Freeman jokes about 2015 'Hobbit' start date

Martin Freeman has played down suggestions that the upcoming Hobbit movie is "cursed".

Filming on the two-part adaptation has been postponed due to arguments over distribution rights, overpriced budgets, actors' union complaints and director Peter Jackson's recent stomach surgery.

However, Freeman, who will play Bilbo Baggins in the Warner Bros picture, rejected the notion that the project has been hit by a curse.

"There are some bits of bad luck associated with it," he said at a press conference. "We're all very optimistic about it."

He went on to joke: "We're ready to go - just as soon as 2015 comes around."

Freeman also revealed that he has been carefully studying the performance of Ian Holm in Jackson's Lord Of The Rings trilogy to see how he matches up to Holm's portrayal of Bilbo.

"Without trying to blow my own trumpet nor with too much false modesty, I think I'm quite a good match for him," Freeman insisted.

The Hobbit is currently scheduled for release in December 2012 and December 2013.