British Actor Rob Kazinsky Bows Out Of 'The Hobbit' For Personal Reasons

by The Playlist
April 24, 2011 3:49 AM
6 Comments

Man down on Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit." Though we must say, that "curse" talk is somewhat unsubstantiated. Yes, the labor strike woes were difficult, but all big endeavors take a long time to get to the screen. OK, this particular birth hasn't been exactly easy, but it is the eight-years-after-the-fact prequel to one of the biggest, and most beloved, tentpole films of all time.

Anyhow, Jackson has reported on his Facebook page, where the director seems to be making all his personal 'Hobbit' updates, that "EastEnders" actor Rob Kazinsky has dropped out of the film due to personal reasons. Kazinsky would have played one of the thirteen dwarves and the character Fili, the second youngest dwarf, the brother of Kili (Aidan Turner) and the nephew of Thorin (Richard Armitage).

Peter Jackson's Facebook statement and Kazinsky's Twitter statements below.

Jackson's Facebook statement:

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 Twitter:

Thanks for all your support, Peter and team have been the most wonderful and supportive team to work for and it’s with a truly sad heart that things have turned out this way. The Hobbit will go on to be as great as i’ve seen and I will miss the family and friends that i’ve here, From every disaster i’ve tried to make an opportunity. “john d rokerfeller”

"The Hobbit" stars Martin Freeman, includes original "The Lord Of The Rings" cast members Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett, Andy Serkis, Ian Holm (probably in a smaller cameo role), Elijah Wood (in a bookend role), likely Orlando Bloom and Hugo Weaving, plus many, many more. The first installment of "The Hobbit" is dated for December 19, 2012. Part two will arrive during December 2013. We imagine you've already seen it by now, but in case you haven't, below is Peter Jackson's first video blog entry from the production. It's 10 minutes long, but pretty interesting and may even hit you with waves of nostalgia if you're a particularly big 'LOTR' fan.
[via TheOneRing]

More: Films, Genre Films, The Hobbit

6 Comments

| Reply
KiplingKat | April 26, 2011 10:03 AMReply

Mr. Erakat,

Fili is a dwarf.
Beowolf | April 25, 2011 11:41 AMReply

Good luck to Rob,
Time for Clive Standen
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1641140/
Screenwriter Abdullah H. Erakat | April 25, 2011 11:20 AMReply

Don't love something that may be bad for you and don't hate something which may be good for you. Let's face it, it wasn't in the cards. But it's better now, than later in the production phase. And while Mr. Jackson has already shot some of the scenes with the character of "Fili," I do not think he will have a problem casting a new Hobbit. There is still plenty of time to shoot and even more time for postproduction. As for training the actor, there are many gifted people out there who already have the skills this particular Hobbit needs. I said people - not men. Who knows? The character could be changed to be female. Last but not least, get well soon Mr. Kazinsky.
JohnDoe | April 24, 2011 9:49 AMReply

I feel bad for the guy, because on his twitter site, he said it was for "health issues", but its not like Fili is a big, important character or anything, besides being the youngest dwarf of the lot, and plays the fiddle. They'll have to go with Plan B, and get someone who is not only a good actor, but already knows how to ride a horse, and use swords, etc. because they can't logistically train him for months like they did with Rob.
Kevin Williamson Is The Best Writer Of Our Generat | April 24, 2011 7:21 AMReply

Time for Viggo to step in again
Kirk Kirky | April 24, 2011 7:02 AMReply

Awesome!