Overview "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" is the 2012 first installment of Peter Jackson’s film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel The Hobbit. The film follows Bilbo Baggins, played by Martin Freeman, as he joins Gandalf and a company of dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and its treasure from the dragon Smaug. Key themes include adventure vs. comfort, courage and growth, friendship, lineage and the looming shadow of Sauron.