be cooler than engaging the fans that love and patron these films?

We just want people to know that when it comes to passion for these films we've definitely got it. We may not be the best J.R.R. scholars but we can match anyone's passion. We love it and are willing to put everything out there to make this happen. We feel like their are tons of people who either inwardly or outwardly love this epic and can resonate with our cause.

Follow Road the the Shire on Twitter.

Donate and help send Olo, Beri, and Toad back to the Shire.

Stephen Fry and Luke Evans Have Arrived in New Zealand

After a break from the first leg of production, there are signs that The Hobbit is getting ready to start filming again. In just the last 24 hours both Stephen Fry and Luke Evans have landed in New Zealand to begin preparing for their roles. 

Left: Stephen Fry/ Right: Luke Evans

Fry is playing the part of the Master of Laketown, an elected official inclined to look out for himself rather that others. Evans' role is Bard the Bowman, described to be a grim-faced man but of a good, steady character. Much to their fan's delight, both actors have been "Tweeting" their New Zealand experiences on Twitter. Check out some of their posts below:

@Mr_Luke_Evans Luke Evans

photo shoot for Dazed and Confused with awesome photographer Rankin tomorrow in LA before I fly to NZ for the Hobbit. Bring on the Bard!!!!! (July 30)

@stephenfry Stephen Fry

Flying from Cape Town to Jo'burg to Sydney to NZ tomorrow. Will be Tuesday by the time I land in Wellington. Hobbitry beckons. (July 30)

@stephenfry Stephen Fry

Landfall! It's Tuesday here in NZ. Just after midnight. Lordy. (Aug. 1)

@stephenfry Stephen Fry

So here I am in New Zealand. Brightish but not freezing. Time difference a little alarming. We're 11 hours ahead of UK time, so 10:05 now (Aug. 1)

@Mr_Luke_Evans Luke Evans

lovely dinner with the fascinating mr fry and charming mr jackson this evening. (1 hr. ago)

Follow Stephen Fry on Twitter.

Follow Luke Evans on Twitter.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey hits theaters December 14, 2012 followed by The Hobbit: There and Back Again premiering Decemeber 13, 2013.

Bombur, Bofur, and Bifur: A Character Synopsis

Left to Right: Bombur (Stephen Hunter), Bofur (James Nesbitt), and Bifur (Willaim Kircher)

Bombur "the Swollen One" and Bofur (meaning of name unknown) are brothers and cousins to Bifur "Hard Worker". All three are descendants of the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm, although none are related to Durin's line. In the book Bofur and Bifur both wear yellow hoods and play the clarinet. Out of the thirteen Dwavres to travel to the Lonely Mountain, Bombur is the heaviest and in the book the provider of much comic relief. He is constantly falling asleep at the most inappropriate times and because of his size, usually forced to the back of the line where he forgets to stop causing several Dwarf pile-ups. He plays the drum and wears a green hood.

Stephen Hunter has appeared on many TV series including Street Legal (Stan), Mercy Peak (Farmer), Love My Way (Sharpie), All Saints (Scott Griffith / Det. Sgt. James Kader), CJ the DJ (Si), Review with Myles Barlow (Kyle Sandilands), and Spirited (Larry). In an interview with TheOneRing.net, Hunter states, “The Hobbit is my first job in fantasy – in fact this is my first big-budget film... Being cast in The Hobbit is really exciting and really an honour. I’m just going to throw everything I’ve got into it. If I don’t come out the other end absolutely exhausted then I haven’t done my job.”

James Nesbitt was born on January 15, 1965 in Coleraine, Northern Ireland. His filmography beings back in 1984 and includes some well-known titles such as The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles (Yuri), Ballykissangel (Leo McGarvey), Waking Ned Devine (Pig Finn), Cold Feet (Adam Williams), Millions (Ronnie), and Jekyll (Dr. Tom Jackman / Mr Hyde / Dr Jekyll). Nesbitt has won 6 acting awards and has been nominated 12 times. In recent news, there have been reports of Nesbitt being diagnosed with DVT due to his frequent long flights from the UK to New Zeland, where The Hobbit is being filmed.

William Kircher’s career also began in 1984 and includes Hot Target (Pearson), Send a Gorilla (Ned), Shark in the Park (B.P.), The Last Tattoo (Gibbon), Return to Treasure Island (Pearce), City Life (Ross Palmer), Xena: Warrior Princess (Captain), and Legend of the Seeker (The Merchant). Kircher not only acts but also produces. He and his wife and four daughters reside in Eastbourne.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey hits theaters 

December 14, 2012 followed by The Hobbit: There and Back Again on December 13, 2013.

Nori, Ori, and Dori: A Character Synopsis

(Left to Right: Nori , Ori and Dori)

Nori "Little shaver” , Ori "Violent", and Dori "Borer" are brothers and distant kin to King Thorin II Oakensheild, leader of the company that set out to reclaim the lost treasure guarded by the dragon Smaug (the Quest of Erebor) in The Hobbit. All three played the flute, having them ready at a moments notice within their coat pockets and are described to have a love and fondness for good food.

Jed Brophy

Jed Brophy (Nori) has been a professional actor since 1991. He is no stranger to Peter Jackson’s films as he was in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (Sharku), The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (Orc), King Kong (Venture Crew), and District 9 (James Hope). His son even played a part in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King as Arwen and Aragorn’s future son.

Adam Brown

Adam Brown (Ori) was born on May 29th, 1981 in the UK. Although his filmography consists of one TV show (he play Oswald Potter in ChuckleVision) and the current Hobbit films in production, his main experience has been in theater. Brown is the co-founder of Plested and Brown Comedy Theatre Company currently running “The Perfect Wife Roadshow”.

Mark Hadlow

Mark Hadlow (Dori) has been acting since 1959. His TV roles include Children of Fire Mountain (Sid), The Billy T James Show (Greg), Xena: Warrior Princess (Milo), Jack of All Trades (King George III), and Willy Nilly (Harry). His most memorable films include Meet the Feebles (Voice of Heidi) and King Kong (Harry).

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is scheduled for release on December 14, 2012, and The Hobbit: There and Back Again on December 13, 2013.