It hasn't been announced yet. It hasn't been confirmed at all. This is a big fat rumor that could end up being a little bit more than that. It is gaining traction at this point and the closest to a denial anyone is willing to give it is a "no comment." Does this mean it is false? Nope. Does this mean it is true? Maybe.

Screenrush is reporting that Dr. Who actor Sylvester McCoy is going to be cast as Bilbo. Apparently one of their reporters, while attending the theater, bumped into McCoy and was told by someone close to him that he had been cast as "the second biggest lead" in the upcoming The Hobbit movies alongside of Ian McKellen and Andy Serkis. As I mentioned before, McCoy's agent wouldn't confirm or deny anything but simply chose to say "no comment." Another interesting tidbit is that McCoy was the runner up to play Bilbo in the original The Lord of the Rings trilogy. I should also note that McCoy is 66.

So what's all this mean? It could meant that Sylvester McCoy will be playing Bilbo Baggins in the upcoming The Hobbit movies. This could be it as in The Hobbit he is "in comfortable middle age at 50 years old." Or it could mean that they are creating a framed story and McCoy is playing and older version of Bilbo who is remembering his adventures. Perhaps he is even beginning work on There and Back Again, the book Bilbo was working on in The Lord of the Rings trilogy that chronicles the adventures that happen in The Hobbit. The other options would be that he is either Thorin or Smaug as they are the other two other larger characters. Thorin is the stubborn leader of the dwarfs and heir to the title of "King of the Mountain." Smaug is the dragon that guards the Lonely Mountain. This role isn't as huge but it definitely is a major role so I include it as an option. This is all speculation of course. Heck, he could be up for another role but sometimes a little guessing game can be kind of fun!

Personally, I think Sylvester McCoy would be a fantastic choice for the role of Bilbo. I'm sure he could make an effective Thorin but that doesn't excite me quite as much. As for Smaug... let's get someone a bit more vocally imposing. Just looking at McCoy's Dr. Who pictures, I can envision Bilbo. Then listen to his voice by checking out McCoy on youtube and it becomes even more realistic that McCoy could become Bilbo. If it does indeed happen, I would be a very happy camper. I would also be glad that they are casting older as none of the younger names that have been thrown around really jumped out at me for the role.

What do you think of Sylvester McCoy as Bilbo Baggins? Can you think of someone better? If so, who? It will definitely be exciting to see how things progress with The Hobbit! Let's hope things keep moving forward despite MGM's financial difficulties!

Make it a GREAT day!

-Mr. DAPs

 

 

The Hobbit isn’t the only project that is being hit by delays as MGM figures out its financial difficulties. A certain British super spy has also been put on hold until things are figured out. Unlike The Hobbit, James Bond 23 will not be losing his director… at least not any time soon. Sam Mendes has made it quite clear that it is one of two projects he intends to direct in the near future. He is sure enough about the Bond project that he has gone ahead and notified the Disney folk that he should not be under consideration to direct The Great and Powerful Oz (any guesses on what that is about?).

The second project he’ll be working on is a stage adaption of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This will be a musical and is expected to open in time for the holidays next year.  The music is being done by Marc Shaiman and Scott Whitman. It will really be interesting to see how this turns out. It is a project of Warner Theatricals, the theater wing of Warner Bros. It will definitely be something to keep your eyes open for as there are some very talented people working on it.

Currently it appears that MGM will not be bought out by Time Warner and that MGM’s debt holders are going to attempt to turn around the beleaguered studio. They have already begun the process of restructuring the company. In recent weeks have been interviewing some former movie studio execs for advice and also to see if any would be interested in running the company. This includes Joe Roth, formerly of the Walt Disney Studios and 20th Century Fox, Terry Semel who was co-chairman of Warner Bros., and Peter Chernin who was the News Corp. President. Some strategic partnerships have also been looked at but nothing has really gelled together at this point. To sum it all up, MGM isn’t out of the woods yet but it seems like the debt holders are resolved to make it succeed. Let’s hope this happens sooner or later so a certain Hobbit named Bilbo can begin a journey across Middle Earth and a certain spy named Bond, James Bond can again save the world as we know it!

