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
Works inspired by J. R. R. Tolkien (1980); earlier they had made a TV animation of "The Hobbit" (1977). "The Lord of the Rings" was adapted as a trilogy of films (2001–03), directed by Peter Jackson. "The Hobbit" was also adapted as a trilogy (2012–14), with some elements adapted from "The Return of the King"'s Appendices. The split of Tolkien's works between Tolkien Enterprises and the Tolkien Estate means that none of the Tolkien Enterprises' products can include source material from outside "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings", and therefore a film or stage version of "The Silmarillion" is highly unlikely. Comparisons have been made