Martin Freeman shuns Hobbit for Sherlock

London (ANI): Martin Freeman has apparently refused to play Bilbo Baggins in 'The Hobbit' due to his prior commitment to BBC series 'Sherlock'. The actor was offered to pay lead with a seven-figure pay in Peter Jackson's blockbuster, based on J.R.R. Tolkien's classic novel.

But he has denied it as he was already committed to 20 weeks filming alongside Benedict Cumberbatch in hit BBC series Sherlock next year. "It was one of the most difficult decisions of his career. MGM, who are making the film, only got a formal offer over in the last couple of weeks," the Sun quoted a source as saying.

"It was too late for Martin because he had already signed up for another series of Sherlock. It was agonising but he had no other choice," the source added.