Just a few days ago, we told you that the two parts of The Hobbit had officially gotten a green light by New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. and MGM, and it was officially announced that Peter Jackson would direct both films (The Hobbit: Part 1 and The Hobbit: Part 2), which will be shot in 3D and begin principal photography in February 2011.

Now, Deadline reports that Jackson and Fran Walsh have begun to cast for their trip to Hobbiton. Martin Freeman (Pictured above) who has starred in Sherlock, The Office, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, among many other projects, has been confirmed as the new Bilbo Baggins.

Jackson said about Freeman:

“Despite the various rumours and speculation surrounding this role, there has only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us. 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.”

In addition to Freeman, Richard Armitage (Captain America: The First Avenger, Spooks) has been cast as Thorin Oakenshield, Aidan Turner (Being Human) has been cast as Kili, Rob Kazinsky (EastEnders, Red Tails) has been cast as Fili, Graham McTavish (Prison Break, 24) has been cast as Dwalin, voiceover artist John Callen has been cast as Oin, Stephen Hunter (All Saints) has been cast as Bombur, Mark Hadlow (King Kong) has been cast as Dori and stage actor/director Peter Hambleton has been cast as Gloin.

While Ian McKellan and Andy Serkis are expected to reprise Gandalf and Gollum, it is not known if they have yet made deals to officially join the cast, and James Nesbitt, David Tennant, Stephen Fry, Saoirse Ronan and Bill Nighy are all possibilities for roles in the films.

The Hobbit: Part 1 is currently slated to hit theaters December 2012.

The Hobbit: Part 2 is currently slated to hit theaters December 2013.