Three More Join The Hobbit

Peter Jackson has announced via Facebook that three more have joined the cast of The Hobbit. Stephen Fry has been cast as The Master of Laketown, Ryan Gage as his civil servant Alfrid, and Conan Stevens (in pic with PJ) as the orc Azog.

Some more HOBBIT casting news today. As we near the end of our first shooting block (we have a break in less than three weeks to get some editing and visual effects work done, plus prepare for very big scenes coming up), we are looking at characters featuring in sequences that take place a little later in the story.

We are thrilled to confirm that Stephen Fry will be playing The Master of Laketown. I've known Stephen for several years, and we're developing a DAMBUSTERS movie together. In addition to his writing skills, he's a terrific actor and will create a very memorable Master for us.

The Master's conniving civil servant, Alfrid will be played by Ryan Gage. Ryan is a great young actor who we originally cast in a small role, but we liked him so much, we promoted him to the much larger Alfrid part.

Last, and certainly not least, is Conan Stevens, who will be playing an Orc called Azog (Orcs are never called Roger or Dennis for some strange reason). And yes that's his name—Conan! Isn't that cool? Azog is played by Conan! Here's a photo of Conan and I together... I'm pretty tall, probably at least 6'5" or 6'6" I would guess, so that gives you some clue how tall Conan is! You can learn all about him at www.conanstevens.com.

Azog is the character that started the war between the goblins and the dwarves in the mines of Moria at The Lonely Mountain that predates The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings films indicating that as rumored the Hobbit films will get more into the history of Middle-Earth than what is explicitly explained in the novel. Master of Laketown is leader of the town that resides near the mountain stronghold of Smaug that prefers to maintain the profitable status quo. I think Alfrid is a PJ creation as don't recall that character in the book.