Preproduction has been in full swing on The Hobbit, a two-part Lord of the Rings prequel, since it received the green light on October 15 from New Line, MGM and Warner Bros.
Following some uncertainty, English actor, Martin Freeman, 39, been cast in the role of Bilbo Baggins.
“Despite the various rumours and speculation surrounding this role, there has only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us," says 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.”
The ensemble cast also includes Richard Armitage, Rob Kazinsky, Aidan Turner, Graham McTavish, John Callen, Stephen Hunter, Mark Hadlow and Peter Hambleton, as the group of dwarves who accompany Bilbo on his quest for the treasure, along with help from his wizard friend, Gandalf.
The Hobbit, parts one and two, are respectively set for release in December 2012 and December 2013.