Tag: Martin Freeman

THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY – The Review

They say you can’t go home again. But what if the home in question is that fabled land called Middle Earth. That’s the speculation surrounding celebrated film maker Peter Jackson. His LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy broke box offices records around the globe while collecting a chest full of awards (including the Best Picture Oscar for the final entry RETURN OF THE KING). Much like Bond fans, Rings devotees have had to wait several years for all the legal and financial battles to be settled. For a time it looked like Guillermo del Toro (PAN’S LABYRINTH) would be directing this Rings prequel, but as the negotiations dragged, del Toro had to move on. When the dust cleared, Jackson decided that he would not only produce but also direct this new Tolkein screen adaptation. Is the magic back? Film goers will finally find out with the release of THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY.

This tale beings with a history of Lonely Mountain, the realm of the dwarves. After surviving a brutal attack from the gruesome orcs, their treasure is seized by the dragon Smaug. The kingdom is in ruin and the dwarves are scattered through the lands. But all is peaceful in the Shire, especially at the home of a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins (played by Ian Holm in the Rings trilogy here his sixty years younger version is Martin Freeman). That tranquility is shattered with the arrival of Gandalf the Gray (Ian McKellen). The wizard wants Bilbo to join him and thirteen dwarves on a journey back to reclaim their home and treasure. Bilbo will have none of this adventure nonsense. That night his quiet home is invaded by those warrior dwarves led by the fearless Thorin (Richard Armitage). When Bilbo awakes the next morning, the rowdy dwarves and the wizard are gone. But the hobbit has a change of heart and catches up with them. On the long journey they encounter elves, orcs, trolls, rock giants, and a cave-dwelling, ring-loving, raspy voiced creature as they near closer to the land ruled by a brutal fire-breather.

Although this is set sixty years prior to the Rings trilogy, many familiar faces do pop up (including one very welcome surprise). But it’s McKellen as Gandalf that’s the most dominant. He’s slips into this character like he’s easing into a pair of comfy old slippers. He’s funny, wise, and a forbidding conjurer. And Sir Ian plays very well against this film’s most inspired addition of TV star Freeman (“The Office” “Sherlock”) as the timid title character. Their initial meeting is a delightful bit of whimsical wordplay and banter. For most of the initial scenes Bilbo goes from exasperated to worried panic. Once he commits to the quest he truly comes alive even as he flails about with his new sword, Stinger. There’s not enough time for each of the dwarves to stake out much in the way of personality, but Armitage makes a quite impressive small-sized swashbuckler.

But what really impresses here are the breathtaking visuals. As in the previous trilogy, the main characters trudge through all manner of majestic scenery. I’m sure this film will give New Zealand another nice tourism bump. The sets are epic and grand particularly a visit to the Elf kingdom. And the special effects are state of the art, especially in an encounter with three ravenous trolls (frightening and funny). But the most spectacular sequence doesn’t involve multiple beasties and battles, but a quiet quiz between Bilbo and the glorious Gollum, who continues to be one of filmdom’s most amazing creations. He’s more expressive than ever thanks to advanced CGI technology and the wonderful acting of Andy Serkis, the maestro of motion-capture. Speaking of tech, a lot has been written about the use of HFR (High Frame Rate in select theatres). Supposedly the projection of 48 frames per second instead of the standard 24 has caused some queasiness in audiences. My eyes adjusted fairly quickly, but I noticed that any movement (by the camera or actors) zipped by very fast. As a friend pointed out, you get no blurs at 48 so your brain has less to fill in (all the details are there). It is a sharper image, but nothing like live TV as was earlier reported (oh, and the 3D’s nice, but not essential as with LIFE OF PI). Much has also been made about the decision to make three films out of this single Tolkein story. Nothing seems padded here to warrant those accusing the producers of a “money grab”. After the frenetic slapstick of the dwarves trashing Bilbo’s home, the film almost resembles an old Saturday morning serial with one unsurvivable cliff-hanger after another. Sometimes the spectacle is overwhelming with endless nasties popping up to be sliced and speared, but Jackson really makes everything work. It’ll be fun to have that holiday tradition from nearly ten years ago once again. If you enjoyed the Rings then you’ll look forward to spending the next couple of Christmases with this unlikely furry-footed hero.

4.5 Out of 5

17 New HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY Posters; Original Motion Picture Soundtrack 2 CD Set Due December 11th

THE HOBBIT’s Official Facebook page has released 17 new posters along with a little background on J.R.R. Tolkien’s characters. Safe to say Gollum needs no explanation – although I do like his snarly “Thief Baggins! Curse it and crush it! We hates it forever!” Advance tickets go on sale in 3 days.

Brother to Bofur and cousin to Bifur, Bombur is the chief cook amongst The Company of Dwarves. His immense size and voracious appetite causes frequent problems – and laughter – for himself and The Traveling Party. Despite his size he can be surprisingly effective as a fighter – and woe betide anyone who makes him late for dinner!

Younger brother to Fili, Kili is a loyal nephew to Thorin Oakenshield. Carefree and somewhat reckless, Kili has led a charmed and untroubled life to this point. Handsome and physically able, Kili possesses the invincible courage of youth. He is a skilled fighter and expert archer, having been trained with weapons from an early age. As one of the youngest in The Company of Dwarves, Kili is determined to make his mark and prove his worth.

Fili was born into the royal line of Durin and raised under the stern guardianship of his uncle, Thorin Oakenshield. Along with his brother Kili, Fili is one of the youngest in The Company of Dwarves. He has never traveled far, nor ever seen the fabled Dwarf City of Erebor. A skilled fighter, Fili sets off on the adventure ahead with little idea of the challenges and dangers that lie before him.

