It’s been less than a week since it was confirmed that British actor, Martin Freeman would be donning a pair of rubber feet to play leading role Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson’s upcoming adaptation of The Hobbit. The same story gave us names of eight of the thirteen-strong Dwarven company and even suggested that James Nesbitt and former Doctor Who star, David Tennant may be up for leading roles.

But regular FilmShaft readers will know that David Tennant is not the only Doctor in the house (sorry).

Way back in August we reported that the seventh Doctor, actor Sylvester McCoy was in talks to play another wizard of Middle Earth, Radagast The Brown. Speaking to a Scottish newspaper, the actor confessed that he and one other were in negotiations for the part -which is expected to be greatly expanded upon thanks to the inclusion of Tolkien’s appendices in the film.

Well now McCoy has been speaking once again, this time to fans at the Armageddon Expo in Auckland and according to Gallifrey Newsbase it’s good news:

Rumours of the Seventh Doctor’s involvement in the Peter Jackson film have been around for a while but this is the first conformation from the actor that he has been offered a role in the movie.

McCoy was speaking at the Armageddon Expo in Auckland yesterday, It is understood that McCoy had meetings in Wellington with Jackson and co-producer and co-writer Philippa Boyens last week, where he was offered the role, but that no contracts have yet been signed.

Personally I’m quite a fan of McCoy, and alongside Ian McKellen’s Gandalf and Christopher Lee’s Saruman (please let it be) he’d be a great match as the earthy, eccentric Radagast.

On the subject of Christopher Lee, we have yet to have confirmation on his and Hugo Weaving’s return as Saruman the White and Elrond Halfelven, here’s hoping they sign on the dotted line soon!

Source: Gallifrey Newsbase.