Peter Jackson has today confirmed what most of us
have known since December and that's
Orlando Bloom has agreed a return to Middle-Earth where he will reprise his role of Legloas for
The Hobbit, currently filming out in New Zealand. Jackson has confirmed the news via
Facebook;
Ten years ago, Orlando Bloom created an iconic character with his portrayal of Legolas. I'm excited to announce today that we'll be revisiting Middle Earth with him once more. Im thrilled to be working with Orlando again. Funny thing is, I look olderand he doesnt! I guess that's why he makes such a wonderful elf.
British newspaper
The Sun said in January that Bloom was likely to earn $1 million for what they called a 'two minute cameo'. Despite the character not appearing in
J.R.R. Tolkien's original novel, Legolas' appearance clearly makes sense as the character is over a thousand years old, so continuity wise Peter Jackson can easily use the same actor without much trouble.
The One Ring late last year had a theory in fact of how he could be utilised;
Since Legolas is the son of Thranduil (The Elvenking), a major player in The Hobbit, one can easily see Peter, Phillipa, and Fran writing him into the script. *MINOR SPOILERS* Not only would he appear in Mirkwood with the other wood-elves, he could very well lead the wood-elf contingent into the Battle of Five Armies!
The Hobbit is filming now for a release in December 2012.