Renowned as a great Warrior, Dwalin speaks his mind plainly and is not one to suffer fools lightly. Fiercely loyal, he is Thorin Oakenshield’s staunchest supporter with an unshakeable belief in his friend’s leadership. A powerful and bruising fighter, Dwalin has a natural tendency to distrust anyone who is not a Dwarf and is particularly suspicious of Elves. Proud, brave and one of the tallest of the Dwarves, Dwalin will bow to none but those who have earned his respect.

A descendant of nobility and a Dwarf Lord in his own right, Balin is one of the oldest members of The Company of Dwarves. Wise and gentle by nature, he has been forced to live a life fraught with war and the ongoing struggle for survival. Related to Thorin Oakenshield, Balin is one of his closest, most trusted advisors – but deep in his heart, this wisest and most loyal of Dwarves harbors troubling doubts about the wisdom of the Quest for the Lonely Mountain.

As a young Dwarf Prince, Thorin witnessed the destruction and terror wrought when a great fire-breathing dragon attacked the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor. When no one came to the aid of the surviving Dwarves, a once proud and noble race was forced into exile. Now, as the strong, fearless fighter and respected leader of The Company of Dwarves, Thorin is determined to reclaim his homeland and destroy the beast that brought such misery upon his people.

One of the most powerful Wizards in all of Middle-earth, Gandalf the Grey joins the quest to reclaim the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor and the great treasure that lies within its stone halls from a fire-breathing dragon, Smaug the Terrible. Along the way, Gandalf finds evidence that an ancient evil may have found its way back into the world. In order to uncover the truth, Gandalf must leave his companions to fend for themselves – a journey that will take him into the darkest corners of Middle-earth where his worst suspicions are confirmed.

Like all Hobbits, Bilbo Baggins is fond of his comfortable existence; all he needs to be happy is a full pantry and a good book. When the Wizard Gandalf and 13 Dwarves unexpectedly appear on Bilbo’s doorstep and invite him to join them on a dangerous adventure, Bilbo’s life changes forever. Initially skeptical of the invitation, Bilbo’s spirit of adventure leads him to join the Company of Thorin Oakenshield and become the “burglar” required to complete their quest to outwit a ferocious dragon and reclaim the Dwarves’ stolen treasure. To everyone’s surprise, including his own, Bilbo’s wit and courage prove that there is indeed more to this Hobbit than meets the eye.

Born in the West, Bifur has the rusting remains of an Orc axe embedded in his forehead, which has rendered him inarticulate and occasionally feisty! He communicates only with grunts and hand gestures. Unlike most of the others in The Company of Dwarves, Bifur is not related to Thorin, nor is he of noble lineage, but rather is descended from miners and smithies – simple folk with simple tastes.

Endearing and likeable, Bofur has a disastrous tendency to state the obvious and blurt out things without thinking. With a love of music and a fine singing voice, Bofur delights in good food and good company and is unfailingly optimistic. Though not especially brave, he will do his best to help those in need, especially those he counts as friends. Along with his brother Bombur and his cousin Bifur, Bofur joined the Quest for the Lonely Mountain partly to seek his fortune – and partly because he was told the beer was free.

Along with his brother Gloin, Oin is a distant cousin of Thorin Oakenshield. A brave Northern Dwarf, Oin joins The Company of Thorin Oakenshield out of a sense of loyalty to his kin, and also because he has a substantial sum of money invested in the venture. Well read with an inquiring mind, Oin is the healer among the Company, often applying an herbal salve of his own invention – which has since come to be known as ‘ointment’ after its maker.

Of all the members in The Company of Dwarves who set out on the Quest to The Lonely Mountain, Gloin is the most outspoken and opinionated and is not afraid to challenge authority. He has a tendency to be quick-tempered, but he is also strong, brave and loyal. Gloin is one of the only married Dwarves in the Company (there being a shortage of female Dwarves in general). His wife is an acclaimed beauty with a particularly fine beard. Gloin is also the proud father of a young son, Gimli, who will later grow up to become part of the famous Fellowship of the Ring.

A distant relative of Thorin Oakenshield, Dori is the eldest amongst his brothers Ori and Nori. He is the strongest in The Company of Dwarves, and spends much of his time watching out for Ori, making sure he hasn’t caught a chill or gotten himself killed by Wargs or Goblins. Eternally pessimistic, with a natural tendency to expect the worst, Dori is nonetheless quite prepared to risk life and limb in order to get the job done.

Perhaps the most elusive member of The Company of Thorin Oakenshield, Nori is often in trouble with the dwarvish authorities. Deciding it might be a good time to leave town, he readily joins the Quest for the Lonely Mountain, not realizing the journey ahead may well lead him into far more trouble than he has left behind. Nobody ever quite knows what the quick-witted and wily Nori is up to, except that it’s guaranteed to be dodgy and quite probably illegal. Despite rarely seeing eye-to-eye with his brothers Dori and Ori, he is nonetheless immensely loyal and will protect them by whatever means possible.

Younger brother to Nori and Dori, Ori is a talented artist, and can often be found drawing and writing in his journal. It is Ori who chronicles much of the journey through The Wild to the shores of the Long Lake and the slopes of The Lonely Mountain. Polite and well-bred, he is used to being bossed around by his older brother Dori and is usually biddable, although occasionally his can surprise his fellow companions with his courage and determination.

WaterTower Music has announced the release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Original Motion Picture Soundtrack at all retailers on December 11th. The soundtrack will be available both digitally and as a 2 CD set. A Special Edition of the soundtrack, featuring six exclusive bonus tracks, seven extended score cues, and deluxe liner notes will also be available December 11. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey features original score by Academy Award® winner Howard Shore recorded at famed Abbey Road studios by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Additionally, it includes an original song entitled “Song of the Lonely Mountain,” written and performed by Neil Finn (Crowded House). The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the first of a trilogy of films from Oscar®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy), will be released in the U.S. on December 14, 2012.

