Movies News

Peter Jackson adds Stephen Fry to his 'Hobbit' cast

By Anthony Pearson May 19, 2011, 0:55 GMT

Stephen Fry, perhaps best known for his roles on the classic "Blackadder" TV series\' will play the role of Master of Laketown in "The Hobbit."

Director Peter Jackson has added English acting favourite Stephen Fry to his not so hobbit sized cast of the two part adaptation of Tokliens' "The Hobbit." The director also announced via his Facebook page that Ryan Gage and Conan Stevens have also joined the cast.

Stephen Fry best known for his many credits on film and television will play the role of The Master of Laketown. Jackson heaped praise on the British actor saying;

"I've known Stephen for several years, and we're developing a DAMBUSTERS movie together. In addition to his writing skills, he's a terrific actor and will create a very memorable Master for us."

Also added to the ever expanding cast are Ryan Gage and Conan Stevens. Ryan, who originally was set for a minor role as Drogo Baggins in the films, impressed the director Peter Jackson so much that he decided to promote the actor to a more important role. Ryan will play the role of the masters conniving civil servant, Alfrid.

The towering Aussie actor Conan Stevens will take on the role of the orc called Azog. Peter Jackson added in good humour;

"Conan Stevens, who will be playing an Orc called Azog (Orcs are never called Roger or Dennis for some strange reason). And yes that's his name—Conan! Isn't that cool? Azog is played by Conan! Here's a photo (at bottom of the article) of Conan and I together... I'm pretty tall, probably at least 6'5" or 6'6" I would guess, so that gives you some clue how tall Conan is!"

"The Hobbit: Part I" is expected for release worldwide from December 2012, while "The Hobbit: Part II" is set to hit exactly a year later.

Local Shire hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), uncle of Frodo Baggins, is living a quiet, peaceful life until Gandalf the Grey (Ian Mckellen) and a band of wandering dwarves show up to hire Bilbo for a quest that entails defeating the dragon Smaug and recovering a treasure.