The ring did not cause permanent damage, but it did cause damage. Just keep reading and I think the ring's effect on Bilbo will become clearer.

This part (or parts) that will make it clearer to me, what book is it in and in what part is it in? (I need the information for another project, and don't have enough time to read through the whole story at this time. So the information of where I could find it would be greatly appreciated. )

And thank you so much everyone for all the information you've given me so far. You've been extremely helpful!

~Riella

My picture of Turin!

I am really looking forward to seeing The Hobbit movie when (if) it comes out.

There's a lot of talk about who will play Bilbo. I really want Martin Freeman to do it. I hope that Peter Jackson really did present him with a worked out schedule, so that he can do it despite his work on Sherlock. It would be really sad if that was just a fake rumor and nothing more...

I think Martin Freeman would make a great Bilbo. Bilbo is my favorite character out of any book I've ever read, and at first I didn't think I'd ever find an actor who could do the character right in my eyes, since the character was so close to me. But when I saw Martin Freeman, I really felt he could do it perfectly.

I really hope that everything works out.

~Riella

Ian Holm made a good Bilbo, it's a shame he's too old to play him again

It is unfortunate they couldn't get Ian Holm, but it might be for the best. It might have looked odd, since Ian Holm has aged since then. He would have looked younger in LOTR than he did in The Hobbit, even though the Hobbit took place in the past. In the books, Bilbo wasn't supposed to age because of the ring. If Ian Holm had played him in The Hobbit, he would have aged -- he would have reversed-aged, lol. But it is a shame they couldn't keep up the continuity by casting all the same actors.

I think Martin Freeman would do a wonderful job though. And I think he could pass as a younger version of Ian Holm. They have the same smile, and a lot of the same facial features --

~Riella

Lady Haleth, that. is. amazing! So well defined. Bravo!

And now ... dare we hope?

Yes, Eustace+Jill, it really is something how much Ian Holm and Martin Freeman could pass for relations. Of course, don't hobbits say that about almost anyone within 'reach'? I do hope Freeman stays high up on the Bilbo list!

wow, sweet! so it's finally getting done! yes! has Bilbo been cast yet?

They are still maing it?! YAAA! I thought they decided to not make it. Thats good news.

I think it just got greenlit, can't wait

I was so happy when I found out the movie had been greenlit. Hopefully it's true this time, instead of the fake "greenlighting" it had not too long ago, which Peter Jackson denied later.

I hope we don't have to wait too long to find out who is playing Bilbo. (Although, if it means getting Martin Freeman, I'd gladly wait as long as it takes. ) I really hope Freeman gets it. Actually, I care more about Freeman getting the part than I do about anything involving VDT -- and that's saying a lot.
So, hopefully he will get it.

A reporter wrote an article about why Martin Freeman would do a bad job in the role (and I thought reporters were supposed to remain unbiased). I hope that doesn't change Peter Jackson's mind, or affect him getting the role at all.

~Riella

More confirmation of The Greenlight:

http://www.thewrap.com/movies/column-post/breaking-hobbit-gets-its-greenlight-21749

And in REAL 3D (like Avatar, not retconned like Clash of the Titans):
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4241119/Jackson-to-direct-The-Hobbit-in-3-D

GB

Yay! So it is true! And not fake again! That's such a relief. It would have been horrible if we had to keep going through one fake greenlighting after another...

I was so excited when I saw it would be filmed in 3D, like Gandalf's Beard pointed out. That'll look amazing. A lot of people don't like 3D movies, but I just love them. It's come so far since the old paper-glasses days we used to know in the '90s and before, haha.

Now all we need is the union issues resolved, and of course our beloved Bilbo cast. I'm still hoping for Martin Freeman!!!

By the way, did Ian McKellan confirm he is returning as Gandalf yet? Someone told me he decided not to reprise the role after all, but I'm not sure if it's true or not...

~Riella

There is no way they can find another Gandalf half as good, they just have to get Ian Mckellan.

I wonder if Gimli will have a cameo?

By the way, does shooting a film in 3D effect the 2D versions at all?

They have to get Ian Mckellan. I would be sooo dissapointed if they did not. He is Gandalf. I swear he came stepped right out of the book! Wait, do we know who is directing it?

Peter Jackson will direct the Hobbit, that is a huge relief. I don't think anyone else could make it quite as well as he could.