The Project Magazine’s latest issue features an interview with Richard Armitage where he speaks about bagging the role of Thorin Oakenshield in The Hobbit.
You’ve got a nice gig in The Hobbit. How did a strapping 6’2” chap like yourself get the part of a dwarf?
I’d been in and read for a couple of roles, and been through the initial casting for Thorin Oakenshield, but not for one minute did I think that I’d end up getting the part. So when I was told that it had come my way, I was completely incredulous. At that point the film hadn’t been given the green light, so I didn’t think it was going to happen, even to the point where I was on set, in costume. And then I’m in front of Peter Jackson and I finally think, ‘OK, I am going to be playing this part.
Were there any reservations about taking on a job that would last so long?
None at all. In fact, I had to wiggle my way out of some other situations that were very, very complicated. It would have been much easier to say ‘OK, I’ll let it go.’ But there was no doubt in my mind that this was for me. If someone told me this was going to be the last piece of work I ever do, I think I’d be alright with that. I don’t want it to be, but I think I would be satisfied.
Thanks to message board member mulubinba for the heads-up on this one.
