Rob Kazinsky quits 'The Hobbit'

WELLINGTON, New Zealand, April 25 (UPI) -- Filmmaker Peter Jackson announced via Facebook British actor Rob Kazinsky has quit his two-part movie production of "The Hobbit."

Kazinsky is best known for his work on the TV show "EastEnders."

"The Hobbit" is a prequel to "The Lord of the Rings," the trilogy of fantasy novels by J.R.R. Tolkien that Jackson turned into big-screen blockbusters.

"Rob has been terrific to work with and his enthusiasm and infectious sense of humor 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 in his Facebook posting Sunday. "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."

"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," Kazinsky said via Twitter. "'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."

TVGuide.com said the reason for Kazinsky's departure was not specified.