Richard Armitage: The Hobbit - Popcorn Taxi Q&A, Sydney, 2013

In 2013, Richard Armitage came to Popcorn Taxi - and brought his army with him! 700 cheering members of the Armitage Army came to the Cremorne Orpheum to hear Thorin Oakenshield discuss his work, his career, and himself. A candid, light-hearted evening ensued and fans left genuinely thrilled, as they got to listen to (and speak to) the King of the Dwarves, before seeing a screening of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, in honour of the film's BD, DVD and Ultraviolet release. For more from the evening:
www.popcorntaxi.com.au
If you were lucky enough to be there on the night, relive the experience now. We've also spliced in some fantastic Behind The Scenes footage from The Hobbit, which you may not (although probably might) have seen before.
If you couldn't make it, get ready to see what Richard Armitage is like when he lets his hair down. Of course Richard spoke about The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, but he also hinted at what was to come in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - in particular leaving the audience with the mental image of Benedict Cumberbatch working in a MoCap suit as Smaug - and most poignantly, a very personal thought about the very deepest part of Thorin Oakenshield's character.
Oh. And yeah, find out about 'Dwarves Illustrated 2012'.

[@DerekBartlettBeorn]

"What happened... in the calendar... STAYS... in the calendar."

[@gru6le]

I think if Tolkien could meet Richard Armitage, he would really like him.

[@alyssacollinwood1057]

Yes he would

[@DeeMorrison818]

Definitely. The entire movie is a huge favorite of mine.

[@MrShenhai]

In the book, Thorin was described as being really good with the harp. I kinda wished to see a scene where Richard would sing while playing a harp. It would have suited his majestic yet gentle aura.

[@gingermintrose]

This is the best of interview RA has given so far. He is engaging, relaxed, funny, self-deprecating, informative; he also demonstrates intelligence and reflective sensibility to any subject in this interview. His good looks and charming demeanor doesn't hurt either. It is impossible not to love RA.

[@joyceedelman7290]

Rosie Segil next

[@alyssacollinwood1057]

Yes

[@spunkbutter6757]

He is such a romantic! Looks, brains, and a belief in love.... he has the whole package! :)

[@emmawoodhouse6644]

The way you can see the real thorin is looking into thorin's eyes... it is so trueeee!!!! Thorin is a very shakespearean hero, in my opinion.

[@prolifepinay]

It amazes me that he can still lower his voice when he's "whispering" something he "can't talk about" from movies 2 and 3. Also when he says, "That's a real spoiler." What a sexy voice!

[@messysg1]

I love the intelligent questions by the audience. So much better than the typical giddy fan question.

[@jannelleliu5286]

i love how he threw in a couple of jokes to make the interview more enjoyable.

[@jimefowks]

Amazing actor, I hope he keeps getting interesting and bigger roles. And he's such an inteligent, well-spoken, manly and attractive man...*dies*

[@panggamahal5571]

jimefowks indeed

[@Sing4aLifetime09]

Richard Armitage! He fantasizes about being a romantic and heroic sort of actor, but he says he has an ominous and dangerous appearance. Is he blind? Is he deaf? No! He is neither. He is merely filled with an incredible humility and gratitude that makes us adore him, not just for the roles he portrays, but for WHO HE IS INSIDE AND OUT! I read somewhere that one of his followers expressed a concern that with increased popularity, he may go the way of Gerard Butler. NO WAY THAT COULD HAPPEN. There is no arrogance, pomposity or bloated egotism in this man. He is as genuine as he seems. I can hardly sleep without thinking what a joy he is to the world, at least to mine. Chrys Page

[@desertrose6670]

Are you implying that Gerard is arrogant? I don't think so. I think that Richard is an introvert, whereas Gerard is not, or at least less than Richard. No need to cut Gerard down to lift Richard up. Both are great guys, just different temperaments. I wish we could go back before 300, but I am extremely happy not to mention proud of Gerard. Same for Richard, of course.

[@desertrose6670]

And the reason I wish we could go back before 300 is for a completely selfish reason: before 300 I could pretend or know that Gerard was a great secret...now I have to share him with more people. It's great to wish Richard well, with much success but there is a sacrifice for his success, too. I love them both.

