New spin on 'The Hobbit'

The Lord of the Rings films have been completed for a few years now and Hollywood is still figuring out a way to milk the Tolkien franchise for everything it's worth.Immediately after the Lord of The Rings was completed, there was talk about adapting the prequel to the series, "The Hobbit," which features Bilbo Baggins, Frodo's uncle and the one who stumbles upon the One Ring. It is far different from the Ring trilogy in terms of scope. One can interpret it as the match that lit the fire. The story is very linear, almost like "The Fellowship of the Ring," but without the whole grandiose end of the world aspect.

The story is about Bilbo being "forced" into an adventure by Gandalf the Wizard and a group of dwarves to take back a treasure that was taken by Smaug the dragon. Peter Jackson will be involved with production and overseeing the project, but he will not direct. He has stated that the movie should have a different feel from the rest of the films, similar to how the novel was different from the trilogy. Guillermo Del Toro has been tapped to direct the film. His work on "Pan's Labyrinth" and "Hellboy II: The Golden Army" show his limitless imagination and style is perfectly suited to take on Bilbo's adventures. Now there are numerous roles in the film that need to be cast. I mean, there are 13 dwarves and other ancillary characters that will show up in this movie, but the following individuals are the most pivotal roles in the story.

Bilbo Baggins:

James McAvoy

The young Bilbo needs to be portrayed as an individual whose life changes once someone gives him the opportunity. In other words, someone who has been secretly dying to get out of a life he has been accustomed to for a very long time. Bilbo is a typical hobbit who enjoys peace, food, and good company, but he also has a very dangerous taste for adventure. When the dwarves and Gandalf come to get his help in getting the treasure, he eventually gives in to his deeper desires.McAvoy has portrayed the man whose life has changed in the film "Wanted" very well. Plus, he has experience with fantasy films like "The Chronicles of Narnia." He also happens to look a bit like Frodo, aka Elijah Wood, and that is certainly a plus, considering that he is his nephew.

Runner Up: Ryan Gosling ("Fracture")

Gandalf: Ian McKellen

Was this really a question? Not only has he expressed interest in the film, but he has perfectly portrayed the character in over eight hours of film already. He was nominated for an Academy Award as the grey wizard and he has a larger role to play in "The Hobbit." McKellen has everything from facial expressions to the subtle mannerism down pat and it would be a shame to see anyone else even attempt the role as long as this guy is available.

Runner Up: No One.

Gollum: Andy Serkis

The greatest computer generated character of all time gets his true introduction in Bilbo's adventure. Andy Serkis is truly a freak of nature and the film needs nothing less than that. He perfectly materialized the character on screen and made him seem like flesh and blood. Most audiences, forgot that he was a CG character thanks to Serkis' ability to immerse himself into the creature's skin. Similar to McKellen, no one else should portray this character. Serkis simply is Gollum.

Runner Up: No One.

Thorin Oakenshield:

Brian Cox

Thorin is the stubborn leader of the Dwarves. He is an old but clever individual upon whom everything depends on. He is the dwarf that sets everything in motion and the one that Gandalf and Bilbo respect the most. Brian Cox has all the necessary attributes to step into Oakenshield's prosthetic shoes.

Runners Up: Anthony Hopkins ("Silence of the Lambs")

Bard the Bowman:

Channing Tatum

This skilled archer is the quintessential hero of the story. He is similar in personality to Aragorn from the next few films. Now do not laugh, but Tatum is the guy for this role. He has the screen presence required to play the moral lead of a film. This summer, people will see him alongside Christian Bale and Johnny Depp in "Public Enemies" and alongside Dennis Quaid in "G.I. Joe:The Rise of the Cobra." He has a variety of roles in films like "Stop-Loss" and "A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints."

Runner Up: Daniel Craig ("Infamous")

Thranduil:

Ryan Phillippe

Thranduil is the King of the Silvans, a.k.a. the elves of Mirkwood. Little of his personality is revealed, but he is somewhat antagonistic towards the dwarves since the elves and dwarves have a shaky history. Tranduil also happens to be the father of Legolas.

So the actor portraying Thranduil needs to look similar to Bloom and have similar mannerism to the blond haired bowman. Phillippe has the looks and the acting chops to do all that and more.His roles in "Flags of Our Fathers" and "Cruel Intentions" give us insight into what he would bring to the role.

Runner Up: James Marsden ("Enchanted")