The Hobbit Adds Two More Dwarves

Casting for the Hobbit is now in full swing, with two more names added to The Company of Dwarves in James Nesbitt and newcomer Adam Brown, according to The Hollywood Reporter’s Heat Vision blog.

James Nesbitt, best known as Jeckyll in the BBC’s Jeckyll and Hyde, will be playing  a dwarf named Bofur.  Rumors swirled that he was once in contention for the role of Bilbo, but that coveted role went last week to Martin Freeman.

Director Peter Jackson had this to say about Nesbitt: “James’s charm, warmth and wit are legendary as is his range as an actor in both comedic and dramatic roles. We feel very lucky to be able to welcome him as one of our cast.”

Though not much is known about Brown, Jackson seems very happy about his casting. The newcomer will be playing a dwarf named Ori.

“Adam is a wonderfully expressive actor and has a unique screen presence,” said Jackson. “I look forward to seeing him bring Ori to life.”

Nesbitt and Brown join other Company of Dwarves members Richard Armitage as their leader, Thorin Oakensheild, Aidan Turner as Kili, Rob Kazinsky as Filli, Graham McTavish as Dwalin, Mark Hadlow as Dori, Stephen Hunter as Bombur, and Peter Hambleton Gloin.

In other casting news, as of this moment, Sir Ian Mckellen is still not yet signed on to reprise his role as Gandalf in the two films.  In an interview with Broadway World, he said “I am not under contract, no. I’m not going to say any more than that because it might complicate things! So, I would say – at the moment – no, I am not under contract.”

Let’s hope it’s just a matter of time before both McKellen and Andy Serkis are confirmed to reprise their roles for the two prequels to the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

The two Hobbit films will begin shooting back to back in Februrary 2011 and will be released December 2012 and December 2013.