Budgets must be tight at The Hobbit. Why else would they want a tiny, wee actor like James McAvoy to play the lead role of Bilbo Baggins unless they wanted to save on the special effects?
The annoying Scottish star has been heavily linked to be the star of the heavily-anticipated movie, which will be directed by Guillermo Del Toro and produced by Peter Jackson.
And, you have to say, he would be perfect as a hobbit. Well, he’s already about 3ft tall.
Now, Guillermo Del Toro refused to say just who they have in mind for the part, saying:
“I can tell you it’s down to a few names that we all agree upon. For our first choice, completely magically, we all have the same name.”
However, sources close to the project allegedly told The Daily Express:
“A number of names have been doing the rounds, including Daniel Radcliffe and Jack Black, but James (McAvoy) is the one the film’s bosses really want. They’re expected to have talks soon, so hopefully it could be confirmed in the not too distant future.”
If these are the best they can come up with, it might actually be a good thing that the film could be stopped in its tracks before it’s even started.
Hang on – Jack Black?!? Now, that would be odd!
Anyway, so The Daily Express say they have sources close to the project do they? Since, this is a newspaper which is only interested in reporting about Princess Diana more than a decade after her death, can we really take them seriously?
Daniel Radcliffe, Jack Black and James McAvoy? Aren’t they just naming small actors? Why isn’t Tom Cruise in there? They could save on effects there too.
Also, the fact, James McAvoy has a few films coming out soon (which we refuse to name), could this just be a PR stunt?
Well, like every other website, hecklerspray has taken the bait. But, thankfully, they could be saved by the fact Ron Perlman is probably going to be in the film.
Del Toro was recently quoted saying he wants the Hellboy star in the film, possibly as the voice of Smaug, although he also says he has ‘other plans’ for Perlman.
Sir Ian McKellen and Andy Serkis will also reprise their roles.
flierpa says
mcavoy would be drooly but black would be really cool and hobbity. but an american bilbo? nah.
boxlight says
Jack Black shouldn’t play Bilbo, but he could be very good as one of the more important of the thirteen dwarves.
Max says
Neither would an American Frodo or Sam. Oh wait.
PeteNice says
I would love seeing Jack Black as Bilbo, It would be so awesome. But if they have daniel radcliffe anywhere in the movie, I will burn down the studio.
Rob says
McAvoy would be absolutely perfect.
Jeff says
My first response to Jack Black was alarm, but as it sinks in, wouldn’t he be a really good choice? Face it, Bilbo is rapidly approaching middle age, eats six meals a day, and is content to spend his day on the doorstep blowing smoke rings. He’s the epitome of the pampered, laid back, easy-going person protected from the harshness of reality by an overabundance throughout his life and culture. Bilbo finds out the hard way that life can be tough, and even victory is tainted with bitterness. By adventuring out into the real world he learns to appreciate his own values for what they are, not just because he hasn’t ever known any different. I have to admit I think Jack Black could pull that off. Now, whether or not he can pull off an accent….
Ron Perlman would be a pretty good choice for Smaug, but Smaug can’t be played too straight. He needs a bit of the sly wickedness of Burgess Meridith or Jonathan Harris to really come alive. Don’t forget during the first meeting with Bilbo Smaug never moves–it’s all head games. Smaug devastates Bilbo by guessing every one of his riddles and cuts him to the bone. (“Don’t ever laugh at live dragons”) He needs to be thought of less as a special effect and more as a Bond villain.
Work Post says
Ron Perlman does have a great voice for Smaug…
Don’t know about the others except to say that casting Jack Black and Harry Potter as leads would be a disaster. Jack Black might be great as a hobbit in a supporting role but not as Bilbo and it’s going to take Daniel a long time before anyone can see him as more than Harry Potter.
He Hate Me says
This is for all the diggers out there: FUCK YA’LL!
Brad says
I would agree Jack Black would be interesting and McAvoy would be cool too but I still don’t like the idea of Bilbo being played by an american. I wanna see some good british actor in his shoes.
James Hudnall says
Eddie Izzard. Or some other English comic actor. Because I think Bilbo should be played by someone who has a sense of humor and can also be charming. Bilbo is more a talker than a doer. Most of his heroics were done by accident or out of desperation.
Ty Brueggs says
Are you guys retarded, McAvoy is from the UK
SEO fella says
He would make an amazing hobbit :) Not sure how good of an actor he is though.