this would be my cast

Bilbo Baggins = Martin Freeman
Gandalf = Ian McKellen
Elrond = Hugo Weaving
Bard = Gary Oldman - maybe Gerard Butler
Thranduil = Jason Isaacs or Bill Nighy
Gollum = Andy Serkis
King of the Eagles = David Bowie
Smaug = Alan Rickman
The Goblin King = Ian McNeice or Kenneth Cranham
Beorn = Ron Perlman

Dwarves

Thorin Oakenshield = Brian Blessed
Gloin = Brendan Gleeson
Oin = Richard Ridings
Balin = Ray Winstone
Dwalin = Tchéky Karyo
Bifur = David Thewlis
Bofur = Timothy Spall
Bombur = Robbie Coltrane
Dori = Colm Meaney
Nori = Jamie Foreman
Ori = unknown
Kili = Nick Frost
Fili = Jack Black

What about this guy from 13th Warrior to play Beorn. I'm not sure if he can even speak english however

Asbjorn Riis

http://www.bjorns-wrestling.dk/bjornfoto/Halga_Ship.JPG

There's so much excitement about who will play Bilbo, but I am also curious about who would play some other important parts. I would love to see David Tennant as Bard. David Tennant can play dark, moody characters, and has the energy for such a heroic part. He might also be good for the king of the woodland elves.

I love the idea of Alan Rickman doing Smaug's voice! Has anyone thought of Ron Pearlman as Beorn?

Has anyone heard any news on when we are going to get definite casting news?

Lucy

Welcome to the forum Lucysynk .

As far as we know there has been no confirmed casting beyond Ian McKellan and Andy Serkis, returning as Gandalf and Gollum respectively.

Regarding David Tennant, he certainly is brilliant, but don't you think he might be a bit youngish to play Thranduil (if that's who you meant). Now Bard is a possibility...Hmmm! I'll have to think about that one a bit.

Rickman is definitely a favourite for Smaug among many members of the forum (including myself). And a number of people have suggested Perlman as Beorn (see some of the above posts).

GB

Don't forget Hugo Weaving as Elrond.

Oh yes, thanks Eldorion, I believe Hugo Weaving is also confirmed to return.

GB

I know he is. (See the link in my last post.)

I know I previously set Hans Matheson up as Bard. But now I'm thinking of Thranduil. He could do that balance between ethereal, gracious and sinister, no sweat:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/zhi ... s/yury.jpg

And of course Ron Perlman as Beorn has crossed my mind! If that's what Del Toro's reserving him for I won't shed a tear. But I would prefer it if he did Thorin.

I'm really not that sure, when it comes thinking about actors to play characters (although I have some ideas about Bilbo Baggins), especially dwarves because of the way they are filmed, John Rhys Davies was the last person I'd of expected to play Gimli because of his height. I really liked the fact that in the LotR, the actors were somewhat less known (same goes for the Chonicals of Narnia). I just hope Jackson and Del toro pick the right people (of course I have alot of faith in them but...you know ). Can't wait to see Gandalf as Ian again, he really fits that role perfectly, same goes for Holm, really hope its someone good.

Just a thought because I know everyone will agree, but do you think that John Rhys Davies could pass as Gloin with a Grey Beard and Wrinklier skin?

Just Joking that would definately be terrible!

I think John Ryse-Davies would be great as Gloin, except for one thing- he got quite allergic to latex as Gimli. (In some scenes his eyes are almost swollen shut!) So even if they asked him, I'd be surprised if he was willing to go through that again.

It's a good thing I don't pull my hair out when I'm frustrated, or I'd be bald right now! I realize they want to wait till the last minute to announce who will be Bilbo, but couldn't they please throw us a few carrots with the names of actors playing other characters? Goodness, it has been several months since the announcement for Bilbo was supposed to be "immanent"! Arrg!

Lucy