Martin Freeman To Play Bilbo Baggins In 'The Hobbit'

Filmmaker Peter Jackson has announced his cast for the highly-anticipated The Hobbit movie, which will start shooting in February.

After months of rumors, he confirms Martin Freeman will play hero Bilbo Baggins and Richard Armitage will portray Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the Dwarves. And the director is thrilled about his lead actor, calling Freeman "exactly like Bilbo and I feel incredibly proud to be able to announce that he is our Hobbit."

Jackson insists Armitage is among "the most exciting and dynamic actors working on screen today."

The film, like Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy, is based on the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien.