Could We Have A Hobbit Next Week?
Fri, July 17, 2009 
Sure, next week's San Diego Comic Con will have Avatar footage being unveiled (and depending on its reception, cancer could be brought to an end soon after) and a first-look at Iron Man 2. But Peter Jackson will make his first physical appearance at the Con. That's right, folks. You can actually touch PJ next week...and will then be quickly escorted off by one of his muscles.
Jackson will be there to pimp District 9 (which he produced for his would-be Halo protege Neill Blomkamp) as well as join James Cameron in the Entertainment Weekly: The Visionaries panel which may or may not turn into the geek version of a dick-measuring contest.
Then of course, there's The Hobbit which Jackson will produce and write with its director Guillermo del Toro. A panel will take place for the film, and the "buzz" is that the actor set to play Bilbo Baggins might be announced. Hero Complex reports on a number of would-be candidates.
Current Doctor Who David Tennant (who himself will soon to stepping down from the role) will also be making his freshman apperance at the Con...and he's been mentioned for the role. Could be something, could be nothing. But it's certainly worth pointing out.
Also brought up are Harry Potter himself Daniel Radcliffe (Who are we all kidding? That won't happen!) and Wanted star James McAvoy whose name has been brought up more than anyone else for Bilbo, correct me if I'm wrong.
The thing we all have to keep in mind is the possibly that the actor whose ultimately cast (regardless of whether or not its announced next week) could be someone who hasn't been brought up previously. Case in point: Ryan Reynolds for Green Lantern.
Update: Empire Online straight up asked Peter Jackson about said rumors of casting announcments next week and the Lord of the Rings director shot them down saying, "No, we won’t be announcing Bilbo for a little while. We’re starting to think about casting, but we’re knee-deep in the script right now. And when we do go to actors, they’re probably going to ask to see a script, so we’re powering ahead with getting the first draft done."
Reader Comments (2)
While I like Tennant, I think McAvoy should get the role of Bilbo.
It's me, I'm playing Bilbo. I'm breaking the story here folks.