Movies News

'Flight of the Conchords' star Bret McKenzie joins 'The Hobbit'

By Anthony Pearson Apr 5, 2011, 9:40 GMT

Bret McKenzie as Figwit in "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" (left) and out of character right.

Popular New Zealand actor Bret McKenzie, most well known for being one half of comedy duo the "Flight of the Conchord", has joined the cast of Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit" according to Variety

The 34 year old actor appeared in the first "Lord of the Rings" movie as an extra and was at the end of an internet campaign to get the fan named character he played "Figwit" more recognition. This in turn led to Bret's character gaining a brief speaking role in the third "Rings" movie, "The Return of the King."



In "The Hobbit" he will be playing another Elf named Lindir, an Elf of Rivendell.

Filming commensed on "The Hobbit" over two weeks ago in New Zealand. The 2 part "Hobbit" films will be shot in 3D and expected for worldwide release in late 2012 and 2013 respectively.

“The Hobbit” follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakensheild. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers.

Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever … Gollum.

Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities … A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

Martin Freeman takes the title role as Bilbo Baggins and Ian McKellen returns in the role of Gandalf the Grey. The Dwarves are played by Richard Armitage (Thorin Oakenshield), Ken Stott (Balin), Graham McTavish (Dwalin), William Kircher (Bifur) James Nesbitt (Bofur), Stephen Hunter (Bombur), Rob Kazinsky (Fili), Aidan Turner (Kili), Peter Hambleton (Gloin), John Callen (Oin), Jed Brophy (Nori), Mark Hadlow (Dori) and Adam Brown (Ori). Reprising their roles from “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy are Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, Andy Serkis as Gollum and Elijah Wood as Frodo. Jeffrey Thomas and Mike Mizrahi also join the cast as Dwarf Kings Thror and Thrain, respectively.