The internet breathed a collective sigh of relief when a couple weeks ago we reported James McAvoy would play Bilbo Baggins in the Hobbit because it meant that Jack Black was no longer being considered.
Well now we brace for impact as we hear from the potential hobbit himself that its not true.
Wanted junket in London where James McAvoy said, “it’s not true by the way, it’s all internet rumoring and nothing else I’m afraid. Sorry.”
He, of course, was referring to the internet rumors that he’ll be playing Bilbo Baggins in the upcoming Hobbit movies.
Upon hearing this news I thought that McAvoy would be perfect for the role, and I was puzzled and thought it was a joke that they were considering Jack Black. Now that McAvoy has settled the rumours to say he is NOT in, are they going to fall back on Black?
Good god I hope not. Black is good at some roles, and is to be taken in small doses every 3-4 years. But he is NOT a good fit for the Hobbit. I would sooner play the role myself and face the ridicule of thousands of Hobbit fans than to allow the International Friends to have to hear Jack Black was hired to play Bilbo.
So if not McAvoy, they will need to be looking at names FAST before they just “settle” for Black.
So throw some names out there, to give them some ideas. ANY ideas.
How about Ricky Gervais? He worked wonderfully with “Sir Ian” on Extras.
Nathan Fillion for bilbo haha!
I will bet you anything that Jack Black has not been seriously considered by anyone truly involved in the film.
Its an internet only rumour plain and simple
Whoever they end up going with whether it’s McAvoy or not I think they can do so much better than Black. I personally would like to see an unknown cast in the role. I know it doesn’t work from a marketing stand point but I can’t think of any big name actor that would be great casting for the role.
They’re not casting at all yet until they have a script. Just because he hasn’t been contacted yet doesn’t mean he isn’t being considered….and i think he is. It’s still long ways to go before anyone is cast for the film.
Let me throw this name out there… Haley Joel Osment. I’m not sure how old he looks now and he’d need to put some meat on his bones but for me, this kid is hands down one of the best actors in Hollywood. I’d love to see him as Bilbo.
Jack Black as Bilbo? Seriously that’s their best fall back plan? I totally agree with you on this one.
Yeah I got to interview James McAvoy in the Paris junket last monday and my last question was of course for the Hobbit rumor. The answer was the same: “it is absolutely not true, nobody contacted me about that.” I was so disappointed.
BTW, for any McAvoy fans, here the pix I tookof him after the meet:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ibwk/2570437920/
Peter Jackson did an amicable job with Jack Black in King Kong. Reigned in he could work so I’m not sure if its worth all this panic. Bilbo is a bit of an ott plump character anyway from what i remember so I wasn’t overly keen on McAvoy for the part