The Hobbit

[Bromptonboy]

http://the-hobbit-movie.com/2011/05/14/even-wizards-have-to-wear-the-glasses/

[Bromptonboy]

Sir Peter Jackson has cast English actor and comedian Stephen Fry as The Master of Laketown in his Hobbit movies:
Some more HOBBIT casting news today. As we near the end of our first shooting block (we have a break in less than three weeks to get some editing and visual effects work done, plus prepare for very big scenes coming up), we are looking at characters featuring in sequences that take place a little later in the story.
We are thrilled to confirm that Stephen Fry will be playing The Master of Laketown. I've known Stephen for several years, and we're developing a DAMBUSTERS movie together. In addition to his writing skills, he's a terrific actor and will create a very memorable Master for us.
The Master's conniving civil servant, Alfrid will be played by Ryan Gage. Ryan is a great young actor who we originally cast in a small role, but we liked him so much, we promoted him to the much larger Alfrid part.
Source: Peter Jackson
Stephen Fry cast as The Master of Laketown is a post from: The Hobbit Movie

[Geekyfanboy]

Peter Jackson just confirmed on Facebook that Orlando Bloom will return as Legolas in The Hobbit films! This is what the filmmaker said:

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.

Read more: Orlando Bloom Confirmed for The Hobbit - ComingSoon.net http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=78145#ixzz1NZmuVLqX

[Bromptonboy]

Peter Jackson just confirmed on Facebook that Orlando Bloom will return as Legolas in The

Sounds good!  Although not mentioned directly in the Hobbit, there is no reason not to assume that Legolas was present when his father Thranduil questioned Thorin (rather harshly I might add...).

[Meds]

Also Martin Freeman let slip that Sherlock co star Benedict Cumberbach will also be in The Hobbit. No official statement from team Jackson as of yet.

[Bromptonboy]

Also Martin Freeman let slip that Sherlock co star Benedict Cumberbach will also be in The Hobbit. No official statement from team Jackson as of yet.

Hmmmm....I suppose if you give him pointed ears....

[Rico]

This sure is turning into one big reunion movie.  Especially for many characters that weren't in "The Hobbit."

[Meds]

Oh if you look at Cumberbach he oozes middle earth features.

[Bromptonboy]

Oh if you look at Cumberbach he oozes middle earth features.

Yes I think I am sold on him.

[Bryancd]

This sure is turning into one big reunion movie.  Especially for many characters that weren't in "The Hobbit."

This is certainly going to take some liberties, but I say the more the Meriadoc. ;)

[Bromptonboy]

This sure is turning into one big reunion movie.  Especially for many characters that weren't in "The Hobbit."

This is certainly going to take some liberties, but I say the more the Meriadoc. ;)

Ouch!  You have been hanging with Brother Moyer I see!  Does that RING close to the truth?  :0

[Geekyfanboy]

Titles and Release Dates Announced for the Hobbit Films!
Source: New Line/Warner Bros., MGM
May 30, 2011

New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. Pictures and MGM have announced the titles and release dates for filmmaker Peter Jackson's two-film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's enduringly popular masterpiece "The Hobbit." The first film, titled The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, will be released on December 14, 2012. The second film, titled The Hobbit: There and Back Again, is slated for release the following year, on December 13, 2013.

Both films are set in Middle-earth 60 years before Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," which Jackson and his filmmaking team brought to the big screen in the blockbuster trilogy that culminated with the Oscar®-winning The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. The adventure of "The Hobbit" follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug.

Under Jackson's direction, both movies are being shot consecutively in digital 3D using the latest camera and stereo technology. Filming is taking place at Stone Street Studios, Wellington, and on location around New Zealand.

Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf the Grey, the character he played in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, and Martin Freeman, who just won a BAFTA TV Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the BBC series "Sherlock," takes on the central role of Bilbo Baggins. Also reprising their roles from "The Lord of the Rings" movies are: Cate Blanchett as Galadriel; Orlando Bloom as Legolas; Ian Holm as the elder Bilbo; Christopher Lee as Saruman; Hugo Weaving as Elrond; Elijah Wood as Frodo; and Andy Serkis as Gollum. The ensemble cast also includes (in alphabetical order) Richard Armitage, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Stephen Fry, Ryan Gage, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, Stephen Hunter, William Kircher, Sylvester McCoy, Bret McKenzie, Graham McTavish, Mike Mizrahi, James Nesbitt, Dean O'Gorman, Lee Pace, Mikael Persbrandt, Conan Stevens, Ken Stott, Jeffrey Thomas and Aidan Turner.

The screenplays for "The Hobbit" films are by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Guillermo del Toro and Peter Jackson. Jackson is also producing the films, together with Fran Walsh and Carolynne Cunningham. The executive producers are Ken Kamins and Zane Weiner, with Philippa Boyens serving as co-producer.

"The Hobbit" films are productions of New Line Cinema and MGM, with New Line managing production. Warner Bros Pictures is handling worldwide theatrical distribution, with select international territories as well as all international television licensing being handled by MGM.

Read more: Titles and Release Dates Announced for the Hobbit Films! - ComingSoon.net http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=78224#ixzz1NrELt5aF

[Jobydrone]

So I wonder where the break will be between the two films.  I remember early on they were talking about the events of the book being covered in the first film, with the second being mostly supplemental and new material, but I believe that idea has been scrapped.  I'm trying to guess where a logical spot is for a cliffhanger but still presents a satisfying stand alone story. 

My guess would be that Bilbo saves the dwarves from the Goblin King, falls down into Gollum's cave, and we see our first glimpse of Gollum and the One Ring...then we wait for a year for "Riddles In the Dark" to open the second film.

[Bryancd]

So I wonder where the break will be between the two films.  I remember early on they were talking about the events of the book being covered in the first film, with the second being mostly supplemental and new material, but I believe that idea has been scrapped.  I'm trying to guess where a logical spot is for a cliffhanger but still presents a satisfying stand alone story. 

My guess would be that Bilbo saves the dwarves from the Goblin King, falls down into Gollum's cave, and we see our first glimpse of Gollum and the One Ring...then we wait for a year for "Riddles In the Dark" to open the second film.

I agree, Joby, that would make a lot of sense. Also, clearly there is going to be a lot of additional material added that's not in the Hobbit to accommodate the inclusions of characters such as Legolas and others who don't appear in the book. I have faith int his writting team to be creative while respectful of the source material.

[Rico]

Come on Mr. Jackson, make it a trilogy already.  You know you want to.  ;)