[@AS-yz2iz]

And yet he has played the romantic lead in North and South. A dark one, but one that has captured the hearts of all who have watched it.

[@doramarkota5427]

His voice is sooo calm and deep I colud listen him all the time 😄

[@AlexandraVioletta]

He is a narrator for AUDIBLE 😍😉

[@TonyStark-ow1ku]

Every single time when he speaks i could melt

[@DerekBartlettBeorn]

23:11 "I'm a huge fan of his" something so humbling about that, you know? Hearing from an awesome actor like him

[@ascier6150]

Derek Bartlett very true that makes him more adorable

[@monikakohler2913]

i find richard a perfect actor, i love him.

[@janekhrishasandigan9375]

I could listen to his voice all over again.

[@xybelle5725]

Smart, talented and gorgeous actor :)

[@whereyat89]

And sensitive and self-deprecating. And romantic. Every woman in the audience had to be thinking oh hel* no when he said "dangerous appearance" . He is sweet. I hope he gets the romantic and hero roles he wants.

[@MsCookieJonas]

That last answer!!!! I absolutely melted!!!! RICHARD HOW CAN YOU BE SO FLIPPING PERFECT

[@KarensChannel1]

This is the best interview I've ever seen. The interviewer, as well as the fans, asked a lot of really great questions. I love how much thought Richard puts into his character. If I could choose any one person to just go out for coffee and talk with, it would be Richard Armitage. He is such a class act!

[@Daystar311]

He was really great as Thorin, who went through different moods and emotions throughout. He was also one of the handsome dwarves!

[@KayleeSJonas]

I think I'm in love

[@A_listener]

He is so talented. Sign...

[@whereyat89]

hee hee, you meant *sigh*

[@zelt36]

he looks so relaxed and happy throughout this whole interview, it makes me so happy.

[@whereyat89]

I love how he answers questions.

[@panggamahal5571]

whereyat89 very respectful and brilliant

[@Yimeon]

Peaceful voice

[@petahearn]

im in love with this man... swoon

[@mrtutrle2626]

Oh yes.

[@meganw9595]

Ok, if this is the same for anyone else, tell me. EVERY time Richard is talking, I instantly think it's Thorin, because his voice is just SO unique. And then when Richard cracks a joke I have to remind myself that it's Richard and not Thorin. Jesus. XDDDD

[@namblue100]

A class act and a class apart from the rest, for sure. Each one of his interviews is such pleasure to listen to. A keen, intelligent and sensitive actor. Love reading the messages he posts for all his well-wishers too. He is such a sweetheart. Wish we get to hear him play the cello (or flute) in some future work.

[@vanessacardui8487]

that last answer to that last question was a real lady's choice. lady fans really loved that, I bet.

[@LaranjaChannel]

yes, yes we did

[@vanessacardui8487]

mm hmm girl amen to that

[@whereyat89]

Alot of sighing and swooning going on in that audience ! A sweetheart.

[@kipperL1]

wow he just looks so handsome in that elvish blazer. Such a modest and cute actor, and i'm glad he's british. 😊

[@AlexandraVioletta]

With this behavior he only could be british... Hope you understand my English. No native speaker.

[@Rayzar1210]

He was responding to the "AAWWWWW" that the ladies were saying in response to his great answer about asking if there was a love of Thorin's life.

[@knightleyemma]

WOW- one of the BEST RA interviews!!!

[@whereyat89]

A good interview. Thank you. I love the bit about 'fantasize about being a romantic hero.' Wow. Sigh. He is self-deprecating and sweet. He should be a wayyy bigger star.

[@hartrichard3768]

Never tired of this beautiful man and his Brilliance 😍

[@shadwbrokr]

Such a beautiful and humorous interview. Richard has so much talent and I am looking forward to what he plans on doing next.

[@panggamahal5571]

Best answers. So smart, very intelligent, exquisite_.

[@jadehorses1]

Leaving trolls to one side for the moment, I'd like to say how envious I am of all those ladies in Oz who were lucky enough to see this live. I'd like to thank you guys for making such a wonderful audience and for asking all those great questions. I'm sure he felt very comfortable with you all and that's why he gave such a funny and relaxed interview. All the interviews he has given to promote The Hobbit have been very good but this one is the best.

