Peter Jackson says 'Hobbit' casting begins this week

By Borys Kit and Matthew Belloni

The search for Bilbo Baggins has begun.

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,” Jackson said in an interview, adding he is a big believer in casting a wide net to better match actors with the roles. 

“What we’ve done over the years is discover a lot of interesting actors, like Orlando Bloom (in 'Rings'), Kate Winslet (in 'Heavenly Creatures'), Saoirse Ronan (in 'The Lovely Bones'). So if you start looking and auditioning seriously, it’s amazing what incredible talent you’ll find out there.”

Jackson denied that he had settled on any actors besides McKellen and pooh-poohed Web chatter that he has approached James McAvoy for a key role.

“Apart from Ian McKellen, who we obviously want to return as Gandalf, we are not really offering any roles to anybody until we’ve done a casting sweep,” Jackson said.

Casting is being handled out of Los Angeles and London.

The filmmaker, whose adaptation of “The Lovely Bones” opens Friday, said although he and director Guillermo del Toro have casting approval on the two “Hobbit” movies, he feels no pressure to cast stars in major roles. 

“(These movies) have never been a star-driven vehicle. The star is (author J.R.R.) Tolkien and the world he created. We are not under any pressure. We want to find the right people. Casting someone to portray a hobbit is not as easy as you might imagine. They have to have a particular type of physical appearance and a sensibility. And the same with an elf or a dwarf. These are fantastical characters, but you’ve got to find the right people to play them, the right humans to translate these characters.”

Jackson also denied earlier reports that production on “Hobbit” was delayed.

 “It’s not,” he said, adding that the script for the first movie is completed and that collaborators Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens and del Toro are in the middle of writing the second. They hope to deliver drafts to Warner Bros. and MGM, which are jointly backing the films, around Christmastime.

“We were always planning to shoot around April or May next year, and as far as I’m aware, we’re pretty much on target for that. It depends on how quickly the studio greenlights the film. It’s not in our hands. But as long as we‘re shooting next year, we’re fine.”

Comments

[gifts for men]

Hey, what's the rush? This is going to be an epic and I'm sure many will agree to have the film made in a couple of years rather than rushing. Look at other movie projects which are made in one year period. None of those are epic, especially those that involved moon and blood suckers.

[Oi Vey Gee]

How is it Rushing?

With the first movie, you got nearly a year and a half (from production to post) to complete the first movie, and even more extra time for the second. (not counting possible reshoots)

Also, they've been in preproduction for the past year, so they're fine. It's not gonna be like Wolverine or Transformers 2 where they rushed it with yucky results.

[smaug]

Who to represent Bilbo? Penn Badgley !
It has the hobbit head. Certainly it is young, but it is an "unknown" in the cinema ! Ask Sean Astin (Forever Strong)!

[Dino Ladki]

What about Gollum? McKellen to return as Gandalf - of course! Why not the same for Andy Serkis as Gollum? - Maybe doesn't show up 'till part 2?

[jaragorn]

Please tell me how I can get an audition!?!?!?!?!?!

[Andrew]

can anyone please tell me if whn the auditions are at london this week please as i would love to go.

[Cesar]

Please tell me when I can get an audition!

[Nam Jiko]

There's this guy I know, he is good, really good. His name is Nelson Kelem

[Donna Meyers]

I would love to know how to get an audition also. I've been short my whole life and would love a chance to audition.

[MargaretMCLEOD24]

That's perfect that people can take the loans and that opens completely new opportunities.

[Pablo Samper]

I hope that this letter came to Peter Jackson and Guillermo del toro.I a young boy of 23 years resident in Murcia, España.No have no acting career or anything like that, but if I have much knowledge of everything related to hobbit.En tell you the truth I have good physical appearance and agility to play any character, as well as the ability to memorize texts.But above all this I enpeño highlight the excitement and power that would participate in this story, please would ask you not to miss this darling oportunidad.Con cariño Pablo Samper. Namarie!

[viagra online]

Best scary movie in a long time. theres bad acting but it adds to the movie cause it makes it feel like a documentary, its based on a true story so it makes it even scarier.....

[Trein naar Londen]

Wow, really amazing. Can anyone please tell me how I can get an audition ;-)

[dry curly hair]

Thanks for the information. A worth bookmarking blog. I would be reading your articles regularly from now on.

[generic viagra online]

It must have been amazing at that time.Must be having loads of rush that time."Bilbo Baggins" is something that is very popular.

[Generic Viagra]

I would love to know how to get an audition also

[Aprella]

waw,. Peter Jackson is handsome,.. ;)

[executive training]

Great news! I can't wait for the whole list of actors that are going to play in it. Hobbit will be a great success, I can feel it.

[Mike]

What about Gollum? McKellen to return as Gandalf - of course! Why not the same for Andy Serkis as Gollum? - Maybe doesn't show up 'till part 2?