Richard Armitage on Game of Thrones: Hobbit star tempted by role in 'brilliant' show

The British actor has voiced his approval at the hit HBO fantasy TV series

Richard Armitage stars as leader of the dwarves Thorin Oakenshield in Peter Jackson's The Hobbit trilogy (Reuters )

Richard Armitage has said he would be tempted by a role in Game of Thrones, should makers of the fantasy TV series express interest.

The British actor, who plays dwarf leader Thorin Oakenshield in The Hobbit franchise, described the US show as “brilliant” and noted its similarities to Peter Jackson’s Tolkien blockbusters

“I’ve watched a couple of episodes of Game of Thrones,” he told The Independent ahead of the DVD release of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.

“It’s very close to The Hobbit and quite close to [past project] Robin Hood, so I probably ought to do something more contemporary.

“But God, if an interesting role comes your way, of course you jump in with both feet.”

Thorin is a complex, intense character to play, and, after three films in the role (An Unexpected Journey, The Desolation of Smaug and the forthcoming There and Back Again), Armitage says he is more than ready to try something different.

Fans are unlikely to catch him in a rom-com anytime soon, as the 42-year old believes he is not that “kind of actor, but says the wider genre of comedy definitely interests him.

“I’d like a bit of a crack at some kind of anarchic comedy, but whether or not I’m skilful enough at it all, we’ll see,” he said. “I’ve definitely been trying; I’m chasing comedy like never before.

“My New Year’s resolution was to go and find something that’s funny, have more fun. We’ll see if it’s proving fruitful...maybe.”

Armitage’s Hobbit co-stars, Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch, will be taking to the London stage later this year as Richard III and Hamlet respectively.

“The stage is always possible,” Armitage said. “I’m looking at stuff. If there is something, it will be this year.”

Catch Richard Armitage in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, released today on Blu-ray and DVD