Awhile ago we mentioned that James McAvoy, everyone’s favorite fawn from The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, was up for the part of Bilbo Baggins in the prequelized duo of Hobbit movies, under the watchful eye of Peter Jackson and Guillermo del Toro. Sadly, this appears to have been nothing more than rumor.
Over at Collider, Frosty posted an update from sourced information which came from “Collider’s guy in London” who had been present at a press outing for James McAvoy’s latest film, Wanted. McAvoy announced, sadly, that “it’s not true by the way, it’s all internet rumoring and nothing else I’m afraid. Sorry.” He was of course referring to his playing Bilbo.
While this dashes my hopes of a “good” Bilbo Baggins, it at least raises the possibility that Sir Ian Holm may be called back to reprise his role. Surely some good make up will suffice to bring him back down to the 50 years old he needs to be for the role.
That is a shame, that would would have been great casting.
I wouldn’t count James out just yet. The script hasn’t even been written yet so I’m sure no one has actually been approached about the part. But that doesn’t mean it won’t happen. We’ll just have to wait and see. I would love to see James play Bilbo Baggins.