An Epic Ensemble

The Cast of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit"

An Epic Ensemble

The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies, produced by New Line Cinema and WingNut Films, premiered from 2001 to 2014 and became cinematic masterpieces that captivated audiences worldwide. These films featured an all-star ensemble cast that brought J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved characters to life on the silver screen.

The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Elijah Wood portrayed Frodo Baggins, the young hobbit tasked with destroying the One Ring. Ian McKellen embodied the wise and powerful wizard Gandalf. Joining them were Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn, a ranger and heir to the throne of Gondor; Sean Astin as Samwise Gamgee, Frodo's loyal friend and companion; and Orlando Bloom as Legolas, an agile and skilled elf.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

The cast expanded in The Two Towers, with the introduction of Bernard Hill as Théoden, the King of Rohan; Miranda Otto as Éowyn, a fierce warrior and niece of Théoden; and David Wenham as Faramir, a captain of Gondor.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

The epic conclusion of the Lord of the Rings trilogy brought back the main cast and included additional characters, such as Karl Urban as Éomer, Théoden's nephew and a skilled warrior; and Liv Tyler as Arwen, an Elven princess and Aragorn's beloved.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

The Hobbit trilogy, a prequel to The Lord of the Rings, featured a new cast of characters. Martin Freeman took on the role of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who embarks on a journey to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug. Joining him were Ian McKellen as Gandalf, reprising his iconic role, and Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the company of dwarves.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

The second Hobbit film introduced Benedict Cumberbatch as Smaug, the fearsome dragon, and Evangeline Lilly as Tauriel, a Silvan elf and Legolas' love interest.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)

The final installment of The Hobbit trilogy featured a massive battle sequence, with the return of the main cast and the introduction of Luke Evans as Bard the Bowman, a human who leads the defense of Lake-town against Smaug.

The cast of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit created unforgettable performances that brought Tolkien's world to life. Their talent and dedication contributed to the enduring success and popularity of these beloved films.