A British actor most famous for playing practical jokes on The Office will soon play the part of Middle-earth's most esteemed hobbit.

Martin Freeman will play the role of Bilbo Baggins in the upcoming two-part screen adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkein's The Hobbit, according to casting information released Friday.

"Despite the various rumors and speculation surrounding this role, there has only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us," director Peter Jackson said in a press release. "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."

Freeman played staff cut-up Tim Canterbury on the U.K. version of The Office before taking on the role of Dr. John Watson in BBC detective show Sherlock.

Other The Hobbit cast members confirmed include:

• Richard Armitage (Captain America: The First Avenger) as Thorin Oakenshield

• Aidan Turner (Being Human) as Kili

• Rob Kazinsky (EastEnders) Fili

• Graham McTavish (The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes) as Dwalin

• John Callen (Power Rangers Jungle Fury) as Oin

• Stephen Hunter (All Saints) as Bombur

• Mark Hadlow (King Kong) as Dori

• Peter Hambleton (The Strip) as Gloin

The first part of The Hobbit is scheduled for release in December 2011, with the second half to follow a year later.

Follow us on Twitter: @lewiswallace and @theunderwire.

See Also: