Updated: Rob Kazinsky has since commented on twitter that it was for health reasons he departed from the cast of The Hobbit in New Zealand. Those eagle eyed of you might have noticed Kazinsky was in crutches during the 10 minute video blog. Here's hoping its nothing too serious and a speedy recovery is made, though man... losing out on a role in The Hobbit because your body isn't up to it? That sucks. A hard one to get over. Original article follows... Peter Jackson has announced on his facebook page that Rob Kazinsky, the ex-EastEnders soap actor who was to play the Dwarf Fili in The Hobbit has quit production on the long awaited Tolkien adaptation, a prequel of The Lord of the Rings. Jackson says;
I am sad to report that Rob Kazinsky, who was cast in the role of Fili, is having to leave The Hobbit and return home, for personal reasons. Rob has been terrific to work with and his enthusiasm and infectious sense of humour will be missed by all of us. I should say that Rob's departure will not affect ongoing filming of The Hobbit, nor will it impact work done to date, as we had yet to film much of Fili's storyline. At the moment we are shooting scenes featuring Bilbo without the Dwarves, which will give us time to find a new Fili. I'll keep everyone posted with updates as they come. Cheers, Peter J
Kazinsky's personal reasons were not elaborated on and it must be devastating to have to give up such a massive opportunity but if something is going on at home in England and you are in New Zealand for two-three years, then you can see why that wouldn't be sustainable. He wrote on his twitter;
Thanks for all your support, Peter and team have been the most wonderful and supportive team to work for and its with a truly sad heart that things have turned out this way. The Hobbit will go on to be as great as ive seen and I will miss the family and friends that ive here, From every disaster ive tried to make an opportunity. john d rokerfeller
Kazinsky was featured in the nostalgic 10 minute video blog and did seem all smiles. But Peter Jackson is not one to pull his punches, so if he had fired Kazinsky like he did with Ryan Gosling on The Lovely Bones or Stuart Townsend on The Lord of the Rings, then he would have said so. Stay tuned for an update on who will replace him which we will probably hear very shortly;The Hobbit is filming now for a release December 2012.