Just yesterday, we told you that director Peter Jackson had confirmed that Ian Holm would be reprising his role as Bilbo Baggins in the forthcoming, two-part big-screen adaptation of The Hobbit, which is currently in production over in New Zealand.

Now comes word via Jackson’s Facebook page that British actor Robert Kazinsky (EastEnders, Red Tails), who was set to play Fili in the film has had to depart the production and Jackson is currently seeking a replacement to take on the role of Kili’s brother and Thorin’s nephew.

Jackson said,

“Rob has been terrific to work with and his enthusiasm and infectious sense of humour will be missed by all of us,” Jackson said. “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. At the moment we are shooting scenes featuring Bilbo without the Dwarves, which will give us time to find a new Fili.”

The Hobbit: Part 1 is currently slated to hit theaters December 2012.

The Hobbit: Part 2 is currently slated to hit theaters December 2013.

The films star Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis, Richard Armitage, Cate Blanchette, Elijah Wood, Sylvester McCoy, Aidan Turner, Graham McTavish, John Callen, Ken Stott, Mikael Persbrandt, Ryan Gage, Jed Brophy, William Kircher, Stephen Hunter and Ian Holm.