The Hobbit (film series) was written by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Jackson, and Guillermo del Toro, who was originally chosen to direct before his departure from the project. The films take place in the fictional world of Middle-earth sixty years before the beginning of "The Lord of the Rings", and follow hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), who is convinced by the wizard Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen) to accompany thirteen dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage), on a quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch). The films also expand upon certain elements from the novel and
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