January 11, 2011 13:20

Ian McKellen and Andy Serkis confirmed for 'The Hobbit'

More members of original cast confirmed for 'Lord Of The Rings' prequel

Ian McKellen and Andy Serkis have joined the cast of Peter Jackson's forthcoming two-part film of The Hobbit. It was recently reported that the director was keen to get as many members of the original Lord Of The Rings cast to return for the Middle Earth prequel, regardless of whether their characters appear in author JRR Tolkien's original 1937 book.

Elijah Wood had already agreed to reprise his role as hobbit Frodo, with Cate Blanchett agreeing to return as elf Galadriel. Now Thehollywoodreporter.com reports that McKellen and Serkis will resume their respective roles of Gandalf and Gollum.

Christopher Lee and Ian Holm are also considering returning, although it looks unlikely that Orlando Bloom will have his contract negotiations ironed out before filming commences next month.

The first part of The Hobbit is due to be released in December 2012.