I'm sure you are super excited waiting for the premier of Peter Jackson's fantasy saga THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY which opens in theatres this December 14th. Celebrating the release of the wonderful character posters for the film, here's the spotlight on all of the main heroes of the epic adventure.
Cate Blanchett is playing Galadriel, beautiful Elven queen. She doesn't appear in THE HOBBIT book, but Peter Jackson said there will be a backstory of the White Council which she summoned trying to fight of evil Sauron, but didn't succeed and that's why she redoubled her watchfulness in Lorien in which she had escaped after Sauron had destroyed her kingdom of Eregion. She and her husband Lord Celeborn rule Lothlorien. Cate Blanchett was the first returning cast member from "The Lord of the Rings" film trilogy to be cast in the films and it is quite possible that she will again narrate the saga with her velvety voice.
GALADRIEL
GANDALF AND THORIN
Richard Armitage will play Thorin Oakenshield, a strong and fearless fighter and revered leader of Dwarves, who wants to reclaim his kingdom from the evil dragon Smaug who took their homes and fortune and forced once proud and noble race into exile. In his wish to return
the vast treasure of his homeland Erebor, he will bring twelve dwarves with him to Bilbo Baggins’ front door and that's how The Quest of Erebor will begin! Sir Ian McKellen is Gandalf the Grey, a powerful wizard who has built deep relationships over time with great lords of Dwarves, Men and Elves. He will mobilize Dwarves and Bilbo to seek the Lonely Mountain.
BILBO AND GOLLUM
Martin Freeman is Bilbo Baggins, a very well-to-do hobbit living a contented life in the peaceful lands of the Shire, when his accidental wish for adventure comes true with the unexpected arrival of a Wizard and a clutch of Dwarves. He will earn the trust and friendship of
his Dwarvish traveling party during their quest and will form lasting friendships with the Elves of Mirkwood and Rivendell and the Men of Lake-town. He will also meet Gollum for the first time, played by Andy Serkis.
KILI AND FILI
Two of the Dwarfish princes, presumably two brothers, the nephews of Thorin, are the youngest members of Thorin's company. Irish actor
Aidan Turner from BEING HUMAN plays Kili, while Fili is portrayed by New Zealand actor Dean O'Gorman.
DORI AND BOMBUR
Bombur is played by Stephen Hunter. Bombur is described in the novel as being fat and clumsy, he is the brother of Bofur and the cousin of Bifur. He loved meals above anything else and when he was put
asleep in Mirkwood he dreamt he was eating forever. Dori is played by Mark Hadlow. Dori is a decent fellow, despite his grumbling, and Thorin described him as being the strongest member of the Company.
BIFUR AND BOFUR
Bifur is played by William Kircher. The remnant of a goblin-axe in Bifur's forehead renders him incapable of speech, leaving him to
communicate via gestures and grunts. Bofur is played by James Nesbitt. Cousin of Bifur and Bombur is a disarmingly forthright, funny and occasionally brave Dwarf.
DWALIN AND BALIN
Dwalin is played by Graham McTavish, and he is the brother of Balin, who is Bilbo's ancient friend. Ken Stott portrays Balin who
the dwarves describe as always their look-out man. He is one of the few survivors of the Battle of Five Armies!
GLOIN AND OIN
Gloin is played by Peter Hambleton and is most famous as the father of Gimli, the beloved Dwarf from LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy. Oin is his brother played by John Callen. He is almost 200 years old.
NORI AND ORI
Nori is portrayed by Jed Brophy. He is the brother of Ori and Dori. Ori is played by Adam Brown who never played on film before and this is his first movie appearance.
HOBBIT TIDBITS
Peter Hambleton as Gloin, the father of Gimli, will not be the only father whose son appears in LORD OF THE RINGS: Lee Pace plays elven king Thranduil the father of Orlando Bloom's Legolas from LORD OF THE RINGS. Saoirse Ronan and Robert Kazinski are
two unfortunate stars who dropped out of what is now probably the biggest epic film in this decade. David Tennant was rumoured for the role of Thranduil before Lee Pace got the role, while Martin Freeman's role of Bilbo was first meant for Tobey Maguire, James McAvoy and Shia LaBeouf. THE HOBBIT is the first feature film to be shot and projected at 48 frames per second, twice as fast as the industry standard of 24 frames. The intention of this is to provide the film smoother, more realistic motion with reduced strobing. Luke Evans probably won't appear in the first film but in the second or third one. He plays Bard of Esgaroth, a skilled archer and the heir of Girion, the last king of old Dale, described as "grim faced". He rallies the guards
to defend the town when the dragon comes, and slays the dragon himself. He later leads the Men of Esgaroth at the Battle of Five Armies and is crowned king of the re-founded Dale. Manu Benett, famous Crixus from SPARTACUS epic show, will play Azog, an Orc chieftain of Moria. Evangeline Lily will play Tauriel, Chief of the Guards for the Elvenking, Thranduil!
