Cathy sends this in: The timing couldn’t be more perfect for the announcement of Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins. His most recent work in Sherlock will be premiering in the US this coming week on PBS. Check your local listings for Masterpiece Mystery, which typically airs on Sunday evenings, but here in Los Angeles, KCET will be airing it next Thursday evening. The first episode up is Sherlock: A Study in Pink, where we first meet Afghan war vet Dr.John Watson and his soon to be flat mate Sherlock Holmes. It’s a stunning piece of work for both actors. So for those of you who don’t yet know who Martin Freeman is, check this out and take notes.

Up to date casting new is available at our Hobbit Cast Page.

The announcement of the cast for The Hobbit took place on October 21st, 2010, additional announcements were made on November 1st, 2010.

CAST LIST SO FAR (As of November 1st, 2010)

MARTIN FREEMAN – BILBO BAGGINS CONFIRMED
RICHARD ARMITAGE – THORIN OAKENSHIELD CONFIRMED
AIDAN TURNER – KILI CONFIRMED
ROB KAZINSKY – FILI CONFIRMED
GRAHAM MCTAVISH – DWALIN CONFIRMED
JOHN CALLEN – OIN CONFIRMED
STEPHEN HUNTER – BOMBUR CONFIRMED
MARK HADLOW – DORI CONFIRMED
PETER HAMBLETON – GLOIN CONFIRMED
JAMES NESBITT – BOFUR CONFIRMED
ADAM BROWN – ORI CONFIRMED

Rumored and Speculative

SYLVESTER MCCOY – RADAGAST THE BROWN UNCONFIRMED
BRIAN BLESSED – unknown RUMORED
BILL NIGHY – THE VOICE OF SMAUG RUMORED

VIGGO MORTENSEN – ARAGORN RUMORED
IAN MCKELLEN – GANDALF RUMORED
HUGO WEAVING – ELROND RUMORED
CATE BLANCHETT – GALADRIEL RUMORED
ANDY SERKIS – GOLLUM RUMORED

Unknown Casting or Voice Talent


Balin
Bifur
Nori
Bert
Tom
William
Beorn
Elvenking
Master of Lake-town
Bard
Dain
Eagles
Spiders Etc..

MARTIN FREEMAN – BILBO BAGGINS

Martin John C. Freeman (born 8 September 1971) is an English actor. He is known for his roles as Tim Canterbury in the BBC’s Golden Globe-winning comedy The Office, Arthur Dent in the film adaptation of Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and Dr. John Watson in Sherlock.

Freeman has appeared in at least 18 TV shows, 14 theatre productions, and several radio productions. His most famous role remains that of Tim Canterbury in The Office. He also appeared in the sitcom Hardware. Additionally Freeman has appeared in several films, including Sacha Baron Cohen’s Ali G Indahouse (2002) and Richard Curtis’ Love Actually (2003). As well as his various comic roles, Freeman has also appeared in serious dramatic parts. His most prominent dramatic role to date has been as Lord Shaftesbury in the 2003 BBC historical drama Charles II: The Power and The Passion. He can also be seen making a brief appearance in the first episode of the second series of This Life, helping himself to £30 from Milly and Egg’s bedside table before unknowingly swigging a mouthful of Egg’s urine from a lager can. Freeman also starred in the BBC’s television series The Robinsons. Freeman also had a cameo performance in episode 1 of Black Books.

He had a cameo in Hot Fuzz (2007), a film written by Shaun of the Dead writers Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright, and had a brief non-speaking role in Shaun of the Dead as Yvonne’s boyfriend, Declan. He is in the 2007 film The All Together written & directed by Gavin Claxton. He also appeared along side Roger Lloyd Pack, Jamie Hogarth and Christopher Mellows in the 2007 Bill Kenwright theatre production of The Last Laugh. Continue reading “Meet Your Hobbit Cast”

Shawn sends along this interview with the amazing Simon Pegg, when asked about his Hollywood friends he mentions Martin Freeman and drops this serious bomb, does this mean an announcement is pending?

“Martin’s the anti-me: a soul aficionado and a vinyl junkie – absolutely not a resident of the geek universe. Not the type of person who will relish the attention he’ll get for being Bilbo Baggins. Ha!”

UPDATE: Simon posted this on Twitter this morning. “Woah, woah, woah I did NOT confirm Martin Freeman was in The Hobbit. As far as I know, talks are ongoing. Hope he is. Great choice.”

Discussion board member olipowell has chimed in on the Movie: Hobbit board about casting for Bilbo:

I now know 2 people who have read for Bilbo that I went to Drama school with and I can say categorically they are both entirely unknown outside of the world of theatre & bit TV parts. So…they ARE seeing and have seen unknowns and I would not be surprised if that is the route they take.

Join in on the discussion!  [Discuss]

TORn staffer Garfeimeo wrote in to let us know the date for the LA area Baggins Birthday Bash has changed from Sunday, September 20 to Saturday, September 26. All the other details remain the same: Southern California Tolkien fans are invited to join in the merriment of TORN’s Annual Baggins Birhday Bash, which will take place on Saturday Sept 26 starting at noon in Griffith Park near the Merry-Go-Round. Costumes are encouraged, and prizes will be bestowed upon the most beautifully or most creatively attired lads and ladies. There will also be fun and games, as usual, and maybe even the traditional impersonation contest (if partygoers are up to it). There will be lots of wonderful prizes to be won. The picnic is potluck so bring something to share. RSVP to Garfeimao@theonering.net. Please let me know what you plan to bring so I can make sure we’ve got all bases covered for a good, Hobbity meal.

For directions, visit the original story here.