Bilbo and Gandalf on board (apparently)

[Lairënuriel]

From an article I found...

''The Hobbit' tells of a world inhabited by wizards, dwarves, elves and little people called hobbits, including the central character, Bilbo Baggins. Cast members from Jackson's 'The Lord of the Rings' films, including Sir Ian McKellen who played wizard Gandalf and Sir Ian Holm who portrayed Bilbo, are expected to reprise their roles.'

[Andúnië]

Score!

Seriously, now, that's amazing, and also a great relief. It's only logical for the same characters to be played by the same actors, especially if they were good to begin with. Is this really concrete, or yet to be decided?

[Beren One-Hand]

Yes, that would be the logical thing to do.  Awesome.  I hope that this is really the case.

[Lairënuriel]

I hope so - I've only found one reliable source.

[Beren One-Hand]

Anyone know who might play Thorin?  Thranduil?  Or Bard of Laketown?  Those roles could be pretty crucial to the Hobbit films.

[gandalf193]

I am so glad that they are coming back in thier roles! And Beren is right who will play Thorin or Bard? And will Orlando Bloom play one of the elves in Mirkwood?

[Lairënuriel]

I can see Ricky Gervais as Thorin.
Maybe Robert Carlyle as the Bard.
There are plenty of 'pretty' men for elves without bringing back Orlando.

[Beren One-Hand]

Gerard Butler might make a good Bard.  I don't see a place for Orlando in this one, as Thranduil is his father.  How about Radagast the Brown?  I was thinking Canadian actor Christopher Plummer could fit into this one. 

I was thinking about Iam Holm returning and I am not so sure he should come back.  He is already too old, and the role of Bilbo in the Hobbit is a much, much younger Bilbo (I think about 60 years so).  I know Weta and the like could cosmetically make him look younger, but it might be better to get a younger actor.  The role of Bilbo will be more vigorous and active in the Hobbit.

[Lairënuriel]

Christopher Plumer would be OK - I'm not sold on him.

[Lairënuriel]

My husband wants to know what you think of Robert Duval as Thorin - I don't like this idea at all. 

I guess they will have Elrond and Gollum back as well - I hope. 

[Beren One-Hand]

Hmmm . . . I love Duval - an amazing actor -  a cinematic legend.  He could pull it off.  Although until now he never entered the universe of potential actors for the Hobbit film (in my mind).  I mean, he never crossed my mind, but hearing his name mentioned kind of makes sense.  The role of Thorin will be a very key role in the Hobbit films, as he is one of the main characters.  I'd like to hear who they are thinking of for the role of Thranduil and Bard.  Also, what about Beorn, the shapeshifter?  That will be awesome to see this character unfold on the screen.