One of today’s most respected, honored, and active composers and music conductors, Howard Shore previously worked with director Peter Jackson on The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Shore’s music for The Lord of the Rings Trilogy has been performed in concerts throughout the world. In 2003, Shore conducted the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in the world premiere of The Lord of the Rings Symphony in Wellington, New Zealand. Since then, the work has had more than 140 performances by the world’s most prestigious orchestras, and has even been the subject of a book, Music of The Lord of the Rings Films.

“I have looked forward to returning to the imaginative world of Middle-earth for quite a while,” says Shore. “I read all of the books by Tolkien, including The Hobbit, when I was in my twenties, and his deep love of nature and all things green resonates deeply with me.”

“It’s a thrill for us to work with Howard Shore on The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey soundtrack,” stated WaterTower Music head, Jason Linn. “His reputation and body of work have long inspired us, and we look forward to another successful partnership as we embark on the next chapter of our journey together.”

Shore’s music for The Lord of the Rings Trilogy stands as his most towering achievement to date. He won three Academy Awards® for his music for those films, two for Best Original Score, and one for Best Original Song. Shore has also won numerous other honors for his film work, including four Grammys and three Golden Globe Awards.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Original Motion Picture Soundtrack on WaterTower Music in the United States and Decca Records outside the United States. It will be available on December 11, 2012. The track listings for the 2 CD Standard and 2 CD Deluxe versions are as follows:

THE HOBBIT SPECIAL EDITION TRACKLIST

DISC 1:

  1. My Dear Frodo
  2. Old Friends (Extended Version)
  3. An Unexpected Party (Extended Version)
  4. Blunt the Knives performed by The Dwarf Cast
  5. Axe or Sword?
  6. Misty Mountains performed by Richard Armitage and The Dwarf Cast
  7. The Adventure Begins
  8. The World is Ahead
  9. An Ancient Enemy
  10. Radagast the Brown (Extended Version)
  11. The Trollshaws
  12. Roast Mutton (Extended Version)
  13. A Troll-hoard
  14. The Hill of Sorcery
  15. Warg-scouts

DISC 2:

    1. The Hidden Valley
    2. Moon Runes (Extended Version)
    3. The Defiler
    4. The White Council (Extended Version)
    5. Over Hill
    6. A Thunder Battle
    7. Under Hill
    8. Riddles in the Dark
    9. Brass Buttons
    10. Out of the Frying-Pan
    11. A Good Omen
    12. Song of the Lonely Mountain (Extended Version) performed by Neil Finn
    13. Dreaming of Bag End

EXCLUSIVE BONUS TRACKS:

  1. A Very Respectable Hobbit
  2. Erebor
  3. The Dwarf Lords
  4. The Edge of the Wild

THE HOBBIT STANDARD EDITION TRACKLIST

DISC 1:

  1. My Dear Frodo
  2. Old Friends
  3. An Unexpected Party
  4. Axe or Sword?
  5. Misty Mountains performed by Richard Armitage and The Dwarf Cast
  6. The Adventure Begins
  7. The World is Ahead
  8. An Ancient Enemy
  9. Radagast the Brown
  10. Roast Mutton
  11. A Troll-hoard
  12. The Hill of Sorcery
  13. Warg-scouts

DISC 2:

  1. The Hidden Valley
  2. Moon Runes
  3. The Defiler
  4. The White Council
  5. Over Hill
  6. A Thunder Battle
  7. Under Hill
  8. Riddles in the Dark
  9. Brass Buttons
  10. Out of the Frying-Pan
  11. A Good Omen
  12. Song of the Lonely Mountain performed by Neil Finn
  13. Dreaming of Bag End

About The Hobbit Trilogy

From Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM). It is the first of a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien.

The three films tell a continuous story set in Middle-earth 60 years before 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 screenplay for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson & Guillermo del Toro. Jackson is also producing the film, together with Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner and Fran Walsh. The executive producers are Alan Horn, Toby Emmerich, Ken Kamins and Carolyn Blackwood, with Boyens and Eileen Moran serving as co-producers.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and the second and third films of the trilogy are productions of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, with New Line managing production. Warner Bros. Pictures is handling worldwide theatrical distribution, with select international territories as well as all international television distribution being handled by MGM.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in 3D and IMAX 3D will be released on December 14, 2012, with the second film, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, to be released December 13, 2013, and the third film, The Hobbit: There and Back Again, slated for July 18, 2014.

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Watch The First TV Spot For THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

Warner Bros. Pictures has released the first TV ad for Peter Jackson’s THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY, the first of a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien. The three films tell a continuous story set in Middle-earth 60 years before “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.” I must admit I’m ready for another trip to Middle Earth.

The adventure 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. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever…Gollum. Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of ingenuity and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities… A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” and the second and third films of the trilogy—”The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” and “The Hobbit: There and Back Again”—are productions of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, 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.

“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” will be released worldwide beginning December 14, 2012, with “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” the second film, releasing beginning December 13, 2013, and “The Hobbit: There and Back Again,” the third film, slated for release on July 18, 2014.

 http://www.thehobbit.com/index.html

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WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER? – The Review

Well, it’s time for another trip to movie romantic comedy, or “rom-com” land. This new effort owes a bit to this past May’s smash hit BRIDESMAIDS. Ms Wiig and her crew took some of the rom-com staples and mixed in some of the R-rated raunchiness of THE HANGOVER and Judd Apatow’s (their executive producer) male-oriented hits. The makers of WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER? also want to prove that the gals can be just as lewd and crude while finding Mr. Right. But can they hit a humor home run like Wiig and Apatow did a few months ago? Will they even get on base?

