First Look at Thorin Oakenshield from Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit”

For the past week, we have been treated to a wonderful first look at the faithful Dwarves who follow Bilbo in his adventures in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit. Today, we get a first look at one of the major characters: Thorin Oakenshield. Played by Richard Armitage, Thorin is the leader of the Company of Dwarves. Check out the picture below (via TheOneRing.net)

As a young Dwarf prince, Thorin witnessed the destruction and terror wrought when a great fire-breathing Dragon attacked the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor. After slaughtering many of Thorin’s kin, the great serpent, Smaug, entered The Lonely Mountain and took possession of its vast store of gold and jewels. No-one came to the aid of the surviving Dwarves, and thus, a once proud and noble race was forced into exile. Through long years of hardship, Thorin grew to be a strong and fearless fighter and revered leader. In his heart a fierce desire grew; a desire to reclaim his homeland and destroy the beast that had brought such misery upon his people. So when fate offers him an unusual ally, he seizes the chance for revenge.

The Hobbit stars Martin Freeman, Ian McKellan,, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, James Nesbitt, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, and Andy Serkis. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will hit movie theaters in 3D on December 14, 2012.