Ian McKellen, the actor who has in the past and will win the future play Gandalf the Grey recently let slip when filming would begin for the first of the two upcoming Hobbit films. Although producer New Line Cinema has not officially given a go ahead or any announcement for the films, McKellen posted on his website that The Hobbit would begin filming this coming June. On his website McKellen said: “THE HOBBIT’s, two films, start shooting in New Zealand in June. Filming will take over a year. Casting in Los Angeles, New York City and London has started. The script too proceeds. The first draft is crammed with old and new friends, again on a quest in Middle Earth. The director Guillermo del Toro is now living in Wellington, close to the Jacksons’ and the studio in Miramar”. To no surprise, New Line Cinema countered this and told Variety that there is no set date as of yet. What can you garner from this information? Things are moving forward with The Hobbit.

In other news about The Hobbit, director Geillermo del Toro has been looking into making The Hobbit 3D. Some sources are saying it is already decided and that both halves of The Hobbit will be filmed in 3D and Weta Digital. Other sources are saying simply that there are discussions about the possibility of The Hobbit being filmed in 3D. My prediction here on GEEKS CORNER is that it will indeed be filmed in 3D when all is said and done.

Lastly, there isn’t a whole lot to report about casting. Both Tobey Maguire and Matthew Goode have auditioned for the role of Bilbo but there hasn’t been any announcement on casting for that character.  In January, Peter Jackson said the casting of Bilbo was a month or two away so I would expect an announcement to come out shortly. We do know that Ian McKellen will reprise his role as Gandalf. Andy Serkis should return as Gollum. Hugo Weaving is expected to return as Elrond.

Well that’s all I’ve got for today about The Hobbit. If you find out anything that is verifiable, let me know on facebook.com/mrdaps or twitter.com/mrdaps. Have a great Thursday everyone!

It’s possible that clues to who will end up being Bilbo Baggins in the upcoming two movies of The Hobbit could have been found via twitter. A reader on theonering.net found the following tweet from actor Simon Pegg:

“Looks like David Tennant will be visiting Middle Earth”…

Now the first thought is that Simon Pegg has nothing to do with The Hobbit right? Not exactly. First off, Andy Serkis is replacing David Tennant in Burke and Hare. How was this leaked originally? Simon Pegg tweeted this little nugget that Tennant had left the movie. Later Andy Serkis came in. One last little piece of information. Shortly after tweeting the departure of Tennant, Simon Pegg deleted that post. Of course it ended up happening. The tweet quoted above has also been deleted. Is it a sign or just a coincidence? Only time will tell.

David Tennant is perhaps most well known as being the doctor in Doctor Who (2005-2010). He was also in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire where he played Barty Crouch Jr. He is an accomplished stage actor and has made a host of appearances on various TV shows.

What do you think? Would he make a good Bilbo?

 

 

One of the big questions about The Hobbit is who will be playing Bilbo Baggins. The internet has been buzzing all weekend with rumors of the possibility that Tobey Maguire will most likely not be playing Bilbo Baggins. Neither will James McAvoy. Then there are two questions left, who will be Bilbo or who isn’t telling the truth? Currently a quick google search would seem to suggest that sources are wrong and that Tobey Maguire is getting set to play Bilbo. Personally, I’d like to see an actor with more of an English accent (like Ian Holm) but that doesn’t seem to be in the plans.

Here appears to be what they have in mind for some of their uncast characters:

• [BILBO] A well-to-do, respectable Hobbit…. Although he doesn’t realize it himself, BILBO has a good deal of courage; he can be practical and resilient. He has a good sense of humour, and is able to appreciate the ridiculous. He is very quick on the uptake and is well read having been encouraged to read widely by his mother. The most distinguishing characteristic about BILBO is his humanity; he is empathetic with a big heart and generous spirit. LEAD. AGE: 25-35. ACCENT - STANDARD R.P.

• [THORIN OAKENSHEILD] Heir to the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, Thorin Oakensheild was forced to lead his people far away from their homelands into exile in the Blue Mountains. Powerfully built and a legendary fighter, Thorin has led a tough and dangerous life and it shows on his face. He is sharp eyed and sharp tongued, proud in his bearing and un-trusting of those he does not know. But Thorin is also capable of intense loyalty, immense courage and surprising gentleness and humour. Thorin will be required to wear a wig and beard and some minor prosthetics make-up, like a nose or forehead, is possible. LEAD. AGE: EARLY 40′S to MID 50′S. ACCENT - STANDARD R.P. OR SLIGHTLY ACCENTED REGIONAL ENGLISH ACCENT.

