Imagine a world where Bilbo Baggins, the beloved hobbit from The Hobbit, was played by a different faceâ€â€a tall British actor named Matthew Goode. Long before The Lord of the Rings came to dominate the box office, director Guillermo del Toro had a vision of bringing J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic tale to life. Yet, that vision was as ephemeral as a wisp of smoke, never quite materializing.
Before the project metamorphosed into the trilogy we know today, del Toro was well into casting for a two-part film adaptation. Among those considered for the role of Bilbo Baggins was none other than Goode, who has since made a name for himself in titles like A Discovery of Witches and The Good Wife.
Matthew Goode Was Surprised To Be A Candidate For Bilbo Baggins
Matthew Goode Believed He Was Too Tall For Bilbo Baggins, But Would’ve Played Him Anyway
In a recent interview, Goode expressed genuine surprise at being considered for the iconic role. He reminisced about childhood audio recordings of The Hobbit that left a nostalgic mark on him. Yet when he learned he was in the running, he was incredulous, considering himself too tall for the part. At 6’2″, Goode’s stature might have posed challenges in portraying a hobbit, who typically stands no taller than three or four feet. However, his agent assured him that casting directors liked his look for the character, leading to an amusing exchange: “Camera trickery, darling. It’s all going to be fine,” he recalled.
I said, “Simon, I’m 6’2”, love. What are we talking about here? I can’t play Bilbo. And he’s like, “Camera trickery, darling. Camera trickery. It’s all going to be fine. They like your face for him.”
Our Take On Matthew Goode As Bilbo Baggins
Martin Freeman Turned Out To Be The Perfect Bilbo Baggins
It’s fascinating to consider how different The Hobbit might have been with Goode in the lead. Kings of cinematic illusion, Jackson and his crew made exceptional use of camera techniques to portray hobbits as smaller than life. Nonetheless, Goode’s height would likely have presented a unique challenge, proving that some roles are best suited by specific actors. Ultimately, the role went to Martin Freeman, whose performance brought a depth and warmth to Bilbo that resonated with audiences.
While fans can ponder the “what ifs,” it’s clear that del Toro’s vision remained a tantalizing daydream, one that never took flight. The collaboration that did materialize resulted in a richly textured trilogy that captured the spirit of Tolkien’s work remarkably well. In the end, we can celebrate the contributions of both Freeman and Goode to the vibrant tapestry of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
As you reflect on these adaptations, consider how different casting choices could have altered the landscape of modern fantasy cinema. For the moment, we revel in the artistry of The Lord of the Rings while holding onto the possibilities of what could have been.
For those curious about the evolution of characters in these iconic universes, check out our article on Oppenheimer and how significant changes can influence perceptions. It’s a testament to the delicate dance between vision and execution in film production, illustrating the profound impact that a single casting decision can make.
The legacy of Tolkien’s world continues to enchant audiences, and each story told shines light on the myriad ways in which we connect through shared narratives. Whether it’s through the lens of del Toro’s dream projects or Jackson’s epic retellings, the journey through Middle-earth remains as captivating as ever.