Freeman Turns Down Hobbit
Martin Freeman has re
portedly been forced to turn down a role in the eagerly awaited ‘Lord of the Rings’ prequel because he already signed up for the ‘Sherlock Holmes’ TV series.
The ‘Office’ star was apperently offered a seven-figure sum to play Bilbo Baggins in ‘The Hobbit’ – the lead character in the two part epic.
However, Freeman is committed to playing Dr Watson in the modern reboot of the classic characters, reports The Sun.
Aired recently on the BBC, it was a huge hit and Freeman is currently spending 20 weeks filming new episodes.
A source told the newspaper, “It was one of the most difficult decisions of his career. MGM, who are making the film, only got a formal offer over in the last couple of weeks.
“It was too late for Martin because he had already signed up for another series of ‘Sherlock’. It was agonising but he had no other choice.”
It’s still unclear who is directing the film, following Guillermo del Toro’s exit from the franchise because of the financial uncertainty surrounding MGM studios. According to media speculation, Peter Jackson, who helmed the Oscar-winning ‘LOTR’ trilogy, is expected to head back to the director’s chair.
It’s believed that even without a director, casting has begun. Sir Ian McKellen and Andy Serkis will reprise their roles of Gandalf and Gollum respectively once (if) filming finally begins.
