Richard Armitage was a bossy dwarf

'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' actor Richard Amitage relished being able to take control of 13 fellow dwarves during a boot camp in preparation for the film.


The 41-year-old actor - who plays powerful dwarf warrior Thorin Oakenshiel - enjoyed taking on the role of leader and taking control of the unruly gang of 13 dwarves during a physically demanding boot camp.

He explained: ''There was one improvisation that we did during our dwarf boot camp where we were taken outside and it was the first time that I actually found the confidence to command a crack unit of troops. We were crouching in tress and building campfires...

''It was brilliant to feel the aura amongst the dwarves. I think the training process we went through, the physical, really bonded us together and I think when we came to work on set it was pretty moving.''

Richard's revenge-consumed character Thorin is on a mission to reclaim his father's lost kingdom of Erabor from Smaug the dragon, but the actor admits he is actually extremely laid back as person so it was a challenge to embody his alter ego.

Speaking at the press conference for 'The Hobbit' at London's Claridge's Hotel, he told BANG Showbiz: ''He's got quite a lot to be angry about I think! For Thorin it's very much a now or never moment.

''One of the Nordic translations for Thorin comes from Thor and I feel he carries that thunder very much in his heart. As a person I'm quite calm and placid so it's nice to give vent to a little anger!''