• [FILI & KILI] Two Dwarf brothers, nephews to Thorin Oakensheild, the legendary Dwarf Lord who is heir to the Kingdom of Erebor. Fili and Kili are of noble lineage, not that you would necessarily know it from their relaxed demeanor. Fili being the elder of the two (Fili is probably fair haired, but this is not essential.) They are both good- looking, strong and expert fighters having been trained with weapons as from a young age.. Kili is more carefree and reckless. Fili and Kili will be required to wear a wig and beard, and some minor prosthetics make-up, like a nose or forehead, is possible. LEAD. AGE: EARLY TO MID 20′S. ACCENT - STANDARD R.P. OR SLIGHTLY ACCENTED REGIONAL ENGLISH ACCENT.

• [GLOIN] A DWARF of the line of Durin. He is related to the more noble Family of Thorin Oakenshield, being a distant cousin. Of all the Company of Dwarves who set out on the Quest to The Lonely Mountain GLOIN is the most outspoken, opinionated and is not afraid to challenge authority. He has a tendency to be something of a gloom merchant, but despite this dourness, GLOIN is also strong and brave and loyal - and ultimately a lovable and endearing character. Well known to audiences as the FATHER of GIMLI. Gloin will be required to wear a wig and beard and some minor prosthetics make-up, like a nose or forehead, is possible. LEAD. AGE: 40-50. ACCENT: MUST HAVE A SCOTTISH ACCENT.

• [RADAGAST THE BROWN] One of the Istari… Like the other five Wizards, RADAGAST has taken the form of an old man. Somewhat scruffy and prone to wandering the wilds,. He is however a close friend of GANDALF the Grey who holds him in great affection and admires RADAGAST’s gentle spirit.. He has a cheery disposition and a twinkle in his eye; RADAGAST is eccentric, forgetful and easily distracted. This role will require a wig, beard and possible prosthetic make- up. LEAD. AGE: 50-70. ACCENT - STANDARD R.P. OR SLIGHTLY ACCENTED REGIONAL ENGLISH ACCENT.

• [ITARIL] FEMALE, A WOODLAND ELF, this character is one the Silvan Elves. The Silvan Elves are seen as more earthy and practical. Shorter than other elves, she is still quick and lithe and physically adept, being able to fight with both sword and bow. Showing promise as a fighter at a young age, ITARIL was chosen to train to become part of the Woodland King’s Guard. This is the only life she has ever expected to live, until she meets and secretly falls in love with a young ELF LORD. This role will require a wig and contact lenses to be worn. Some prosthetic make-up may also be required. LEAD. AGE: 17-27. ACCENT - STANDARD R.P.

• [PRIMULA BRANDYBUCK] Primula is a bright, lively and pretty young Hobbit. She is considered to be ‘wayward’ and ‘not proper’. But PRIMULA doesn’t care. - Prone to letting words and thoughts tumble out of her mouth without pause, PRIMULA can also be acutely observant. Kind hearted with a loving nature, she is the type of person who can light up a room sptv050769. LEAD. AGE: 18-27 STANDARD R.P. OR SLIGHTLY ACCENTED REGIONAL ENGLISH ACCENT.

• [DROGO] Bilbo’s cousin, he has known Bilbo all his life and ends up becoming Frodo’s father. Drogo’s outgoing, friendly - likes his food and good ale and the companionship of others.. He is good looking, well liked and well known around The Shire and is a bit of a ladies man (in contrast to Bilbo.) He’s not interested in the outside world. In fact, he’s quite happy and content with his lot. He is naturally funny in that unintentional, Hobbity, English Village sort of way - someone who is immediately likable. LEAD. AGE: 25-35. ACCENT - STANDARD R.P. OR REGIONAL ENGLISH ACCENT (SHOULD NOT BE HEAVILY ACCENTED).

