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‘The Hobbit’ Casting Announced; Martin Freeman to Play Bilbo Baggins

Truth rating: 10

Aidan Turner Bilbo Baggins J.R.R. Tolkien Martin Freeman Peter Jackson Richard Armitage Rob Kazinsky The Hobbit Thorin Oakenshield

9:46 pm, October 21st, 2010

Peter Jackson has announced casting for The Hobbit.

Martin Freeman is set to play Bilbo Baggins, the story’s hero.

“Despite the various rumours and speculation surrounding this role, there has only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us,” says 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.”

Richard Armitage will take the role of Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the Company of Dwarves.

Aidan Turner will play Kili and Rob Kazinsky will play Fili.

Graham McTavish (Dwalin), John Callen (Oin), Stephen Hunter (Bombur), Mark Hadlow (Dori) and Peter Hambleton (Gloin) have also been cast.