The Hobbit (film series) appearing in "The Hobbit" films. In early October 2010, it was confirmed by the studio that Martin Freeman had been cast in the role of Bilbo Baggins. It was revealed that he had earlier been approached by the producers to play a role in the films, but was forced to turn it down because of scheduling conflicts with the BBC television series "Sherlock". At the time, Freeman was quoted as saying, "[I]f something could be worked out, that would be great. I did it [turned down the role] with a heavy heart, definitely." On his casting, Peter Jackson was quoted
Frodo Baggins "Beowulf", where it is rendered in Old English as Froda. Tolkien did mention he changed final a's to final o's in male Hobbit names. In the early drafts of "The Lord of the Rings" the principal character is called Bingo Baggins; the name Frodo is given to another hobbit. In the drafts of the final chapters of "The Lord of the Rings" published by Christopher Tolkien as "Sauron Defeated", Gandalf names Frodo "Bronwe athan Harthad" (Endurance Beyond Hope) after the destruction of the Ring. Tolkien states that Frodo’s name in the fictional language of Westron was "Maura Labingi". His name