The Hobbit is well underway of filming its first part, and while the marathon filming process will bring us back to back filming of both chapters and with that an ever expanding cast.
Two roles have been fulfilled – Luke Evans will play Bard the Bowman, and while Benedict Cumberbatch is already cast in the film, he will also give voice to Smaug the Dragon!
Immortals star Luke Evans would take on the important role of Bard the Bowman in the two-part film. “It seemed evident that the Welsh actor was going to win one of these roles that involve a competition between multiple young thesps,” writes Deadline, “He was a finalist to play the lead in Tony Gilroy’s The Bourne Legacy that went to Jeremy Renner
Deadline broke another bit of Hobbit casting news. This time for one of the most iconic roles, that of the great dragon Smaug. Fans have been wondering for some time who would land the coveted role, voiced by Richard Boone in the 1977 Rankin/Bass animated film.
The voice-acting and motion-capture role for The Hobbit has gone to none other than Benedict Cumberbatch. The actor has recently shot into wider popularity thanks to the BBC hit Sherlock, by Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat. “[Cumberbatch] is already on the picture, providing the voice of the character Necromancer,” says Deadline.
I just love the take Benedict Cumberbatch has on the Sherlock character. If you haven’t already seen the new Sherlock Holmes, you really should take the time to seek them out. Very entertaining stuff.
Cumberbatch will only be voice acting, and taking on multiple roles. This guy just oozes personality. I am sure this will come out in his voice. It will be interesting to see how this varies from his existing role.
As for Luke Evans, I haven’t seen too much of what he has done, however I have faith that he was chosen for a reason and will serve the role of Bard the Bowman well.
