15 Things That Almost Completely Changed The Hobbit Trilogy

2. Martin Freeman Almost Couldn't Do It

Peter Jackson was always pretty clear on the fact that he had always wanted Martin Freeman to play Bilbo Baggins for him: he countered the various rumours attaching alternatives to the lead by saying "there has only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us. There are a few times in your career when you come across an actor who you know was born to play a role, but that was the case as soon as I met Martin Freeman." But despite that certainty, Freeman was almost cast aside thanks to contractual obligations elsewhere. In later 2010, he was officially offered the part, but earlier he had been approached and had been forced to turn it down because of his commitments to Sherlock, though he expressed sadness:

"f something could be worked out, that would be great. I did it with a heavy heart, definitely."

Presumably something was indeed done, and there was no need to call upon any of the other rumoured candidates, who were said to include Daniel Radcliffe, Tobey Maguire, James McAvoy and David Tennant.