Stephen Fry has become the latest British actor to join the cast of Peter Jackson’s currently-shooting Hobbit .
The legendary author/actor/presenter has signed on to play the Master of Laketown, which is one of the hamlets that Bilbo and the Dwarves come across on their journey.
“We are thrilled to confirm that Stephen Fry will be playing The Master of Laketown,” Jackson wrote on his Facebook page. “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.”
As well as Fry, two other actors have signed on to The Hobbit ’s ever-expanding cast. Ryan Gage will play the Master’s conniving servant, while Conan Stevens will play an Orc called Azog.
Jackson also gave an update on how filming on The Hobbit is faring, confirming that they’re coming to the end of their first shooting block in three weeks. At that point, the team will take a short break to do a little editing and visual effects work.
The Hobbit: Part One opens December 2012. Fry can next be seen in Sherlock Holmes 2 this December.
