Fry, Gage And Stevens Join THE HOBBIT

Peter Jackson released a statement via facebook revealing some more additional actors for the 2-part Tolkien adaptation, THE HOBBIT.
Veteran thesp, Stephen Fry who you can see on the screen this year as Sherlock Holmes’ brother in SHERLOCK HOLMES: GAME OF SHADOWS, has joined THE HOBBIT and he’s set to play The Master of Laketown. Ryan Gage will play Alfrid, the master’s civil servant. And Conan Stevens will play an Orc called Azog. I’m sure those of you who’ve read the book (I haven’t) may be familiar with that one. Check out Jackson’s statement, plus previous info, after the jump..

Some more HOBBIT casting news today. As we near the end of our first shooting block (we have a break in less than three weeks to get some editing and visual effects work done, plus prepare for very big scenes coming up), we are looking at characters featuring in sequences that take place a little later in the story.

We are thrilled to confirm that Stephen Fry will be playing The Master of Laketown. 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.

The Master’s conniving civil servant, Alfrid will be played by Ryan Gage. Ryan is a great young actor who we originally cast in a small role, but we liked him so much, we promoted him to the much larger Alfrid part.

Last, and certainly not least, is 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 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! You can learn all about him at www.conanstevens.com.

Got a busy day’s shooting ahead, so I’m about to jump in the car—but look out for the beginning of the 20 questions answers very soon. Thanks for the questions, many are very insightful. I’ve been through all of them and have a list ready to go.

Cheers,

Peter J

THE HOBBIT

Cate Blanchett (LOTR Films) returns as Galadriel, the Lady of Lothlorien
Ian McKellen (LOTR Films) returns as Gandalf
Christopher Lee (LOTR Films) returns as Saruman
Elijah Wood (LOTR Films) returns as Frodo
Andy Serkis (LOTR Films) as Gollum
Ken Stott (Charlie Wilson‘s War) as Dwarf Lord Balin
Sylvester McCoy (TV’s Doctor Who) as wizard Radagast the Brown
Mikael Persbrandt as shape-shifter Beorn
Jed Brophy (LOTR Films, District 9) as dwarf Nori
William Kircher as dwarf Bifur
Bret McKenzie as Lindir, an elf of Rivendell

Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins
Richard Armitage (CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER) as Thorin Oakenshield, leader of the Company of Dwarves which sets off to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from a thieving dragon
Aidan Turner as Kili
Dean O’Gorman as Fili
Both Kili and Fili are members of the Company of Dwarves.
Graham McTavish (Secretariat) as Dwalin
John Callen as Oin
Stephen Hunter as Bombur
Mark Hadlow (King Kong) as Dori
Peter Hambleton as Gloin
James Nesbitt wil play Bofut, “a disarmingly forthright, funny and occasionally brave Dwarf”
Adam Brown will play Ori, “another of the Dwarf Company which sets out to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the infamous dragon, Smaug.”
Lee Pace as Elvin king Thrandull, who is Legolas’ father
Stephan Fry as The Master of Laketown
Ryan Gage as Alfrid, the master’s civil servant.
Conan Stevens as an Orc called Azog.

THE HOBBIT Part 1 opens in December, 2012
THE HOBBIT Part 2 opens in December, 2013.
Jackson will shoot both films with New RED EPIC Digital 3D Cameras. From screenplay by Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens and Guillermo Del Toro
Co-produced by NewLine and MGM with NewLine on production, WB on domestic distribution and MGM with international distribution