Tobey Maguire Is Not Bilbo Baggins In The Hobbit. Really!

Not long ago there was rumor that Tobey Maguire was high in the running for the pivotal role of Bilbo Baggins in the two Hobbit films. At the time that seemed absurd, given that he had a new Spider-Man film to worry about. Once Sony canned Spidey 4 and Maguire's job playing Peter Parker, it was almost inevitable that the 'Tobey as Bilbo' rumors would start all over again.

Indeed, it didn't take much. Just a mention in The Sun, that UK tabloid famous for just making up 'credible' rumors. OK, more than a mention. There was also the gigantic headline 'Tobey Maguire Bags Bilbo Role in The Hobbit.' Fortunately, Harry at AICN emailed Peter Jackson and Guillermo Del Toro, who both responded in the negative. "It ain't true," said Del Toro, while Jackson added, "We are currently auditioning for Bilbo, and a month or two away from any announcements."

So, for the last time, or at least until Jackson & Co. do a complete 180-degree turnaround to announce that Maguire has been cast (don't hold your breath) this one isn't happening.