Rob Kazinsky quits The Hobbit

British actor Rob Kazinsky has quit his role in the forthcoming Peter Jackson movie The Hobbit.

The former EastEnders actor has left the production for “personal reasons” according to Jackson who posted the news on Facebook. Kazinsky had been cast in the role of Fili in the Lord of the Rings prequel and production is already underway on the movie in New Zealand. His role will now be re-cast but Jackson assured fans on Facebook that Kazinsky’s exit from The Hobbit would not affect its filming.

“I am sad to report that Rob Kazinsky, who was cast in the role of Fili, is having to leave The Hobbit and return home, for personal reasons,” Jackson said. “Rob has been terrific to work with and his enthusiasm and infectious sense of humour will be missed by all of us. I should say that Rob’s departure will not affect ongoing filming of The Hobbit, nor will it impact work done to date, as we had yet to film much of Fili’s storyline. At the moment we are shooting scenes featuring Bilbo without the Dwarves, which will give us time to find a new Fili. I’ll keep everyone posted with updates as they come.” – Peter Jackson on Facebook

The search for a new actor to play Fili will begin immediately. Amongst the cast of The Hobbit are returning Lord of the Rings actors Sir Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Christopher Lee, Elijah Wood and Ian Holm. Other cast members include Richard Armitage, James Nesbitt, Aidan Turner, Martin Freeman, Ken Scott and Sylvester McCoy.