• [SMAUG] VOICEOVER ONLY. Two hundred years earlier, the Dragon SMAUG came down from the barren northern reaches and laid waste to the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor. Sitting upon his pile of gold, he has grown to a truly immense size. Old and yet not old, his voice still carries the sense of a sharp and lethal mind. He is the most deadly creature in all Middle-earth - and he knows it. Sly, quick and ferociously intelligent SMAUG is a dangerous opponent and not one to under-estimate. If he has weakness it is his unbridled greed and his arrogance. His voice is part of what gives him is power - his ability to seduce, persuade and flatter, even to display a degree of charm. But any sense of civility or consideration for others is utterly false. He is merciless and without empathy for any other living creature. He is a killer sptv050769. AGE: 40-70. ACCENT - STANDARD R.P ACCENT

Anyone who has seen the Lord of the Rings trilogy has probably noticed the great lengths that were made to create a realistic looking and believable Middle Earth for the film. One little corner of Middle Earth where extra care was taken early on was the town of Hobbiton, home of Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, and our other little Hobbit friends. Originally 37 structures were actually built to create Hobbiton. While a bulk of the details and set work (windows, doors, fencing, yard accoutrements) was removed after the filming of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, 17 “hobbit holes” along with some of the structures are still present. Hobbiton is located on the North island of New Zealand near Matamata. This is a limited opportunity as the same location will be used for filming the upcoming The Hobbit movies. For now, tours will continue to be available up until filming begins.

I have a couple of friends who have gone on these Lord of the Rings tours and they sound like a blast. They do often show more than just movie places and overall the locations are absolutely beautiful. If I had the time and opportunity, I’d be all over this. For now though, I’ll just have to be content with google image and reading about awesome tours like this online. And if anyone goes, please email me and share pictures!

 

 

For those of us that are fans of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, we have been anxiously waiting to see what will happen when the world of Tolkien returns in a two movie rendition of The Hobbit. If things go as planned, we should see the first movie in December 2011 and the second in December 2012. As of last week, theonering.net is reporting that Ian McKellan (Gandalf) had received copies of the script for both movies. Director Guillermo Del Toro is also quoted as telling McKellen that, “We're going to film for 383 days.” 

 

It is assumed that this will be a marathon filming much like was done with The Lord of the Rings, most likely in New Zealand again. It is known that Ian McKellan will reprise his role as Gandalf the Grey. Andy Serkis will return as Gollum and Hugo Weaving will return as Lord Elrond.

 

The Hobbit tells the story of Bilbo Baggins and how he and 13 dwarves go on an adventure to reclaim treasure in the Lonely Mountain that is being guarded by the dragon Smaug. It also tells how Bilbo gained possession of the one ring thereby setting the stage for The Lord of the Rings. The Hobbit takes place 60 years before The Lord of the Rings.

 

A big difference between The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit two-parter will be that Peter Jackson will not be directing this time. He has worked with Fran Walsh (who he worked with on The Lord of the Rings), Del Toro, and Philippa Boyens as co-writer. He also is the executive producer. Guillermo Del Toro will be the director but Peter Jackson has offered to be a 2^nd Unit Director if needed. It is unknown who will be playing Bilbo at this point, although it will probably be someone who is British. Although in a perfect world, Del Toro has said it would be Ian Holm as he would love all the original The Lord of the Rings actors to reprise their roles. 

 

Del Toro has said The Hobbit will be set in a "world that is slightly more golden at the beginning, a very innocent environment" and the film would need to "[take] you from a time of more purity to a darker reality throughout the film, but [in a manner] in the spirit of the book" The Hobbit really is about the loss of innocence of Middle Earth, greed, and personal morality.

 

Concept artists Alan Lee & John Howe will be returning and are already helping with the development of The Hobbit. Richard Taylor and his WETA Workshop are also on board. While Del Toro has said The Hobbit will use a lot of influences from The Lord of the Rings, some things will change. A quick example will be the Wargs as "the classical incarnation of the demonic wolf in Nordic mythology is not a hyena-shaped creature."  I find it personally exciting that Del Toro has said he will be using lots of scale models as was done in The Lord of the Rings. Even more exciting is that he wants to use more animatronics to bring to life even more characters and add a more realistic dimension to them. Although, I will admit that it will be very hard to beat The Lord of the Rings in terms of creating a realistic world. There has been an advance in technology though so I would assume he will be showcasing that. Gollum will continue to be entirely digital.

 

As things move forward it will be very exciting to see how The Hobbit develops. I am very curious to see how they divide the book into two movies and see exactly how the second leads into The Lord of the Rings. I do know that they do not have rights to The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales so they can only use elements of the story from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings to bring everything together. The more I find out about this project though the more excited I get about it! It should really be an exciting thing to watch, especially if they allow as much access to the fans as they did in The Lord of the Rings!