Production continues on the highly-anticipated two-part prequel The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, which hits theaters nationwide on December 14, 2012. Today we have the first look at the dwarf Thorin Oakenshield, as portrayed by Richard Armitage. Click on the photo below to access our full gallery, and read on below the photo for a character description of Thorin Oakenshield.

As a young Dwarf prince, Thorin witnessed the destruction and terror wrought when a great fire-breathing Dragon attacked the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor. After slaughtering many of Thorin's kin, the great serpent, Smaug, entered The Lonely Mountain and took possession of its vast store of gold and jewels. No-one came to the aid of the surviving Dwarves, and thus, a once proud and noble race was forced into exile. Through long years of hardship, Thorin grew to be a strong and fearless fighter and revered leader. In his heart a fierce desire grew; a desire to reclaim his homeland and destroy the beast that had brought such misery upon his people. So when fate offers him an unusual ally, he seizes the chance for revenge.