Warner Brothers have announced the cast of the Hobbit, amid confusion over where the film will be shot. Martin Freeman, The Office star who has long been rumoured as a favourite for the top role, has been confirmed to star as Bilbo Baggins, with Sir Peter Jackson saying he was the only man for the job.
"Despite the various rumours and speculation surrounding this role, there has only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us," Sir Peter said.
"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, Rob Kazinsky, Aidan Turner, Graham McTavish, John Callen, Stephen Hunter, Mark Hadlow and Peter Hambleton will also join the ensemble cast.
Sir Peter 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 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."
Warner Brothers executives said since The Hobbit films received a green light on October 15, pre-production had been in full swing.
"Set for release in December, 2012 and December, 2013, we can confirm that Martin Freeman (The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Hot Fuzz] will play Bilbo Baggins, the hero of the story. Richard Armitage [UK TV's MI-5 and soon to appear in Captain America: The First Avenger] is set to play Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the Company of Dwarves which sets off to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from a thieving dragon."
Rounding out the Company of Dwarves are Aidan Turner (TV's Being Human) and Rob Kazinsky (TVs EastEnders) who play Kili and Fili, respectively.
Sir Peter said Kazinsky was "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!"
The remaining dwarves will be played by 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.
