http://www.hypable.com/2013/03/25/the-hobbit-sequel-desolation-of-smaug-interview-richard-armitage/
Excerpt from the above interview with RA responding to query about what he is anticipating most seeing in DOS:
“I think the barrel sequence [in which the dwarves escape their elf captors by river, hidden in wine barrels],” he answered when posed the question by TotalFilm, “which we all thought was going to be the finale of the first film, is going to be incredible. I’ve seen all the various pieces: the aerial shots of waterfalls with barrels going down them, the very fast-moving river set where we were submerged under water, the wild river we’re floating down towards the end of the sequence… I think it’ll be one of the most thrilling parts of the second film.”
And I couldn’t help but think once more about Richard’s fears regarding water. Once again he’s not just in the water, he’s under it for a portion of the sequence, getting soaked to the skin, no doubt taking in some of it on this “fast-moving” river set. It must have been slightly terrifying and totally exhilarating all at the same time. But hey, he was relaxed enough to play fish toss with Adam Brown. And chill with the fellow dwarves afterwards . . .
Click on the following three GIFs to see Thorin in action:
I can only think it’s going to be a very exciting sequence, indeed, complete with wet, roaring, angsty Thorin. Doesn’t get better than that!
And once again, I am impressed by Richard’s dedication to his craft and his willingness to feel the fear, to face it and to do whatever it takes to get things right. (Is it really nine months until we see him on the big screen again?! )
Related articles
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the armitage effect 
His willingness to face his fears has always impressed me to no end, considering I now know the story behind his fear of water. That is dedication, in my book, and you have to admire him for it–among all the other things we have to admire him for.
I feel really dumb for asking, and I’m so sorry, but what is RA’s reason for his fear of water? I never knew there was a story behind it.
When he was a young child, he fell into a pond and it left him with a lasting phobia re “dark water.” He can swim but says he will never be a “water baby.”
You aren’t dumb at all, I only learned of this very recently myself. Apparently when he was a toddler, he was strapped into a pram, which somehow wound up in a pond or lake or something like that–there wasn’t a great deal of detail, but I guess he was old enough that the trauma stayed with him. He can swim, he just doesn’t (a comment he’s made several times himself), and he just isn’t a water baby. Which makes it all the more admirable (especially in the case of the “Captain America” sequence) and amazing that he does what he does.
And he’s done it again and again–playing Lee, the waterboarding sequences in two different shows, the underwater sub in Captain America, now this. I do admire his dedication and professionalism here and in so many other ways–he’s really someone I truly look up to, aside from appreciating his talent and admiring his beauty.
He’s so brave and wonderful, and his skill has no limits-he’s only going to get better with age and experience… *sigh* Wet, roaring Thorin is so… erm… attractive, too ;P
I love the one where they’re playing fish toss–what a hoot!
It’s one of my all-time faves. The look on Richard’s face. Thorin as a mischievous little boy. 😉
Sometimes I feel like there is still a lot of the little kid in him–it shines through his eyes when he smiles. I love that.
Me, too. The mini-Lego photo is one of those where you really see it radiating out. It’s lovely to see.
Funny you should say that–I had no desire to have one of the Lego Thorins until I saw that photo. Now I WANT one to go on my dresser with my pictures and other stuff.
I gotta say it is super cute. 😀
I broke down and bought one! He is really cute! And every time I look at it I remember Richard holding it in his hand!
He’s amazing! I so admire his attitude! Conquering his fears instead of letting it hold him back!
HOW IN DURIN’S NAME DID I MISS THIS POST!???? Oh my goodness the fish toss? CRIKEY, is it wrong I just want to climb in that barrel right along with him!?