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
The History of The Hobbit to "The Hobbit", including abandoned revisions for the unpublished third edition of the work, intended for 1960, as well as previously unpublished original maps and illustrations drawn by Tolkien himself. "The History of" The Hobbit: "Volume I: Mr. Baggins". This contains the first half of Tolkien’s draft material for "The Hobbit", along with commentary. It was published in the UK on 4 May 2007. "The History of" The Hobbit: "Volume II: Return to Bag-End", contains the last half of Tolkien’s original manuscript draft, with commentary and later drafts and appendices. It was published in the UK on 18 June 2007.