A few interesting pieces of casting news for Peter Jackson‘s The Hobbit have come to us today via FirstShowing. First up, we have learned that Luke Evans (Clash of the Titans, Immortals) has been cast as Bard the Bowman, the infamous archer of Laketown.
Those who are familiar with Tolkien’s text will recall that his character plays an important part in the second half of the story, so it’s likely we won’t see him until the second film. The character is described as “a rugged man with a grim personality. He’s an archer and carries a special Black Arrow that is used during a key moment with Smaug.”
Next up, you may recall that not long ago we reported that Benedict Cumberbatch (Atonement, War Horse) was cast in the film (ironically rumored to be playing Bard), but we are now able to tell you that he will be playing Smaug the Dragon using motion capture as well as providing the creature’s voice. He will also be lending his voice to the character Necromancer as well.
Both parts of The Hobbit are currently filming in New Zealand and have a cast that includes Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Ian McKellen, Hugo Weaving, Andy Serkis, and Cate Blanchett.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is due out on December 14, 2012 while The Hobbit: There and Back Again is due to be released December 13, 2013.