Meet Bilbo Baggins!

Only five days after The Hobbit films received the official greenlight, we have our first official casting announcements.

On board as the titular hobbit himself, Martin Freeman (The UK Office, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Sherlock) is officially our Bilbo! This news is sure to please the many fans who have been suggesting Freeman's name for years now. This is also a pleasant surprise, considering recent reports that suggested Freeman was no longer available due to prior commitments to the BBC series Sherlock. Thankfully, it seems the producers have found a way to work around Freeman's schedule.

After a long and troubled journey, things finally appear to be moving forward on these films. For the rest of today's casting announcements (including many dwarves), follow the link to TheOneRing.net.

The Hobbit (finally) gets the greenlight! Peter Jackson to direct!

After years of speculation, delays, and seemingly endless obstacles, The Hobbit has finally received the official greenlight from the studio and will begin production early next year. In addition, Peter Jackson will be directing the two films. This is great news for Jackson fans who have wanted him to direct The Hobbit all along, and also for those who were concerned when director Guillermo del Toro left the project earlier this year.

Contrary to earlier reports, the films are also expected to be filmed in 3D. While many fans are less than thrilled about the prospect of The Hobbit in 3D, at this point they're probably just happy that the films are going to be made at all; the recent string of obstacles and setbacks had people wondering if the production was cursed!

The Hobbit will comprise two films, and is set to begin filming in February 2011. The expected release dates are December 2012 and December 2013. Still unresolved is the question of just where The Hobbit will be filmed, thanks to a recent labor dispute.

New GoT production video and promo pic

Here is the second entry in the "Artisans" series of production videos for HBO's upcoming Game of Thrones. This time, production designer Gemma Jackson talks about the Castle Black lift.



Aditionally, here is the latest promotional photo from HBO. It's a shot of Bronn the mercenary, as portrayed by Jerome Flynn. Some fans had their reservations when this piece of casting was announced a while back, but this great image certainly relieves any concerns I may have had.

Game of Thrones production video

New glimpses of HBO's upcoming Game of Thrones surfaced this past week, including a another brief production video, as well as a look at some proprs.

This video features production designer Gemma Jackson, talking about her role in designing the entire look of the show, "from the floor to the sky". Exciting stuff!



As for props, the first image is a pile of scrolls on a desktop; fans have deciphered the words "AEGON TARGARYEN, the fourth of his name, KING OF THE ANDALS and of the FIRST MEN" written on one of the scrolls.

The second image shows the council chair where the Hand of the King sits. This chair was seen briefly in the most recent teaser trailer for the show. In the words of the producers, "Maybe not as intimidating as the Iron Throne...but every bit as dangerous."

New Game of Thrones teaser, production vid, and promo pic!

Yesterday was a bonanza for fans of the upcoming HBO fantasy series, Game of Thrones. Not only were they treated to a second teaser trailer, but they also got a behind-the-scenes look at the production of the show! These videos offer the first real glimpse of many of the characters, costumes, sets, and props.





In addition to the two new videos, HBO released a third promo image (Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen), and unveiled an online production diary to keep fans informed of progress on the set. Winter is indeed coming...

Will Peter Jackson direct The Hobbit?

Several insider websites are reporting that Peter Jackson is in talks to replace Guillermo Del Toro as director of the The Hobbit.

While some fans had been looking forward to seeing someone else's vision of Middle-earth, many others would be delighted if Jackson were to return. A few years ago Peter Jackson seemed like the only possible choice, before legal disputes with New Line began a process that ended with him handing over the reins to Del Toro.

Jackson has several other projects in the pipeline, including directing one of the upcoming Tintin films. One of his conditions for directing The Hobbit may be to ensure that filming starts as soon as possible, so as not to delay his other projects any longer than necessary (echoing Del Toro's own sentiments).

The next few days are supposedly crucial to deciding Jackson's involvement, and the future of these films. More on this as it develops...

The Hobbit pre-production still plodding along

Despite MGM's ongoing financial woes, and last month's news that director Guillermo Del Toro had left the project, pre-production on the upcoming Hobbit films is still moving forward, slowly but steadily

Recently, there were reports that Neill Blomkamp (District 9) had been chosen to direct. These were followed quickly by reports that denied the whole thing.

There have also been casting rumours, concerning some of the dwarf roles. English actor and comedian Bill Bailey is reported to have auditioned for the role of Gloin, the father of Gimli from The Lord of the Rings. Australian actor Simon Westaway is rumoured to have auditioned for the part of Thorin Oakenshield. (Last fall there were similar rumors that Brian Cox and Stephen Fry had also auditioned as dwarves). At this point there is still no confirmation on any of these actors, nor have there been any recent hints as to who will eventually play Bilbo Baggins.









Lastly, construction appears to be proceeding nicely on the Hobbiton set!