"....Working with Peter Jackson is like working with a family. So they'll have a great time. Saoirse's family will go too," she said when asked by IFTN about the presence of Irish actors Aidan Turner, James Nesbitt and Ronan in "The Hobbit". "Everyone is very close and very loving on those sorts of jobs. It's not like typical studio movies at all."
The casting director did not mention Ronan's role, but in previous rumor she was said in talks for the role of Itaril. The 16-year-old actress however hinted that she had not been offered the part, saying earlier this month, "Yeah if I was asked, certainly," when asked if she would join the cast of "The Hobbit".
If Ronan indeed signs up for "The Hobbit", she will reunite with "The Lovely Bones" director Peter Jackson who is on board to helm the upcoming adventure film. The filmmaker is currently recovering after undergoing surgery for a perforated ulcer and his recovery will only cause "a slight delay to the start of filming" which was scheduled to start in February, the movie's production company confirmed via a statement.
"The Hobbit" has tapped Martin Freeman to portray main character Bilbo Baggins. Meanwhile, "The Lord of the Rings" stars Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis, Cate Blanchett and Elijah Wood are set to reprise their roles in the two-part film that will serve as a prequel to "LOTR".
Warner Bros. plans to release the first part of the movie in December 2012, followed by "The Hobbit 2" in December 2013.
Before starring in "The Lovely Bones", Saoirse Ronan has been featured in "Atonement" and "City of Ember". She can be seen in "The Way Back (2011)" which is currently playing in limited U.S. theaters and has wrapped "Hanna".