A week or so ago former Eastender Rob Kazinsky jumped ship from Peter Jackson’s THE HOBBIT citing ‘personal reasons.’ Now, it looks like Peter Jackson has replaced Kazinsky in the role of Fili in the two movies that he is currently shooting down in Australia. The role has gone to fellow New Zealander Dean O’ Gorman.
Jackson announced the casting news on his Facebook page.
“Dean O’Gorman will be playing Fili. Dean’s a terrific Kiwi actor, who I am thrilled to be working with.
“He’s recently been in an excellent TV series down here called The Almighty Johnsons, and I should let fans of that show know that our shooting schedule allows Dean to continue with a second series next year.
“Dean will be joining us next week.”
In additional ‘Hobbit’ news, Lee Pace has been cast as Elven King Thranduil.
Jackson said of his casting: “He’s going to be great. We loved his performance in a movie called The Fall a few years ago, and have been hoping to work with him since.
“When we were first discussing who would be right for Thranduil, Lee came into mind almost immediately.”
Finally, Jackson also posted a pic of Hugo Weaving (see above), who visited the set last week. So, is he set to return as Elrond?
Elseharbeau
May 1, 2011 at 11:02 pm
Stuff.co.nz (The Dominion Post) got a source from the production to confirm Hugo Weaving’s return, in case the picture Peter Jackson posted was too subtle. 😉
“Hugo Weaving will reprise his role as Elrond the elf for the two-part Hobbit movie now being shot in Wellington. The Hobbit spokeswoman Melissa Booth confirmed that Weaving would feature in Jackson’s 3-D prequel to The Lord of the Rings trilogy.” http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/film/4948801/Kiwi-actor-steps-into-the-Hobbit-breach