Against my better judgement (okay, not really) I’m starting to get excited about the upcoming prequel to The Lord of the Rings.

By adding Bilbo Baggins to his filmography, I think Martin Freeman is officially defining his career in the role of the Universal English Everyman, the straight man to wonders: John Watson, Arthur Dent, even Tim, his breakout role on the original version of The Office. Next up: Newton Pulsifer from Good Omens?◼