Star of the SCARY MOVIE flicks Anna Faris is Ally, a gal with a lot on her plate right now. She’s the maid of honor at her kid sister, Daisy’s (Ari Graynor of CONVICTION) upcoming wedding who’s also dealing with an overbearing Mom (Blythe Danner of LITTLE FOCKERS). Then she loses her boyfriend (STAR TREK’s Zachary Quinto) and her job (with obnoxious boss THE INFORMANT!’s Joel McHale). On that long train home with her cardboard box of office stuff she reads an article in Marie Clare magazine. It’s based on another of those infinite studies and suggests that prior to marriage the average woman has had 10.5 (?) sex partners and if a woman has had over 20 she has little chance of marrying. Grabbing pen and notepad Ally realizes she’s at 19! And after a boozy bachelorette night she is at the dreaded 20! Well, then her hubby must be one of this group. But how to track them down? Enter the musician/stud living across the hall. Colin (Chris Evans of CAPTAIN AMERICA : THE FIRST AVENGER). In exchange for letting him stay at her place while his one night stands leave, he’ll use his tracking skills (Dad was a cop!) to find her former beaus. Will one of these blasts from the past turn out to be the one? Can she resist this hunky helper? For that matter will he succumb to Ally’s flighty, funky charms? If you don’t know the answers to these questions, then welcome back from that deserted island. Did you see Wilson there?

For a film with such a talented cast WHAT”S YOUR NUMBER? is surprisingly laugh-free. Anna Faris has been following in the footsteps of many cute, funny, flaky movie blonds (from Judy Holliday through Goldie Hawn) for several films (she energized OBSERVE AND REPORT and THE HOUSE BUNNY). She doesn’t have a whole lot to work with here, which is surprising as she’s an executive producer. Way too much of the screen time is devoted to her getting tipsy and making very poor choices. Ms. Faris deserves better. Ari Graynor is another very funny blond (NICK AND NORAH’S INFINITE PLAYLIST), but here’s she’s regulated to being a standard frazzled movie bride (least she’s not a “bridezilla”). Danner’s got a thankless role as another overbearing middle aged movie Mom (ease up on the mom-bashing Hollywood!). Evans should balance his big action roles with funny leading man roles, but he’s saddled with some lazy,lifeless banter while the film makers try to spice things up with many, many shots of him almost in the buff (strip basketball followed by skinny dipping!). The actors playing Ally’s past flings don’t get much of a chance to shine. Martin Freeman, so terrific in the original British “The Office,” is wasted as a straight man to Ally’s dialect antics. Faris’s real life hubby Chris Pratt, hilarious on TV’s Parks and Recreations, is reduced to wearing a NORBIT-like fat suit for a flashback sequence. Only Andy Samberg (of TV’s Saturday Night Live) scores in the film’s funniest 30 seconds as Ally’s first. After he’s gone feel free to hit the restroom or concession stand. Don’t want to spoil things, so I’ll just say that there’s a great vocal cameo from another TV funnyman in the movie’s last moments. So what happened? These talented actors can do only so much with a hackneyed script ( Eight year old kids dropping the F-bomb! Ooo! How edgy! ) and direction that relies on such cliches as sped up and slowed down footage and twirling shots looking up at office buildings. There’s even a big romantic scene set at an empty sports venue. Lazy movie making. After those BRIDESMAIDS had me in hysterics a few months ago I was looking forward to another raunchy female-centric laugh fest. Still waiting.

Overall Rating: 1 out of 5 Stars

SWINGING WITH THE FINKELS Domestic Trailer & Poster

Watch the first U.S. trailer for SWINGING WITH THE FINKELS – the story of what happens after the honeymoon ends and couples get bored with married life.

Synopsis:

Having met at University, American born Ellie (MANDY MOORE) and her husband Alvin (MARTIN FREEMAN) are several years into their marriage. The heady sparks of lust and fun have sadly faded and they’re left with the day to day normality of their everyday life.

Advised by best friends Peter (JONATHAN SILVERMAN) and Janet (MELISSA GEORGE), who are having their own marital problems, Ellie and Alvin are desperate to ‘spice things up’.

Having explored various options, including an unfortunate incident with a cucumber as witnessed by Ellie’s Grandfather (played by comedy legend JERRY STILLER), Ellie hits upon the brilliant idea to mix things up with another couple – to have a ‘consensual affair’ within the confines of the marriage.

The couple embarks on finding the ideal couple and begins to interview a plethora of perverse and quirky swingers. They finally settle on what seem to be the perfect couple – played by the well known UK media personality Angus Deayton and the hilarious Daisy Beaumont. A night of insanity and hilarity follow.

Filled with brilliantly observed truths about men and woman, and some side achingly funny set pieces, SWINGING WITH THE FINKELS is a romantic comedy with a unique edge that anyone that has ever been in a relationship will relate to.

SWINGING WITH THE FINKELS will be in limited release August 26, 2011. “Like” the film on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SwingingWithTheFinkels

THE PIRATES! IN AN ADVENTURE WITH SCIENTISTS 3D Debuts Two Trailers!


“Sweet Neptune’s Briny Pants” Hugh Grant is the Pirate Captain! © Aardman Animations/Sony Pictures Animation ©2011 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Put down your lunch mateys for its a “plunderful life” in these TWO new THE PIRATES! IN AN ADVENTURE WITH SCIENTISTS trailers.

 (Courtesy The Guardian)

Synopsis:

Hugh Grant, starring in his first animated role, is the luxuriantly bearded Pirate Captain – a boundlessly enthusiastic, if somewhat less-than-successful, terror of the High Seas. With a rag-tag crew at his side (Martin Freeman, Brendan Gleeson, Russell Tovey, and Ashley Jensen), and seemingly blind to the impossible odds stacked against him, the Captain has one dream: to beat his bitter rivals B…lack Bellamy (Jeremy Piven) and Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek) to the much coveted Pirate Of The Year Award. It’s a quest that takes our heroes from the shores of exotic Blood Island to the foggy streets of Victorian London. Along the way they do battle with the pirate-hating Queen Victoria (Imelda Staunton) and team up with a young Charles Darwin (David Tennant), but never lose sight of what a pirate loves best: adventure!

