Tobey Maguire Not Swinging to 'The Hobbit'

Mon, 14 December 2009 23:59:27 ET

Responding to the flying rumor that the star of 'Spider-Man 4' is in talks to play Bilbo Baggins in 'The Hobbit', his publicist insists the story is a false one.

Tobey Maguire has just been linked to the role of Bilbo Baggins for "The Hobbit", but his camp was quick to come out with a denial. Responding to the circulating rumor was the 34-year-old's publicist Kelly Bush, who told Movieline the debunking statement. Steering clear of "no comment at this time", the rep insisted, "This is false!"

Speculation of the "Spider-Man 4" actor could be taking on the fantasy film's lead role was sparked by Latino Review (LR). On Monday, December 14, the site came up with the scoop, mentioning "agency sources" have told LR that the actor is "in the early stages of talks between CAA and the producers of The Hobbit."

Maguire himself has told LR back in November during the promotion of his film "Brothers" that he would love to work with "The Hobbit" director Guillermo del Toro. When pressed further, the Red Pollard of "Seabiscuit" was quick to add, "We may have something here in the near future." He didn't give any hint, however, whether the "something" he said has anything to do with "The Hobbit".

Tobey Maguire isn't the first actor rumored for the Bilbo Baggins role. "Harry Potter" star Daniel Radcliffe, "Doctor Who" lead actor David Tennant and "Atonement" actor James McAvoy had all been linked to the role once. All three had denied their possible involvement in "The Hobbit", though.

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