Peter Jackson has been updating
his Facebook page again, but this time thankfully it's not with bad news. With filming well under way in New Zealand on the two-epic
The Hobbit movie saga - Jackson informs us that British actor, writer, t.v. star and all round good egg
Stephen Fry has joined the cast as the greedy, cowardly but often capable
Master of Lake-town. Jackson had been mentioned for the movie way back at the tail end of last year, so I imagine a deal was probably struck or at least 'all but struck' way back then. Here's the full update after the jump with a few minor casting additions;
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 nameConan! 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.
If Jackson keeps up this rate of casting we may all be in The Hobbit some day soon. I'll see you in New Zealand.