Legendary British actor Stephen Fry is confirmed as the newest cast member in Peter Jackson’s upcoming film, The Hobbit, reports LoveFilm.
Fry (A Bit of Fry & Laurie, QI, Bones) will play the greedy Master of Laketown, who causes problems for protagonist Bilbo Baggins when the hobbit arrives in town.
"I’ve known Stephen for several years," Jackson posted on Facebook. "In addition to his writing skills, he’s a terrific actor and will create a very memorable Master for us." The versatile Fry is also known in the UK for his audiobook recordings, including all seven Harry Potter novels.
Jackson also announced that actors Ryan Gage and Conan Stevens would join the cast. Gage plays Alfrid, the Master’s conniving servant, while Stevens will play an orc named Azog.
The film, due out in 2012, is a prequel to the highly successful Lord of the Rings trilogy, also adapted and directed by Jackson. Most of the original cast will return to reprise their roles, including Elijah Wood as Frodo, Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Orlando Bloom as Legolas and Christopher Lee as Saruman.
The Hobbit is set many years before the Lord of the Rings. The story follows a young Bilbo Baggins, a reluctant hero who sets out on a journey to help a group of dwarves reclaim their home and treasure from the dragon Smaug.