The Hobbit (film series) as saying, "Despite the various rumours 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 Freeman. 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." Later in October, it was revealed that several other cast members had joined the project, including Richard Armitage as Thorin
Middle-earth dwarf characters following 13 dwarves; their quest in "The Hobbit" is the main impetus of the plot of that story. Their quest, which occurred in , was joined by Bilbo Baggins (a hobbit) and occasionally by the wizard Gandalf. Thorin II Oakenshield ( – 2941) was the King of Durin's Folk who led the expedition to destroy Smaug in T.A. 2941 and was slain in the Battle of Five Armies. In Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit" film trilogy, Thorin is portrayed by Richard Armitage. Balin ( – 2994) was one of the twelve companions of Thorin and Bilbo Baggins on the Quest of