While the issue of where the two Hobbit movies will be filmed is very much up in the air, more clear is who will be playing the principle parts. As rumored, Martin Freeman (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Hot Fuzz, Love Actually) has been cast as Bilbo Baggins, the adventurous Hobbit who happens across the One Ring.
“Despite the various rumors and speculation surround this role, there has only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us,” said director Peter Jackson. 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.”
Other major castings include Richard Armitage (MI-5 and Captain America: The First Avenger) as Thorin Oakenshield, leader of the Company of Dwarves seeking to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from a dragon. “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, said Jackson. 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.”
Meanwhile, Aidan Turner (Being Human) and Rob Kazinsky (EastEnders) have been cast as Kili and Fili, more members of the Company of Dwarves. “Rob is an extremely talented young actor with a huge career in front of him. I’m thrilled that he has agreed to take on the role of Fili, said Jackson. Besides his talent as an actor, Rob is also a champion sword fighter and I’m looking forward to seeing the damage he can do to a horde of marauding Goblins … Aidan is a wonderfully gifted young actor who hails from Ireland. I’m sure he will bring enormous heart and humor to the role of Kili.”
Other Company of Dwarves membesr will include Graham McTavish (Secretariat) as Dwalin, John Callen (Power Rangers Jungle Fury) as Oin, Stephen Hunter (All Saints) as Bombur, Mark Hadlow (King Kong) as Dori, and Peter Hambleton (The Strip) as Gloin. “Graham is a terrific actor, with a great depth of experience, which I know he will bring to the role of Dwalin, Jackson noted. I have worked with Mark Hadlow on many projects, he is a fantastic actor…I am also proud to annoucne the casting of New Zealand actors as Peter Hambleton, John Callen and Stephen Hunter. Fran and I know that they will bring great depth and talent to our Company of Dwarves.”
Other choice roles like Gandalf, Gollum, Smaug, and the Elf King have still yet to be officially cast.
Source: Deadline
