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Evangeline Lilly & Barry Humphries round off 'The Hobbit' cast

By Anthony Pearson Jun 19, 2011, 21:32 GMT

Evangeline Lilly (above) will play the role of Woodland Elf, Tauriel in "The Hobbit."

American actress Evangeline Lilly and Australian actor/comedian Barry Humphries are the latest high profile names to join the cast of Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit." The production crew have just come to an end of their first block of filming on the two Middle Earth based movies.

Evangeline Lilly, best known for her role Kate Austen on ABC's "Lost," will take on the role of the Woodland Elf, Tauriel. "Hobbit" director Peter Jackson announced the latest casting from his Facebook blog. This is what he had to say about the American TV and film star;

"Evangeline Lilly will be playing a new character—the Woodland Elf, Tauriel. Her name means 'daughter of Mirkwood' and, beyond that, we must leave you guessing! (No, there is no romantic connection to Legolas.) What is not a secret is how talented and compelling an actress Evangeline is; we are thrilled and excited she will be the one to bring our first true Sylvan Elf to life."

Also announced for "The Hobbit" is Australian actor, comedian and satirist Barry Humphries, best known for portraying his alter ego, Dame Edna Everage. Barry will take on the role of the Goblin King.

"Barry Humphries will be portraying the Goblin King, in much the way Andy Serkis created Gollum. Barry is perhaps best known for his business and social connections as the long-time manager of Dame Edna Everage. He has also been an ardent supporter of the rather misunderstood and unfairly maligned Australian politician, Sir Les Patterson. However, in his spare time, Barry is also a fine actor, and we're looking forward to seeing him invest the Goblin King with the delicate sensitivity and emotional depth this character deserves." Added Jackson.

The director confirmed that these two latest casting's will "round off" major casting for the two "Hobbit" movies.

Part 1 will go by the title of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey." It will be released worldwide from December 14th, 2012.

Part 2 is called "The Hobbit: There and Back Again," and will be released a year later on December 13th, 2013.

Barry Humphrie's alter ego Dame Edna Everage (left) and Barry Humphries with make up (right). He will play the Golbin King in "The Hobbit."