Evangeline Lilly Dons Elf Ears For THE HOBBIT
Since Lost ended in 2010, most of the cast has been seen around town in various guest spots or new television pilots – except one. Evangeline Lilly has been notably absent from the entertainment scene…that is, until now. Peter Jackson announced Sunday on his Facebook page that the actress would be starring in THE HOBBIT. Lilly will play a new character, The Woodland Elf named Tauriel.
In his announcement, Jackson stated that it is not a secret “how talented and compelling an actress Evangeline is; we are thrilled and excited she will be the one to bring our first true Sylvan Elf to life.” He also mentions the casting of Barry Humphries as the Goblin King, which will be a character created much like the character of Gollum (originally played by Andy Serkis.)
Lilly and Humphries round out The Hobbit’s principal cast that includes Martin Freeman as Bilbo, Luke Evans as Bard and Benedict Cumberbatch as Smaug, as well as Lord of the Rings veterans Cate Blanchett, Ian McKellen and Orlando Bloom.
The Hobbit will be released in in two parts, the first in December 2012 and the second in December 2013.
You can read Peter Jackson’s full announcement below:
Yikes! I can finally get back to some postings! We’ve finished our first block of shooting and moved straight into location scouting. More on that soon… But today, I’m thrilled to announce two new cast members who will be joining us for our second block of shooting.
Evangeline Lilly will be playing a new character—the Woodland Elf, Tauriel. Her name means ‘daughter of Mirkwood’ and, beyond that, we must leave you guessing! (No, there is no romantic connection to Legolas.) What is not a secret is how talented and compelling an actress Evangeline is; we are thrilled and excited she will be the one to bring our first true Sylvan Elf to life.
I’m also highly excited that Barry Humphries will be portraying the Goblin King, in much the way Andy Serkis created Gollum. Barry is perhaps best known for his business and social connections as the long-time manager of Dame Edna Everage. He has also been an ardent supporter of the rather misunderstood and unfairly maligned Australian politician, Sir Les Patterson. However, in his spare time, Barry is also a fine actor, and we’re looking forward to seeing him invest the Goblin King with the delicate sensitivity and emotional depth this character deserves.
Evangeline and Barry, along with Welsh actor Luke Evans as Bard and Benedict Cumberbatch as Smaug, just about rounds out the major casting. I cannot wait to get stuck into these new scenes!
More soon, including a flurry of answers to your questions. Sorry for the delay!
Cheers,
Peter J
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