The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Forum

As what seems to be a reward to those of us who've been reading every dramatic tidbit of rumors and trickle of news about The Hobbit's hard road to production, the team behind the massively awaited films has given us a big chunk of exciting casting news!   
 
I'll admit that writing these daily news posts about the casting of movies I'm likely to never care about can sometimes be dry, I am genuinely JAZZED UP about this news.  The Lord of the Rings films have been so crucial to my life that I've been party to mead filled mega-marathons of all 3 extended editions with friends, and even starred in a LOTR-themed sketch comedy show in Boston. The idea of two more Jackson-directed films set in Middle Earth has me fantastically excited to relive that opening-night glee that we experienced with each of the trilogy's releases, and doing it all over again when the extended DVD's hit shelves. It already feels like I'm going to be seeing an old beloved friend, and I couldn't be happier.
 
Read on to see who's been cast in each role!
 
 
Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins
 
 Says Peter Jackson on casting the star of UK's The Office: 

"Despite the various rumors and speculation surrounding this role, there has only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us. 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 as Thorin Oakenshield 
 
US viewers will be more familiar with this man once Captain America: The First Avenger releases, but UK residents should know him from Robin Hood and MI-5. Jackson adds:

"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 Oakensheild. 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."

 
 
 

 
Aidan Turner as Kili 
 
From Being Human.

"Adian 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."

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Bob Kazinsky as Fili
 
 From Eastenders. 

"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. Besides his talent as an actor, Rob is also a champion sword fighter; I'm looking forward to seeing the damage he can do to a horde of marauding Goblins!"

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Graham McTavish as Dwalin
 
From Rambo and 24.

"Graham is a terrific actor, with a great depth of experience, which I know he will bring to the role of "Dwalin."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Mark Hadlow as Dori
 
Jackson veteran from King Kong and Meet the Feebles. 

"I have worked with Mark Hadlow on many projects; he is a fantastic actor."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Said Jackson of the final three actors announced:

"I am also proud to announce 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."

 
 
Stephen Hunter as Bombur
 
 From Love My Way.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Peter Hambleton as Gloin
 
 From Duggan.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

John Callen as Oin (UNABLE TO FIND ANY PICTURES OF HIM)
 
I'm excited for these actors, the majority of whom I've never heard of, to become as familiar to me as the LOTR cast has.

Really appreciate that you posted the pictures of the actors. Thanks!

Wow. They fucking nailed their Bilbo choice. I never would've even thought of him. 

I'm just excited that we are finally getting some real news about this movie.  I can't wait!

Never heard of any of these people.

I read Mark Hadlow as Mark Hamil at first. That was interesting.

Will be interesting to see how they are going to make all the dwarfs look unique so the audience can tell them a part. When you get the big beards and armor on them they all kind of look the same.
 
 I am not a dwarfist!

These all seem like good choices, not sure about the guy from Eastenders but I probably shouldn't be too hard on him just because he was in that.

Yeah, that is actually the perfect Bilbo. But it's still down to Ian Mckellen being Gandalf for me. Make or break.

Props to giving some New Zealand actors roles.

While I respect the scale and effects, I have never liked the LOTR movies so I'm pretty sure I won't like this.

Bob Kazinsky...I remember him when he was still in Dream Team. Gonna be honest, that bit of casting surprises me

Martin Freeman? Holy shit, that guy is awesome! So glad to see this. It will be weird for American audiences to see someone who so closely resembles the American Office Jim.

@crusader8463:

Yeah, suuure..

Whats next? "I have many dwarf friends!"

Awesome!!! Martin Freeman is amazing. Excellent choice for Bilbo. He's really good as Watson in Sherlock. And Guy of Gisborne!! NIIICE! Really liked, and liked to hate, him in Robin Hood(Before that series went seriously off the rails.. Brilliant first two seasons, however and an amazing series 3 premiere)

As an American who actually knows who Martin Freeman is, all I have to say is: FUCK. YES.

Martin Freeman is an awesome choice for Bilbo. I can already picture him in the scenes. Not sure about the others though. Especially the dwarfs.

This will be good 

I'm quite excited for this movie. Bilbo is perfect.

@Eidderf said:

" These all seem like good choices, not sure about the guy from Eastenders but I probably shouldn't be too hard on him just because he was in that. "  

He was actually quite a good actor in it. Now I'm bummed about my knowledge of Eastenders. 
And Martin Freeman as Bilbo hell yes! just hope this doesn't mess with any Sherlock shooting that has to be done.