Put-upon Office drudge to trudge middle-Earth with Peter Jackson...?

Only yesterday a press release circulated across the internet stating that, after many problems both financial and directorial, The Hobbit had finally been given the green light and filming would commence in Februrary.

Now, if that wasn’t enough for the Tolkien-obsessed amongst us, the web is once again alight with speculation and rumour, with the latest rumours being as to who has landed the role of the film's lead, Bilbo Baggins. If all is to be believed, Martin Freeman, best known for his roles in cult favourite The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and hit British sitcom The Office, has been officially cast in the role, seeing off competition from James Nesbitt and David Tennant.

While excited by this, I think that this may change when filming eventually begins. Freeman was brilliant in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy but I am unsure as to whether his repertoire can support such a pivotal role. This film is going to be the blockbuster of its year and the media following is already at breaking point. I only hope that Freeman can build on his initial success and deliver a performance that can live up to the film's pre-established expectations.

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