Movies News

Peter Jackson confirms Orlando Bloom return for 'The Hobbit'

By Anthony Pearson May 27, 2011, 16:52 GMT

The adventure of “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 from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf the Grey, the character he played in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, and Martin Freeman, who won a BAFTA TV Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the BBC series ...more

Director Peter Jackson has today confirmed that English actor Orlando Bloom will return to Middle Earth as Legolas the elf in his two part adaptation of J. R. R Tolkien's "The Hobbit."

It was expected in recent weeks that Orlando Bloom would be involved in the new fantasy movies after the star hinted at the prospect through various interviews. He previously starred in all three of the award winning "Lord of the Rings" film as the elf warrior Legolas.

Speaking from the social network website Facebook, "Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings" director Peter Jackson stated;

"Ten years ago, Orlando Bloom created an iconic character with his portrayal of Legolas. I'm excited to announce today that we'll be revisiting Middle Earth with him once more. I’m thrilled to be working with Orlando again. Funny thing is, I look older—and he doesn’t! I guess that's why he makes such a wonderful elf."

The movies enormous cast now includes Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis, Sylvester McCoy, Hugo Weaving, Richard Armitage, Dean O'Gorman, Aidan Turner, Graham McTavish, John Callen, Stephen Hunter, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, James Nesbitt, Adam Brown, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Ken Stott, Stephen Fry, Mikael Persbrandt, Ryan Gage, Lee Pace,Jed Brophy, William Kircher, Elijah Wood, Bret McKenzie and Benedict Cumberbatch.

The two part "Hobbit" films, based on the 1937 novel by J. R. R Tolkien will be shot in 3D and are expected for worldwide release in late 2012 and 2013 respectively.