Billy Connolly joins "The Hobbit" cast
Scottish actor Billy Connolly (“The Last Samurai,” “Boondock Saints”) is rounding out the cast of Peter Jackson’s two-part adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit.”
In the films, Connolly will play Dain Ironfoot, a great dwarf warrior and cousin of dwarf leader Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage), according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“We could not think of a more fitting actor to play Dain Ironfoot, the staunchest and toughest of Dwarves, than Billy Connelly, the Big Yin himself,” Jackson said in a statement to THR. “With Billy stepping into this role, the cast of The Hobbit is now complete. We can’t wait to see him on the Battlefield!”
The first film, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” will hit theaters Dec. 14. The second film, “The Hobbit: There and Back Again,” will follow on December 13, 2013.
The 3-D “Hobbit” films are prequels to Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, which won a combined 17 Oscars around the turn of the 21st century.
Along with Connolly, “The Hobbit” films will star Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Mikael Persbrandt, Stephen Fry and Chickasha-born actor Lee Pace.
In addition, “LOTR” alums Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Cate Blanchett, Andy Serkis and Orlando Bloom will reprise their roles in the prequels.
Check out the trailer:
-BAM
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