THE PIRATES! IN AN ADVENTURE WITH SCIENTISTS 3D, Aardman’s most ambitious stop-motion film to date, will be created with the same beautiful hand-crafted technique that the company brought to the Academy Award®-winning film WALLACE AND GROMIT: THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT and CHICKEN RUN.

The film is directed by Peter Lord, a founding partner of Aardman, director of CHICKEN RUN (with Nick Park), and …a two-time Academy Award® nominee for his short films at the company. The film is co-directed by Jeff Newitt. The screenplay is by Gideon Defoe, based upon his books. Production Designer is Norman Garwood. Producers are Peter Lord, David Sproxton, and Julie Lockhart. Executive Producer is Carla Shelley.

THE PIRATES! IN AN ADVENTURE WITH SCIENTISTS 3D will be in theaters March 30, 2012.

Visit the film’s official site: http://www.thepirates-movie.com/

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Hugh Grant Takes The Lead In THE PIRATES! BAND OF MISFITS

AN AARDMAN PRODUCTION FOR SONY PICTURES ANIMATION

Martin Freeman, David Tennant, Imelda Staunton, Jeremy Piven, Salma Hayek, Brian Blessed, Brendan Gleeson, Russell Tovey, and Ashley Jensen Also On Board

CULVER CITY, Calif. – Hugh Grant will voice the lead role alongside an all-star cast in THE PIRATES! BAND OF MISFITS, the new stop-motion, 3D, animated film produced by Aardman Animations for Sony Pictures Animation. The film, which will be distributed by Columbia Pictures, will be released March 30, 2012 in North America.

Hugh Grant, starring in his first animated role, is the luxuriantly bearded Pirate Captain – a boundlessly enthusiastic, if somewhat less-than-successful, terror of the High Seas. With a rag-tag crew at his side (Martin Freeman, Brendan Gleeson, Russell Tovey, and Ashley Jensen), and seemingly blind to the impossible odds stacked against him, the Captain has one dream: to beat his bitter rivals Black Bellamy (Jeremy Piven) and Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek) to the much coveted Pirate Of The Year Award. It’s a quest that takes our heroes from the shores of exotic Blood Island to the foggy streets of Victorian London. Along the way they battle a diabolical queen (Imelda Staunton) and team up with a haplessly smitten young scientist (David Tennant), but never lose sight of what a pirate loves best: adventure!

The Pirates! Band of Misfits, Aardman’s most ambitious stop-motion film to date, will be created with the same beautiful hand-crafted technique that the company brought to the Academy Award®-winning film Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit and Chicken Run. The film is directed by Peter Lord, a founding partner of Aardman, director of Chicken Run (with Nick Park), and a two-time Academy Award® nominee for his short films at the company. The film is co-directed by Jeff Newitt. The screenplay is by Gideon Defoe, based upon his books. Production Designer is Norman Garwood. Producers are Peter Lord, David Sproxton, and Julie Lockhart. Executive Producer is Carla Shelley.

Commenting on the announcement, Lord said, “I’m so grateful to the entire cast for their talent and energy. The characters that they’ve created fill the screen with life and fun. As the Pirate Captain, Hugh Grant has given a stand-out performance – he combines an effortless on-screen warmth with brilliant comic timing. And as the leader of our motley pirate crew, he shows a real barnstorming, swashbuckling side of his character as well. Only Hugh could anchor this story of love, loyalty, greed, and nautical high-jinks.”

HUGH GRANT most recently starred in Did You Hear About the Morgans?, Music and Lyrics, American Dreamz, Bridget Jones’s Diary and its sequel, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, both with Renee Zellweger; the ensemble comedy hit Love Actually, and Two Weeks’ Notice. He won a Golden Globe Award and a BAFTA for his performance in Four Weddings and a Funeral, and was nominated for Golden Globes for his performances in Notting Hill and About a Boy. His many other feature film credits include An Awfully Big Adventure, The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain, Sense and Sensibility, Mickey Blue Eyes, Small Time Crooks, and Extreme Measures, which he also produced.

MARTIN FREEMAN has worked extensively in theatre, television, and film. He will soon begin production in the title role of Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit. His many film credits include Swinging with the Finkels, Wild Target, Nativity!, Nightwatching, Hot Fuzz, Dedication, The Good Night, Breaking and Entering, The All Together, Confetti, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Love Actually, and Ali G Indahouse. Theatre includes “The Exonerated,” “Blue Eyes,” “Kosher Harry,” and “The Comedians”; Freeman’s last stage performance was late 2010 in the smash hit “Clybourne Park” by Bruce Norris at the Royal Court. Television includes The Office (BBC – Stephen Merchant, Ricky Gervais & Nick Jones), “Micros Men” (BBC – Saul Metzstein), “Boy Meets Girl (ITV – Alrick Riley), “The Robinsons (BBC – Mark Bussell & Justin Sbresni), “Hardwear” (ITV – Ben Kellet), Charles II (BBC – Joe Wright). Last year Martin starred in “Sherlock” playing Dr Watson opposite Benedict Cumberbatch, produced by Sue Vertue for BBC.

DAVID TENNANT is best known for his three seasons starring in the BBC’s “Doctor Who” – and was voted by the fans as the Best Doctor in the long history of the show. Tennant’s many film roles include the forthcoming Fright Night and The Decoy Bride, as well as Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, St. Trinian’s II: The Legend of Fritton’s Gold, Glorious 39, Bright Young Things, LA Without a Map, and Jude, among others. He also voiced a role in How to Train Your Dragon. His television work includes the BBC’s forthcoming “United” as well as “Hamlet,” “Einstein and Eddington,” “Learners,” “Recovery,” “Secret Smile,” “Casanova,” and “Blackpool,” among many others. In June, he will star in “Much Ado About Nothing” in the West End. Other theatre includes “Hamlet,” “Love’s Labour’s Lost,” for the Royal Shakespeare Company, “Look Back in Anger,” and “The Pillowman” at the Royal National Theatre.

