Source: Peter Jackson Facebook | Posted By: Dan Geer

While answering the question of who was narrating Bilbo Baggins at the end of his first video blog (it was actually Martin Freeman), Peter Jackson inadvertently confirmed in a recent update on his Facebook page that Ian Holm will be reprising the role of old Bilbo Baggins in the films.

Not only that, but today he says that Rob Kazinsky, who was initially cast as Fili the dwarf, is now having to leave the production due to personal reasons, which means a replacement must be found to fill the role. Read on for the updates!

Jackson on the Bilbo narration:

One comment that came up from the recent video blog was the Bilbo voice at the end—many of you assumed it was Sir Ian Holm. Whilst Ian will be returning as the older Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit, that recording was actually Martin Freeman’s voice, taken from a script read through we recorded when the cast first arrived. I have to admit, I wasn’t sure who it was when I first heard it, either. Cheers, Peter J

Jackson on replacing Rob Kazinsky:

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

Sad to hear about Kazinsky. Hopefully he is doing well and that whatever his personal circumstances are will be taken care of promptly. Of course we will all be awaiting the news of who exactly will be replacing him in the days ahead.

The Hobbit (Parts 1 & 2) stars Martin Freeman, Cate Blanchett, Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis, Christopher Lee, Orlando Bloom, Richard Armitage, Ken Stott, Graham McTavish, William Kircher, James Nesbitt, Stephen Hunter, Aidan Turner, Peter Hambleton, John Callen, Jed Brophy, Mark Hadlow, Adam Brown, Ian Holm and Elijah Wood.