Richard Armitage: 'The Hobbit is humorous'

Richard Armitage thinks there will be more "humour" in 'The Hobbit'.

The British actor portrays Thorin Oakenshield in the forthcoming two-part 'Lord of the Rings' prequel and thinks his character and the other dwarves' back-story will make for entertaining viewing for audiences.

He said: “There’s going to be quite a lot more humour.

“The book is so focused on the dwarves, so I think it’s a chance for Peter [Jackson] and Fran [Walsh] to really look at that whole race in more detail, their heritage and what they’re like as characters.”

As well as enjoying the humour, Richard also promised fans will be astonished by the spectacular costumes, in particular the armour – though he admits weaponry such as his character's legendary sword, the Orcrist, was difficult to handle.

He told Total Film magazine: “It’s bloody heavy. But it’s absolutely beautiful to look at. Every time they bring something new out everyone gasps. The armour that the dwarves emerge from the mountain wearing at the end of the film will be the armour of all armour.”

Richard is a fan of the 'Lord of the Rings' series and loves finding links in the new films.

He explained: “There was a scene in 'The Lord of the Rings' where they find the stone trolls, and they’re identical in 'The Hobbit'.

“I love those moments, when you link into the world of the film that you’ve seen before.”

'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' opens on 14 December 2012.