IMELDA STAUNTON is an Academy Award® and Golden Globe Award nominee for her performance in the title role of Mike Leigh’s Vera Drake, which also earned her a BAFTA Award, among other honors. Her many film credits include Alice in Wonderland, Taking Woodstock, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Shakespeare in Love, Nanny McPhee, Much Ado About Nothing, Peter’s Friends, Twelfth Night, Freedom Writers, Crush, Bright Young Things, and Antonia and Jane. Her voice was heard in Chicken Run, and she is currently voicing a role in Aardman’s/Sony Pictures Animation’s Arthur Christmas, set for release this fall.

Her television credits include starring in the series “Up the Garden Path,” “Little Britain” (during the third season), and “Big and Small.” She was a member of the repertory cast of the television series “Thompson,” with Emma Thompson, Kenneth Branagh, and Robbie Coltrane; and has starred in such notable miniseries and telefilms as “The Singing Detective” (written by Dennis Potter), “David Copperfield,” “The Wind in the Willows,” “Fingersmith,” and, most recently, “Cranford.” On stage, she has won two Olivier Awards, for Alan Ayckbourn’s National Theatre staging of his play “A Chorus of Disapproval,” and for Richard Jones’ staging of Stephen Sondheim’s musical “Into the Woods.” Ms Staunton was also an Olivier Award nominee for her performance in Richard Eyre’s Royal National Theatre staging of “Guys and Dolls.”

JEREMY PIVEN’s upcoming film projects include the ensemble thriller I Melt With You, the indie drama Drift, and Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World. Piven has received acting honors for his critically acclaimed portrayal of the slick, fast-talking super agent Ari Gold in the smash hit HBO original series “Entourage.” For his work on the show, Piven won three consecutive Emmy Awards and garnered six consecutive Golden Globe nominations, taking home the award in 2008. In addition, Piven has been honored by his peers with six Screen Actors Guild Award nominations, earning three for his individual performance on “Entourage” and three more as part of the series’ ensemble cast. In 2008, he made his Broadway debut in a revival of David Mamet’s play “Speed the Plow.” His many other film credits include Rocknrolla, The Goods: Live Hard Sell Hard Runaway Jury, Old School, Black Hawk Down, Serendipity, Rush Hour 2, The Family Man, Very Bad Things, The Kingdom, Singles, Smokin’ Aces, and The Player. On television, Piven was a series regular on “Cupid” and “Ellen” and appeared numerous times on “The Larry Sanders Show.” His credits also include the telefilm “Don King: Only in America.”

SALMA HAYEK received an Academy Award® nomination, a Golden Globe nomination, a SAG nomination, and a BAFTA nomination for Best Actress for the title role in Julie Taymor’s Frida. She is currently filming Here Comes the Boom with Kevin James. Upcoming projects include Puss in Boots, Americano, and La Chispa de la Vida. Her film credits include Grown Ups, Ask the Dust, Bandidas, After the Sunset, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, Hotel, Timecode, Dogma, Fools Rush In, From Dusk Till Dawn, and Desperado. Hayek won an Emmy for her directorial debut, “The Maldonado Miracle,” which she also produced. She also served as the Executive Producer on ABC’s award-winning program “Ugly Betty,” starring America Ferrera, based on the enormously successful Colombian series “Yo Soy Betty, La Fea.”

BRIAN BLESSED’s many film credits include roles in Trojan Women, Flash Gordon, Man of La Mancha, Return to Treasure Island, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Henry V, Much Ado About Nothing, Hamlet, Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Tarzan, Alexander, The Conclave, Day of Wrath, As You Like It, and Back in Business. On stage, he created the role of Old Deuteronomy in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s highly successful musical “Cats,” for which he received a SWET nomination. He also starred in the West End musical “Metropolis.” While a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company he played roles in “Hamlet,” “Henry V,” and “Richard III.” At the Royal National Theatre he appeared in “State of Revolution” and “The Relapse.” He also played Henry II in “The Lion in Winter” and created the role of Baron Bomburst in the original cast of the hugely successful musical, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” His countless television roles include such productions as “I Claudius,” “Z Cars,” “The Three Musketeers,” “The Little World of Don Camillo,” “My Family and Other Animals,” “Blackadder,” and “Tom Jones.”

BRENDAN GLEESON’s many credits include his starring role in The General, which gained him awards for Best Actor at the 1998 Boston Society of Film Critics Awards, Best Actor at the 1999 ALFS (London Film Critics’ Circle Awards), and the Best Actor in a Male Role at the 1999 Irish Film and Television Awards. Gleeson also starred in Braveheart, Mission: Impossible II, AI: Artificial Intelligence, The Tailor of Panama, Country of My Skull, 28 Days Later…, Gangs of New York, The Village, Cold Mountain, Kingdom of Heaven, Breakfast on Pluto, Troy, Black Irish, Studs, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part One, The Tiger’s Tail, Beowulf, and In Bruges, for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe and a BAFTA. His most recent work is The Raven with John Cusack and Albert Nobbs with Glenn Close. Gleeson also won the Emmy award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in the HBO movie “Into the Storm.” He most recently starred in Green Zone, The Guard, and Perrier’s Bounty.

RUSSELL TOVEY is best known for his work as George the werewolf on the BBC series “Being Human.” He also stars on the BBC series “Him and Her,” which will soon begin its second season. Tovey first came to international attention in the role of Rudge in the theatrical, radio, and film productions of The History Boys. His many television credits include guest-starring roles on “Gavin & Stacey” and “Doctor Who” as well as roles in “Little Dorrit” and “My Family and Other Animals,” among others. His theatrical credits include “A Miracle” at the Royal Court, “The Sea” at the Theatre Royal, “A Respectable Wedding” at the Young Vic, the title role of Tin Tin at the Barbican, and “His Dark Materials” at the National Theatre, among many others.

