Tobey Maguire Swapping Spiderman For Bilbo?

The Sun newspaper, a major tabloid here in the UK is today running a story that claims Tobey Maguire of Spiderman fame is to play the Bilbo Baggins role in The Hobbit.

The rumours have been doing the rounds for about a month but by and large were written off because of the upcoming fourth Spiderman movie which would have seen Maguire tied up and unavailable for The Hobbit.

The story says he has turned down the chance of playing the webbed wonder again and has already signed up for The Hobbit. He is said to have been unhappy in the direction the fourth movie was heading.

Without revealing their sources the paper claims both Producer Peter Jackson and Director Guillermo Del Toro have been chasing Maguire for months.

They quote their source as saying “Everyone is over the moon. Tobey is not only one of the most recognisable faces in Hollywood, he is also one of the best actors.”

Tobey Maguire was recently asked about the rumor and claimed he had not been approached but also added the teaser “I love Guillermo del Toro and Peter Jackson and I certainly wouldn’t take myself out of the conversation.”

With the start of filming fast approaching an announcement (or at least a decision) should be imminent so perhaps this particular rumor should not be instantly dismissed. Having said that the paper has a history of sensationalism.

It was the Sun newspaper who broke the (unconfirmed) story that the UK’s X Factor twin act Jedward had been asked to audition for the roles of Fili  and Kili.

Update: A few hours ago AMC Entertainment blogger John Campea tweeted that someone very close to production has leaked the same news to him.

His tweet said, “I have been personally told by a source very close to Guillermo del Toro that it’s true… Tobey Maguire IS The Hobbit.”

Final Update: Aintitcool.com managed to get a reply to an email they sent Peter Jackson asking if there was anything in this latest rumor.

“No truth at all, although we’re all big fans of Toby. We are currently auditioning for Bilbo, and a month or two away from any announcements.”

So there you go, yet another rumor killed in its tracks although I suppose PJ is hardly going to reply that yes actually there is some truth in it but the deal isn’t finalized so we’d like to keep it hush hush if that’s ok.

Ah well, one of these days real soon…………

The Hobbit

Some other sites covering the Tobey Maguire rumor

• What’s Next For ‘Spider-Man’ Star Tobey Maguire?
• Tobey Maguire’s Lead Role in ‘The Hobbit’ (inquisitr.com)
• Is Tobey Maguire ‘The Hobbit’s Bilbo Baggins? (cinematical.com)
• Tobey Maguire Re-Rumored As Bilbo Baggins (cinemablend.com)

Tagged as: bilbo baggins, the hobbit, tobey maguire