Here are some excerpts from the press release:
Jackson, who directed all three "Lord of the Rings" films, will helm the two films back-to-back, telling the story of "The Hobbit" in two parts from a screenplay by Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens and Guillermo del Toro.
Cate Blanchett ("Lord of The Rings" trilogy, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button") will reprise her role from "Lord of The Rings" trilogy as Galadriel, the Lady of Lothlorien. Ken Stott ("Charlie Wilson’s War", TV’s "Rebus") will play the Dwarf Lord Balin, Sylvester McCoy (TV’s "Doctor Who") will play the wizard Radagast the Brown and well-known Swedish actor, Mikael Persbrandt ("Everlasting Moments", "Day and Night") will play the shape-shifter Beorn. British actor Ryan Gage ("Outlaw", TV’s "Doctors") will play Drogo Baggins, with New Zealand actors Jed Brophy ("Lord of The Rings" trilogy, "District 9") playing the role of the dwarf Nori, and William Kircher ("Out of the Blue"; TV’s "Legend of the Seeker") rounding out the company of Thorin Oakensheild in role of the dwarf Bifur.
Peter Jackson welcomed the news of Cate Blanchett’s return to Middle-earth "Cate is one of my favorite actors to work with and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have her reprise the role she so beautifully brought to life in the earlier films" On the casting of Scottish actor Ken Stott, Jackson commented "Fran and I have long been fans of Ken’s work and are excited he will be joining us on this journey." Jackson also welcomed the addition to the cast of Swedish actor, Mikael Persbrandt "The role of Beorn is an iconic one and Mikael was our first choice for the part. Since seeing him read for the role we can’t imagine anyone else playing this character."
These actors will join Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Aidan Turner, Rob Kazinsky, Graham McTavish, John Callen, Stephen Hunter, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, Adam Brown, and James Nesbitt.
The Hobbit is set to be released in 3D in December 2012 and December 2013.
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