In a followup to our story from last week where we announced the Hobbit is getting the green light, Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema announced the cast for the movies today.
It is now confirmed that Martin Freeman will take on the lead role of Bilbo Baggins, Richard Armitage will play Thorin Oakenshield, Aidan Turner and Rob Kazinsky will play Kili and Fili.
Other actors scheduled to play dwarves are Graham McTavish as Dwalin, John Callen as Oin, Stephen Hunter as Bombur, Mark Hadlow as Dori and Peter Hambleton as Gloin.
Of course, returing from the Lord of The Rings Trilogy are Ian McKellen as Gandalf and Andy Serkis as Gollum.
It remains to be seen however if the movie will be filmed in New Zealand. This movie has been surrounded in labor strife from the beginning and it looks like it has finally come to a head with representatives from studios reportedly flying in over the weekend to try hammer out issues with the actors union. We may have to miss out on those sweeping panoramic views of New Zealand that were a staple of the Lord of the Rings trilogy if this movie moves. But knowing Peter Jackson’s talent, I’m sure he will be fine in that department.
Again, first installment comes out December 2012.
