Director Peter Jackson is scrambling to recast a role in upcoming movie ‘The Hobbit’ after actor Robert Kazinsky quit due to “personal reasons”. The former ‘EastEnders’ star had signed up to play Fili, a member of the Company of Dwarves, in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ prequel and recently flew to New Zealand to start filming his scenes. Jackson has now confirmed Kazinsky’s departure from the movie and assured fans he is working hard to find a replacement.
He writes in a post on his Facebook page, “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. 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, 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.”
Kazinsky has not confirmed the reason for his departure, only admitting he is suffering a “health issue”, and he has thanked Jackson for his understanding.