[@jadehorses1]

Yes, I agree with you that book!Thorin is a bit of a bore but you can see from RA's interviews how much effort he has put into this role to make film!Thorin into a fascinating and multilayered character. Audiences are already very attached to him and we will all doubtless cry over him in the final film. Brilliant interpretation! And this is yet another excellent interview from him with some fine editing from Popcorn Taxi. Thank you very much, PT!

[@SPCrosbysGirl87]

LOL I seriously LOVE his face when they were talking about who'd win a cage fight between Dwalin and Thorin! Classic lol I love that man..he's just so incredibly talented, classy, intelligent and funny!!! :-)

[@MsFoxfyre1]

He's perfectly imperfect 👑💖. Love him as an actor.

[@StahlUndAsche]

Richard Armitage's voice. Phwoar

[@hartrichard3768]

The King and A Gentleman 😘😍😍

[@roxieashes48]

he did play a romantic character! In North and South!

[@TheSsarma]

And he was very good and Hot

[@margplsr3120]

This guy is amazing - great answers

[@attackmode33]

love Richard love Richard love Richard just love Richard

[@bg4995]

He's such a pleasure to watch and listen to...

[@McFlyLover92]

oh, Tolkien... I do not approve of the fate you wrote for Thorin...

[@A_Little_Bit_Of_Everything06]

Me rn

[@MegaDniela]

Ok, I had to stop to watch his interviews because I was getting a little bit to much obsessed by him...and now watching this I'm in love again...oh shit...I have to stop this..."he wouldn't have me" ...

[@juliaaleksandra3764]

18:15 - Favorite part

[@remsan03]

Not only Peter Jackson... I lost my pants too over Richard Armitage... HOT!!!

[@bec2758]

I was very fortunate to be there in the front row - but its wonderful to be able to watch it again - thank you!

[@Trissana281]

Every minute of this video was thrilling! I love his personality, he is such a sweetheart. Thank you so much for uploading.

[@zbojnicka]

something about beards: the beard shows your wisdom, it gives you courage, it protects you in winter, it makes you unique and handsome, every true king has a beard, because it gives you a strength. RICHARD PLEASE DO NOT SHAVE YOURSELF!!!

[@AlexandraVioletta]

Theoden also has a beard. But Thranduil not 😁

[@Alisonloving]

God I love him soooo much!

[@haibinhnguyen3946]

Aw I love him ❤️❤️❤️

[@linajurgensen4698]

Love him❤️

[@siennamargeaux8413]

Thank you for this vid! Living in the farthest reaches of this planet, I can only dream of seeing Richard in person. =( I am so excited for DoS. A lot of fans are eager to see Legolas and other new characters. I am too, but it's Thorin I really love to see again and how RA develops his character. Fantastic actor and *such* an adorable man. It's unbearable!

[@equestrianrosie]

he always gives such great interviews

[@shieldmaiden1749]

Calendar story starts around 6.55

[@vampire6311]

I absolutely love this man.

[@REDROBINS007]

i can't wait to see the scene with Thorin and Kili if it's as sad as he lets on I'll be in tears.

[@batwolf1148]

finally a good australian interview about the hobbit

[@messysg1]

Richard should be the next James Bond

[@Kiririri71]

Mr Armitage! 😍😍💙💖

[@blueskybelyr]

Absolutely marvellous interview, Richard Armitage is a very cool, intelligent guy.

[@DRLDeBoer]

FANtastic, thanxxx so much!!!

[@flodwyns]

Thank you! A wonderful reminder of a brilliant night!

[@juanitacarrasco1430]

Love this!!!

[@crystalchandlyre3253]

This is just the best. Worth the wait. Thank you folks so much!

[@kymodriscoll7759]

I only a live 2hr flight from Sydney. Had I known RA was in Australia I would have definitely made the effort to go there. Another missed chance of meeting RA, drat.

[@tehi08]

This is a good video about a memorable evening. Many thanks.

[@mezzym01]

Watched this with a big grin on my face the whole time. It brings back such wonderful memories. Richard was the perfect guest - charming, funny, thoughtful and engaging. Thank you!

[@1938gwen]

Thank you so much for providing this video. The night itself was unforgettable and to have this as a memento is just marvellous.

[@RichardArmitageNet]

Great questions and fascinating answers from our Richard. Thank you for sharing this video for those of us who were not able to attend.

