Warner Bros./New Line Cinema and MGM announced in a joint press release that Martin Freeman (“The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”) will play Bilbo Baggins in “The Hobbit,” to be direct by Peter Jackson.

“Despite the various rumours and speculation surrounding this role, there has only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us. There are a few times in your career when you come across an actor who you know was born to play a role, but that was the case as soon as I met Martin. He is intelligent, funny, surprising and brave – exactly like Bilbo and I feel incredibly proud to be able to announce that he is our Hobbit,” Jackson said in the release.

Indeed, Freeman has long been rumored for the role so the announcement didn’t come as much of a surprise to those following the project’s development.

Also included were tentative dates for the release of “The Hobbit” and its sequel — December 2012 and 2013, respectively.

Other casting bits include:

Richard Armitage (“Captain America: The First Avenger”)……..Thorin Oakenshield, head of the Company of Dwarves.
Aidan Turner (TV’s “Being Human”)……………………………………..Kili the dwarf
Rob Kazinsky (“Red Tails”)………………………………………………….Fili the dwarf
Graham McTavish (“Rambo”)…………………………………………….Dwalin
John Callen……………………………………………………………………..Oin
Stephen Hunter……………………………………………………………….Bombur
Mark Hadlow (“King Kong”)…………………………………………………Dori
Peter Hambleton……………………………………………………………..Gloin