The Hobbit trilogy star Martin Freeman has now wrapped his role as Bilbo Baggins, director Peter Jackson shared from the set today.
“Tonight Martin Freeman finished his last shot as Bilbo Baggins. The end of an incredible two and a half years,” Jackson wrote on his official Facebook page. “I cannot imagine anyone else in this role – a character that Martin has nurtured and crafted with love and great skill.”
Jackson continued by reviewing where filming stands right now. “We have said goodbye to our elves, humans, wizards and now the hobbit. We now enter our final 2 weeks of pick-ups, and it’s wall to wall dwarves. These pick-ups have been gruelling and intense, but I’m so happy with what we’ve been shooting. These next two movies are going to be pretty great!”
He also shared this photo of Freeman waving goodbye:
As if that weren’t enough, Jackson also shared this morning a new photo of Freeman and co-star Benedict Cumberbatch on the set. The latter actor plays (voices) Smaug the dragon in the second Hobbit film, The Desolation of Smaug, hitting theaters this December. As Jackson notes, you can see Cumberbatch giving Freeman’s Bilbo foot a rub.
The above photo is the first time we’re seeing the two co-stars together for The Hobbit filming. They’re already very well known for their role as Sherlock and Watson on BBC’s beloved Sherlock series. The detective show is about to film the third (and final) episode of series 3, according to producer Sue Vertue.
The Hobbit will not have an official presence at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, but Sherlock will host its first ever panel. Unfortunately, Freeman and Cumberbatch will not be present.