Saoirse Ronan has joined the cast of
The Hobbit, according to an interview with casting director Ros Hubbard conducted by The Irish Film & Television Network.
Though her part is still unknown, Ronan is listed alongside fellow Irish actors Aidan Turner and James Nesbitt.
Hubbard says:
"[W]orking with Peter Jackson is like working with a family. So they’ll have a great time. Saoirse’s family will go too. Everyone is very close and very loving on those sorts of jobs. It’s not like typical studio movies at all."
Ronan received much acclaim for her role in 2007's
Atonement, including a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award nomination. She previously worked with Jackson in 2009's
The Lovely Bones.
New Zealand-based production on
The Hobbit has been slightly delayed due to minor medical concerns with Jackson, though it is expected to begin soon.