'Hobbit' Casting Announced

By Adnan Tezer Oct 22, 2010, 20:14 GMT

The cast of the two-film adaptation of "The Hobbit" was announced yesterday in a joint statement made by New Line Cinema, Warner Bros., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. and director Peter Jackson.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, principal photography will begin in February 2011 with the first film opening December, 2012 and the second film opening December, 2013.

Martin Freeman ("The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy," "Hot Fuzz") will play Bilbo Baggins, the hero of the film. Richard Armitage (UK TV's "MI-5" and next year's "Captain America: The First Avenger") will play Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the Company of Dwarves which sets off to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from a thieving dragon.

"Despite the various rumours and speculation surrounding this role, there has only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us," said Peter Jackson in the statement released.  "There are a few times in your career when you come across an actor who you know was born to play a role, but that was the case as soon as I met Martin.  He is intelligent, funny, surprising and brave - exactly like Bilbo and I feel incredibly proud to be able to announce that he is our Hobbit."  

Jackson added "Richard is one of the most exciting and dynamic actors working on screen today and we know he is going to make an amazing Thorin Oakenshield. We cannot wait to start this adventure with him and feel very lucky that one of the most beloved characters in Middle-earth is in such good hands."

Rounding out the Company of Dwarves are Aidan Turner (TV's "Being Human") as Kili; Rob Kazinsky (TV's "EastEnders") as Fili; Graham McTavish ("Secretariat" and TV's "24") as Dwalin; John Callen (TV's "Power Rangers Jungle Fury") as Oin; Stephen Hunter (TV's "All Saints") as Bombur; Mark Hadlow ("King Kong") as Dori; and Peter Hambleton (TV's "The Strip") as Gloin.  

The two "Hobbit" films are being co-produced by New Line Cinema and MGM, with New Line managing production, Warner Bros. Pictures handling domestic distribution and MGM distributing internationally.

Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Carolynne Cunningham are producing the films.

The Oscar-winning, critically acclaimed "Lord Of The Rings" trilogy, also from the production team of Jackson, Walsh and Cunningham, grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide at the box office. "Return of the King" swept the Academy Awards in 2003, winning all 11 categories in which it was nominated, including Best Picture.