There are many wonderful extremely talented actors and actresses who worked on these three Hobbit films. And aren't we all glad Peter directed them all? No matter if they are returning cast from The Lord of the Rings or if they are new to the family, they are all wonderful and let their names be passed down in loving memory for all time! Here I write my thoughts concerning a few of them...
Martin Freeman-Bilbo Baggins
I can vividly remember when I first saw Bilbo sitting on his bench outside as Gandalf came up to meet him in An Unexpected Journey. And it was then I truly saw Bilbo. Until I saw Martin bring to life this iconic Hobbit I did not realize how very interesting and wonderful the character of Bilbo could be. He has become one my favourite Middle-earth characters. Martin has played him in such a way almost anyone can relate to what Bilbo does and what he is going through. As the films progress, you can see that Bilbo grows from a home-loving Hobbit of Bag End to the unexpected and greatest hero of the venture. And in this Martin strikes the perfect chords as the character gradually changes. More than once it is Bilbo's choices that ultimately direct the course of the entire journey. From the moment Bilbo's house becomes intruded by more than enough dwarves to when he steps back into his house after more than a year of being away, you believe in him. And there is no one else better suited than Martin to portray this Mr. Baggins. I watched the BBC Sherlock TV series after watching the first Hobbit film and was very excited to see Martin as Dr. Watson! But I just couldn't help but think of Bilbo almost every second I saw him. Martin is Bilbo, and so he will always be.
Richard Armitage-Thorin Oakensheild
Richard Armatage's performance is phenomenal here! His portrayal of Thorin is spot on and the best that could be done. I especially love the sequences in the final Hobbit film when Thorin is under the dragon-gold sickness. From when you first meet Thorin in Bag End to when you see him finally and truly accepting Bilbo and finding that he realizes how important Bilbo is to the journey. You understand just what Thorin is going through, he may be a shady character but he has his moments of light, and when he finally realizes something he remembers it forever. Finding Thorin was probably no easy task for Peter, and yet I cannot see how they could have casted any better. Richard gives such a rich performance that you cannot help but believe. To think Richard is actually this kind, quiet-spoken guy who can belt out the anger of Thorin and the madness is true talent. I tip my hat low to you Mr. Armitage.
Ian McKellen-Gandalf the Grey
He is Gandalf! Need I say more? Well, yes! 'Cause he's Gandalf and always will be. First time you see him riding down the Hobbiton road in The Fellowship of the Ring you immediately know it's Gandalf. The pointed grey hat and the rugged grey robes says everything. From his warm father-like demeanor to his strong will to preserve the good within Middle-earth, he is truly the guardian of Middle-earth. Ian McKellen has given us all we could ever hope to see in Gandalf, and more! Ian has been acting many years and knows his stuff, I am sure it was an honour to get him for the role of Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings and then back for The Hobbit over ten years later. I'm sure Ian has enjoyed it just as much as everyone else and it is always a joy to watch Gandalf on screen, just because Ian is always so deep and true with his portrayal. Never will I tire of Gandalf or any of the characters of Middle-earth.
Cate Blanchett-Galadriel, Lady of Light
She may not have much screen time, but when she does, you can feel her presence! Cate's portrayal of the great Elven Queen; Galadriel is remarkable. In the short time you see her character in both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings you truly understand the power and wisdom she holds. I personally relish in the amazing sequence she has in the final Hobbit film. In all, Cate is a wonderfully elegant person, inside and out. She is Galadriel, no matter who else she may be in the years to come.
Lee Pace-Elvenking Thranduil
He's cold, hard and uneasily swayed from his path. Lee Pace gives us a perfect portrayal of Thranduil, Elvenking of Mirkwood (Greenwood). But even though Thranduil may seem like he has no care for those outside his realm and those who care for him he truly does know what is right deep down. He only needs to be shown the right path, in which Legolas and Tauriel do. And in the end, Thranduil realizes what is truly important in life--love. Not jewels or wealth. Like many of the new actors in The Hobbit I hadn't seen Lee before. But as everyone else, he nails it and when you see him behind the scenes as himself you think :How can that nice guy play someone like Thranduil? Well, that's the genus of it! Lee along with the rest of these actors are phenomenal at what they do and they make you believe.
Evangeline Lilly-Tauriel, Daughter of Mirkwood
First of all, she's amazing. Both Evangeline and Tauriel, and she fits perfectly in Middle-earth. She is played beautifully and realistically by Ms. Lilly, I can't imagine any of the Hobbit films without her. Besides, Evangeline is simply a wonderful person and a great pleasure to be around. No, I haven't met her, but from what I've seen, I know it to be true. Evangeline is now one of my most favourite actresses and I can't wait to see her in other film projects. Seeing her in The Hobbit was first time I found out about her along with many other performers in these films. I really feel like I can relate to her too, and it's not just because we share the same hair colour, eye colour and are the same height. It just gives me hope I am an elf at least in part. Also, I feel very happy that she has been blessed with this experience to bring Tauriel to life.
Luke Evans-Bard the Bowman
No one is better suited for Bard other than Luke Evans. Honestly Luke, we couldn't have asked for any more. I'm honestly just glad they didn't make Bard look like I imagined he would as I read the book. The Bard of the films is a much deeper character and you can truly see the fullness Peter, Fran and Phillipa put into Bard. Luke has completed their vision by bring Bard to life through both his bow and his Welsh accent. I had actually seen Luke in the 2011 The Three Musketeers as Aramis, and I do believe that was good training for him for this role. Couldn't imagine anyone else as Bard, Luke nails him to the finish.
Orlando Bloom-Legolas Greenleaf
Have you ever had that feeling of this deep connection with someone the first time you laid eyes on them? That was the case with Orlando. I first saw him as Legolas when I was ten years old, and I kid you not, it was love at first sight (If you believe in that sort of thing). I've never forgotten him and will always hold him close to my heart. Legolas has been my favourite character since the beginning. And when I heard he was coming back in The Hobbit I cannot explain the joy that I felt! Of course I had the misconception he was going to be in the first movie, and I can't tell you how disappointed I was when I saw he wasn't. But I recovered when I saw him in the second film. And I relished in how much dialogue Legolas was given in the third film. I love the storyline they have given for Legolas in the Hobbit films as well, it was more than I could have ever asked for. And Orlando will always remain in my heart.
Benedict Cumberbatch-Smaug/Sauron
Just the way Benedict goes all-out for his performances...tells you everything. When you cast Benedict, you get the real deal. He went and studied reptiles on his own so he could portray Smaug to the best of his ability. When your actor goes above and beyond, you shan't be disappointed in what you're going to be delivered, and it is such the case here. As for his performance of Sauron, the great dark Lord of all evil, even though this character is seen little in The Hobbit you completely understand how powerful and dangerous he is. Benedict, no need for a take two!
I love the whole cast of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit and I think they are all of wonderfully talented and special people. Peter knows how to choose his performers and somehow they happen to be the awesomest people. And at the end of the day they're all real people. Of course if I did meet one of them I'd be very excited, and I hope I'd keep my cool...of course I would! And here's a wonderful bonus cast picture below that is simply the best:
Love from Rosie!