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bradofarrell:

AP, London - Life is about to get much different for John Krasinski. The star of the American version of “The Office” will suit up as Bilbo Baggins in the two-part “Lord of the Rings” prequel “The Hobbit.”

“Despite the various rumors that the role would go to Martin Freeman, there has only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us,” director Peter Jackson said in a statement released on Thursday, according to BBC News. He called the 32-year-old Krasinski ”a likable cool guy — exactly like Bilbo,” and said he was perfect for the role. “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 John,” Jackson said.

Krasinski will inhabit the Shire alongside a crew of other lesser-known actors including Richard Armitage (“Captain America: The First Avenger”) as Thorin Oakenshield, Aidan Turner (“Being Human”) as Kili, Rob Kazinsky (“EastEnders”) as Fili, Graham McTavish (“Secretariat”) as Dwalin, John Callen as Olin, Stephen Hunter as Bombur, Mark Hadlow as Dori and Peter Hambleton as Gloin.

Martin Freeman, who was originally considered for the role, told reporters “Krasinski will do a great job. We’re good friends. I know he’ll be able to bring Bilbo to life on screen with the same smirky wit that made him so vibrant on the page.”