ASHLEY JENSEN’s breakout performance came as the loveable loser Maggie Jacobs on the BBC/HBO series, “Extras,” in which she stars opposite Ricky Gervais. For her work in “Extras,” she has received two British Comedy Awards (Best Actress, Best Newcomer), the Golden Rose of Montreaux award, Best Actress at the Monte Carlo International Television Festival, Glamour Magazine’s Comedy Woman of the Year award and she was nominated for a BAFTA and Emmy award. Other notable television work includes ABC hit drama “Ugly Betty” and the new CBS comedy series, “Accidentally on Purpose.”

Jensen’s film credits include Topsy Turvy for director Mike Leigh and Tristram Shandy, opposite Steve Coogan, for director Michael Winterbottom. She recently completed production on television drama “The Reckoning” and will next begin production opposite Maggie Gyllenhaal in new feature film Hysteria. Her voice may also be heard in Gnomeo and Juliet and in Aardman Animations’/Sony Pictures Animation’s Arthur Christmas.

About Sony Pictures Animation
Sony Pictures Animation produces a variety of animated entertainment for audiences around the world. The studio is following its 2009 worldwide hit, the mouth-watering 3D comedy Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and the 2007 Academy Award®-nominated Surf’s Up with a full slate of feature films including the live-action/animation hybrid film The Smurfs (3D) and the family comedy, Hotel Transylvania (3D). The division is also in production with Aardman Animations on two feature films, the CG-animated family comedy Arthur Christmas (3D) and the stop-frame animated high-seas adventure, The Pirates! Band of Misfits (3D). Open Season 3, the third adventure in Sony Pictures Animation¹s successful Open Season franchise, was released on DVD and Blue-Rayâ„¢ January 2011. Sony Pictures Animation is an operating unit of Sony Pictures Digital Productions.

About Aardman
Aardman, based in Bristol (UK), co-founded and run by Peter Lord and David Sproxton, is a world leader in animation. It produces feature films, television series and television commercials for both the domestic and international market. The studio has won over 400 international awards including 4 Oscars®.

Aardman’s highly creative stop-motion style and creative sensibilities have proven popular with critics and audiences around the world. In 2000, Chicken Run, their debut feature, took in nearly $225 million worldwide; since then, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit grossed nearly $200 million and Flushed Away, their first CG feature, earned $176million. All three films have achieved enormous critical acclaim, with the three films earning a total of 27 Annie Award nominations (the animation community’s highest honor). In addition, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit was honored with the Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature. In addition to The Pirates! Band of Misfits, Aardman is also in production on the CG-animated Arthur Christmas.

Peter Jackson’s First Video Post From The Set Of THE HOBBIT

As promised, here’s Peter Jackson’s first video from the set of THE HOBBIT. Enjoy

No word on the dragon, Smaug, as of yet. However, THE HOBBIT Blog posted this:

We receive a lot of questions about Smaug, and while it is a bit soon to let the dragon out of the bag, we can point you to this excellent bit of research by Forbes, which has just ranked Smaug in 7th place on the 2011 Forbes Fictional 15 ranking of the richest fictional characters.

As was first reported in the Hollywood Reporter, Andy Serkis, who played the iconic Gollum in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings, has been tapped by Jackson to serve as second unit director on the two Hobbit films, which are now in production in New Zealand. Serkis will, of course, also be reprising his role as Gollum in The Hobbit.

“I think I understand Peter’s sensibility and we have a common history of understanding Middle Earth,” Serkis told The Hollywood Reporter. “A lot of the crew from The Lord of the Rings was returning to work on The Hobbit. There is really a sense of Peter wanting people around him who totally understand the material and the work ethic.”

THE HOBBIT films are co-produced by 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. The two films are planned for release in late 2012 and 2013, respectively.

In Mid-March, production commenced in Wellington, New Zealand, on “The Hobbit,” filmmaker Peter Jackson’s two film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s widely read masterpiece.

“The Hobbit” is 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 two films, with screenplays by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Guillermo del Toro and Peter Jackson, will be 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.

Check out THE HOBBIT’s Facebook page HERE, Peter Jackson’s Facebook page HERE and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Official Facebook Page HERE. Visit the official HOBBIT blog HERE.

“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, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakensheild. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers.

Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever – Gollum.

Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities – A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

Martin Freeman takes the title role as Bilbo Baggins and Ian McKellen returns in the role of Gandalf the Grey. The Dwarves are played by Richard Armitage (Thorin Oakenshield), Ken Stott (Balin), Graham McTavish (Dwalin), William Kircher (Bifur) James Nesbitt (Bofur), Stephen Hunter (Bombur), Rob Kazinsky (Fili), Aidan Turner (Kili), Peter Hambleton (Gloin), John Callen (Oin), Jed Brophy (Nori), Mark Hadlow (Dori) and Adam Brown (Ori). Reprising their roles from “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy are Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, Andy Serkis as Gollum and Elijah Wood as Frodo. Jeffrey Thomas and Mike Mizrahi also join the cast as Dwarf Kings Thror and Thrain, respectively. Further casting announcements are expected.

“The Hobbit” is produced by Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, alongside Carolynne Cunningham. Executive producers are Ken Kamins and Zane Weiner, with Philippa Boyens as co-producer. The Oscar-winning, critically acclaimed “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, also from the production team of Jackson and Walsh, grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide at the box office. In 2003, “The Return of the King” swept the Academy Awards, winning all of the 11 categories in which it was nominated, including Best Picture – the first ever Best Picture win for a fantasy film. The trilogy’s production was also unprecedented at the time.

Among the creative behind-the scenes team returning to Jackson’s crew are director of photography Andrew Lesnie, production designer Dan Hennah, conceptual designers Alan Lee and John Howe, composer Howard Shore and make-up and hair designer Peter King. Costumes are designed by Ann Maskrey and Richard Taylor.

