Martin Freeman confirmed as Hobbit

Martin Freeman has been confirmed to play Bilbo Baggins in upcoming movie 'The Hobbit'.

The 39-year-old British actor had been hotly tipped to play hero Bilbo in director Peter Jackson’s adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy book, and Peter has now revealed the rumours were true.

Peter thinks Martin is perfect for the role because of his great sense of humour, valiant attitude and excellent acting skills.

“Despite the various rumours and speculation surrounding this role, there has only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us,” he beamed in a statement, where he described the actor as “intelligent, funny, surprising, and brave — exactly like Bilbo.”

'The Hobbit: Part 1' will follow Martin’s character as he travels to the Lonely Mountain with a group of dwarves in a bid to retrieve treasure that a dragon called Smaug has taken from them.

Talented Martin is best known for his roles in quirky comedies such as 'Hot Fuzz' and 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy', as well as starring in the original UK version of Ricky Gervais’ mock fly-on-the-wall show 'The Office'.

He will be joined in the film by a host of other talented actors including star of British television Richard Armitage, who will play Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the company of Dwarves. Irish actor Aidan Turner and English actor Rob Kazinsky will play the Dwarves Fili and Kili.