Peter Jackson (AP)
Rob Kazinsky is leaving "The Hobbit" for unspecified personal reasons.
Director Peter Jackson confirmed Sunday on Facebook that Kazinsky, who was cast as the dwarf Fili, has exited the two-part adaptation, but he insisted that production would not be affected.
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"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," Jackson wrote. "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, who starred on the British soap "EastEnders," tweeted this thanks to fans, Jackson and "The Hobbit" crew.
"Peter and team have been the most wonderful and supportive team to work for and it's with a truly sad heart that things have turned out this way," he wrote. '"The Hobbit' will go on to be as great as I've seen and I will miss the family and friends that i've here, From every disaster i've tried to make an opportunity."
Peter Jackson undergoes surgery; production on "The Hobbit" delayed
"The Hobbit" began production last month in New Zealand. The first film is scheduled to premiere Dec. 19, 2012.
View original Rob Kazinsky Leaves "The Hobbit" at TVGuide.com
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