Taylor is also overseeing the design and production of weaponry, armour and prosthetics which are once again being made by the award winning Weta Workshop. Weta Digital take on the visual effects for both films, led by the film’s visual effects supervisor, Joe Letteri. Post production will take place at Park Road Post Production in Wellington.

ABOUT NEW LINE CINEMA:

New Line Cinema continues to be one of the most successful independent film companies.  For more than 40 years, its mission has been to produce innovative, popular, profitable entertainment in the best creative environment. A pioneer in franchise filmmaking, New Line produced the Oscar®-winning “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, which is a landmark in the history of film franchises. New Line Cinema is a division of Warner Bros.

ABOUT PETER JACKSON/WINGNUT FILMS:

Peter Jackson is one of the world’s most successful filmmakers. His monumental achievement co-writing, co-producing and directing The Lord of the Rings trilogy (with fellow Academy Award winners and frequent collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens) earned a total of 30 Academy Award nominations and 17 Academy Awards. Jackson and Walsh received their first Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay for their acclaimed film Heavenly Creatures. Jackson, through his New Zealand-based Wingnut Films banner, also was responsible for the globally successful 2005 remake of King Kong which earned over $500 million worldwide and 3 Academy Awards.  Jackson most recently directed the Academy Award nominated The Lovely Bones; an adaptation of the acclaimed best-selling novel by Alice Sebold, which to date has earned nearly $100 million worldwide; and produced the global sensation, District 9, which received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. He is also developing a trilogy of films with Steven Spielberg based on Tintin, the world renowned comic book series by Herge. In 2010 he received a Knighthood for his services to film.

ABOUT METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER STUDIOS INC.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world’s largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in domestic and international TV channels reaching over 130 countries. For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

Meet THE HOBBIT Cast

Far over the misty mountains cold
To dungeons deep and caverns old
We must away ere break of day
To seek the pale enchanted gold.

With no hairy feet visible or long beards yet, here’s the new group photo of THE HOBBIT cast. MARTIN FREEMAN (center front), who plays Bilbo Baggins, is surrounded by the actors cast as the company of dwarves in Peter Jackson’s much-anticipated film version of THE HOBBIT for New Line Cinema, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Pictured from left to right are: AIDAN TURNER, WILLIAM KIRCHER, STEPHEN HUNTER, JED BROPHY, JAMES NESBITT, MARK HADLOW, JOHN CALLEN, MARTIN FREEMAN (FRONT), PETER HAMBLETON, GRAHAM MCTAVISH, ROB KAZINSKY, KEN STOTT, RICHARD ARMITAGE, ADAM BROWN.

MARTIN FREEMAN won the coveted role of Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson’s much-anticipated film version of THE HOBBIT for New Line Cinema, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Below is the video from the New Zealand press conference.

from New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. Pictures and MGM, the film is scheduled for a 2012 release. Check out THE HOBBIT’s Facebook page HERE.

THE HOBBIT Film Has It’s Bilbo Baggins – Martin Freeman

Deadline.com and TheOneRing.net reporting that director Peter Jackson has at long last cast his Bilbo Baggins in the upcoming two-parter THE HOBBIT.

As Deadline told you last week, Martin Freeman is set to play Bilbo Baggins, the adventurous Hobbit whose adventures and discovery of the One Ring leads the story up to The Lord of the Rings. Freeman has appeared in films ranging from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and Hot Fuzz to Love Actually.

“Despite the various rumours and speculation surround this role, there has only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us,” Peter Jackson said. There are a few times in your career when you come across an actor who you know was born to play a role, but that was the case as soon as I met Martin. He is intelligent, funny, surprising and brave–exactly like Bilbo and I feel incredibly proud to be able to announce that he is our Hobbit.”

Jackson has cast several other significant Dwarf characters.

  • Richard Armitage (MI-5 and Captain America: The First Avenger) will play Thorin Oakenshield, leader of the Company of Dwarves which sets off to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from a thieving dragon.
  • Aidan Turner (Being Human) and Rob Kazinsky (EastEnders) will play Kili and Fili, members of the Company of Dwarves.
  • Graham McTavish (Secretariat) will play Dwalin.
  • John Callen (Power Rangers Jungle Fury) will play Oin.
  • Stephen Hunter (All Saints) will play Bombur, and Mark Hadlow (King Kong) plays Dori.
  • Peter Hambleton (The Strip) will play Gloin.

Of Armtage, Jackson said: “Richard is one of the most exciting and dynamic actors working on screen today and we know he is going to make an amazing Thorin Oakenshield. We cannot wait to start this adventure with him and feel very lucky that one of the most beloved characters in Middle Earth is in such good hands.”

On his choices of Turner and Kazinsky, Jackson said, “Rob is an extremely talented young actor with a huge career in front of him. I’m thrilled that he has agreed to take on the role of Fili. Besides his talent as an actor, Rob is also a champion sword fighter and I’m looking forward to seeing the damage he can do to a horde of marauding Goblins … Aidan is a wonderfully gifted young actor who hails from Ireland. I’m sure he will bring enormous heart and humor to the role of Kili.”

As for the rest of the Dwarves played by McTavish, Callen, Hunter, Hadlow and Hambleton, Jackson said: “Graham is a terrific actor, with a great depth of experience, which I know he will bring to the role of Dwalin. I have worked with Mark Hadlow on many projects, he is a fantastic actor…I am also proud to annouce the casting of New Zealand actors as Peter Hambleton, John Callen and Stephen Hunter. Fran and I know that they will bring great depth and talent to our Company of Dwarves.”

That casting has just beginning, and there will be much more. Word is that Jimmy Nesbitt and David Tennant are up for roles, and that Ian McKellan and Andy Serkis are expected to reprise Gandalf and Gollum. Stephen Fry, Saoirse Ronan, Bill Nighy is a possible participant as the voice of Smaug the Dragon, and Aiden Turner is in contention for the Elf King.

Jackson will begin shooting in February for a December 2012 and 2013 release once it’s decided in which Shire filming will take place.