While it’s not concrete and official just yet, it looks like all signs are pointing to Saoirse Ronan reuniting with Peter Jackson for his massive two-part “The Hobbit.”
In an interview with IFTN (via ComingSoon) casting director Ros Hubbard confirms that Ronan has been cast — or is intended to be cast — in “The Hobbit.” Talking about the strong presence of Irish actors in the forthcoming films, Hubbard said, “[W]orking with Peter Jackson is like working with a family. So they’ll have a great time. Saoirse’s family will go too. Everyone is very close and very loving on those sorts of jobs. It’s not like typical studio movies at all.”
But as you might remember, just a few days before this story, Saoirse Ronan said she hadn’t yet been offered a part. But with the shoot likely to be long and the casting extensive, it’s not too surprising and probably likely that not all the offers and contracts have yet been signed; there’s still time. Ronan has long been rumored for the role of Itaril and we expect that’s the part she’ll play. We’re hearing no deal is in place yet, but it sounds like it’s just a matter of time.
In case you missed it, the start of the film has been slightly delayed as Peter Jackson recovers from surgery for a perforated stomach ulcer. But lensing is expected to begin next month, with an extensive cast that includes Martin Freeman, Cate Blanchett, Richard Armitage, Aidan Turner, Rob Kazinsky, Graham McTavish, John Callen, Stephen Hunter, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, James Nesbitt, Ken Stott, Sylester McCoy, Adam Brown, Mikael Persbrandt, Ryan Gage, Jed Brophy, William Kircher, Elijah Wood, Andy Serkis and Ian McKellen.
The first installment of “The Hobbit” lands in December 2012.