2023 El Hobbit (Javier Gutiérrez)

The Hobbit

Release Date: 2023.07.10
Reader: Javier Gutiérrez
Language: Spanish (Castilian)
Translator: Manuel Figueroa
Organisation: Audible Studios y Planeta Audio
ISBN: n/a
Duration: 10 hours 40 minutes
Unabridged: Yes
Country: Spain
Licenced: Yes
Formats: Digital

The 2023 Spanish (Castilian) reading of El Hobbit by Javier Gutiérrez is a flagship production from the “Audible Studios y Planeta Audio” collaboration. It was released to provide a modern, high-tier performance of Tolkien’s work for the Spanish-speaking market, specifically aimed at listeners in Spain (Castilian accent).

Javier Gutiérrez (born 1971) is a two-time Goya Award winner (the Spanish equivalent of the Oscars) for his roles in La isla mínima and El autor. He brings a grounded, naturalistic and expressive tone to the narration. He avoids overly “cartoony” voices, instead opting for a performance that feels like a modern cinematic retelling. His portrayal of Bilbo is particularly praised for capturing the character’s transition from a fussy hobbit to a brave adventurer.

Interestingly, July 10, 2023, saw a “double release.” On the same day, another version read by the voice actor Miguel Ángel Jenner (the Spanish voice of Samuel L. Jackson and John Rhys-Davies/Gimli) was also made available. Javier Gutiérrez’s version is often marketed as the “actor-led” version, focusing on narrative nuance and modern acting. Miguel Ángel Jenner’s version is marketed as the “voice-over icon” version, leaning into his deep, booming, and authoritative vocal history.