Martin Freeman, star of the British version of The Office, will play the role of Bilbo Baggins in a J.R.R. Tolkien adaptation of The Hobbit, according to the BBC on Friday.
“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,” director Peter Jackson told the BBC.
Freeman is “intelligent, funny, surprising and brave - exactly like Bilbo,” Jackson added.
Freeman also starred in The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and appeared in Shaun of the Dead as well as other films.
Jackson’s wife and producing partner Fran Walsh said that filming could move to the UK if Warner Bros. decides against making the movie in New Zealand.
Richard Armitage, 39, who stars in Spooks, will play dwarf leader Thorin Oakenshield.
The films will be released on December 2012 and December 2013. Production begins next February.
“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,” director Peter Jackson told the BBC.
Freeman is “intelligent, funny, surprising and brave - exactly like Bilbo,” Jackson added.
Freeman also starred in The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and appeared in Shaun of the Dead as well as other films.
Jackson’s wife and producing partner Fran Walsh said that filming could move to the UK if Warner Bros. decides against making the movie in New Zealand.
Richard Armitage, 39, who stars in Spooks, will play dwarf leader Thorin Oakenshield.
The films will be released on December 2012 and December 2013. Production begins next February.