[@SeraphimGal]

Brilliant interview! My favourite one by far! Such great questions asked and such wonderful answers! Richard is looking so adorable with his beard [well, he always looks adorable] and I cannot wait for the next movie it's going to be sooo aweosme! I cannot say anything else but thank you for interviewing and posting and God bless Richard-such a gentleman!

[@diamondaircraft900]

Thank u x uploading this. Really, thank u so very much.

[@battlestar64]

😍😍😍😍

[@lauralindon]

I've been really looking forward to this, thank you! I love it.

[@crystalchandlyre3253]

Fantastic!

[@torryquine78]

WOW!! Thanks a million for sharing this! I had seen the "teaser" but this was worth waiting for. I had heard from friends who had actually been there what an incredible experience it was to see - and hear - him in person. Such an amazing voice! His answers were fascinating and, as always, intelligent and well thought out. Love it when he "lets his hair down" ;) I hope we will see more interviews of this caliber when movies 2 and 3 come out. Can hardly wait! :)

[@adyani638]

the best

[@einhuhnimnether6663]

😍😍😍😍😍

[@cantthinkofaname9829]

I don't think the One Ring is the most treasured item in middle earth. *It's the calendar.*

[@jenniferlattanzi9947]

The only time a dwarf was ever sexier than an elf. Woooooo I'd watch him read the yellow pages.

[@moonfoxe]

This was one of the best interviews so far. Having more original questions instead of repeats was especially nice. I so glad to hear that he had thought about if Thorin had had a love of his life like maybe having been betrotheds to a princess because I had wonder that as well. As a prince part of his duty would have been to marry & have children & he didn't. Why was that? After all Aragorn had Arwen. So who might Thorin have loved? Plus I love Richard's sense of humor! :)

[@siennamargeaux8413]

LOL! Oh my. The thought of RA hounding PJ and badgering him with his little notes...haha!

[@zoe3867]

Wonderful video. I wish I could have been there. It is really funny, there has been this interview, that the host has done with Richard before, where he wonders about the response and why he has so many female fans, and they both don't have a clue why. But it is so obvious when watching Richard here. He has such a great manly voice combined with the great looks and the little shyness... Sigh... I am so exited about his future projects.

[@sarahleach9997]

ISN'T HE LOVELY😘❤🤗😊 I just watched Robin Hood from the BBC HE IS SO DREAMY I AM WATCHING EVERYTHING HES IN.He is fantastic for isolation during killer virus. I loved North and South.He plays evil so well Too.he makes it attractive.He has Animal Magnetism. He draws you in. Of course In real life you'd run away from such a narrcisst but its fantastic to watch. Very nice interview.I AM A BIG FAN

[@fizzyxcustard]

Yes, Thorin does have a love - ME! ;) :P

[@laurenj6851]

I was thinking the same thing!! He would be perfect as dougal.

[@Shaynthedragon]

To be better than awesome ;"D

[@soprano123able]

OH MY GOD !! That last question just made my freakin life !!!

[@IwillBeNa]

I really, really want his voice to be the same - such beautiful voice! I hope i was mistaken but I thought that his work has influenced his voice. He said that he had to make his voice lower for Thorin. Such a professional consequence

[@utepirat]

Thank you so much for uploading this vid, it was long awaited. A great interesting fascinating, but though relaxed interview. RA on typical British understatement as usual. The mod Oscar Hillerstrom did his job very well, mostly serious, sometimes joking.

[@Soloha21]

yes, yes you are

[@Ella-it3qm]

HE WAS IN LOVE WITH BILBOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@61Lindylou]

It was an amazing interview from a very articulate Richard Armitage and front row viewing made it very special indeed. The beginning and end of May is now fabulous. Thankyou

[@kwonsoo4227]

Who's Thorin's love of his life? Bilbo obviously.

[@alyssacollinwood1057]

Ok

[@ashleighpoole1620]

I screamed that

[@josieere]

I don't know why but that part at 5:28, when they have the dwarf boots on, but I really love it! As I do this interview and and him!!

[@alicegoldenvalley]

I would have loved to work on set & location for this movie. Even if it were only to bring coffees around. Epic and my fave movies ever together with LOTR (and also HP) :)