There was a lot of bad press from The Shire today. Peter Jackson and the New Zealand actor unions continue to squabble, and it seems The Hobbit will probably move its production to London. Home to Tolkien, certainly, but a shame for the lovely country of New Zealand.

But now we’ve got the first good news out of The Hobbit since Peter Jackson & Company kissed and made up with the studios. The Hollywood Reporter broke the casting news late today, and it is as follows:

Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins (and can we get a holy shit, I can’t believe that?)

Richard Armitage will play Thorin Oakenshield. I love Armitage, and he seems a little dashing for a dwarf, but it’s good to see him moving up in the world. Very excited for him.

Aidan Turner and Rob Kazinsky will play Kili and Fili. 

Graham McTavish is Dwalin

John Callen  is Oin

Stephen Hunter is Bombur

Mark Hadlow is Dori

Peter Hambleton is Gloin. 

And it seems this is really going to happen. We’re finally going to see The Hobbit.  Rejoice amongst yourselves, and know that this is just the beginning of all the news that’s going to pour out. Good news, I hope. Nothing but good.