Science Fiction World

Others have said it already, and I have to agree: just when we thought that the roll-call of acting talent on Peter Jackson's adaptation of The Hobbit couldn’t get any better, Jackson has revealed that the multi-talented Stephen Fry has joined the cast as The Master of Lake Town.

Lake Town, or Esgaroth, is a human settlement on the Long Lake, south of the Lonely Mountain. Having escaped the dungeons of the Elves of Mirkwood, Bilbo Baggins and the company of Dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield arrive in Lake Town on the last leg of their journey to reclaim their treasure from the Dragon Smaug. The unnamed Master of Lake Town, a greedy but canny politician, is none too pleased by the company's arrival, realising that the Dwarves could jeopardise the town’s commercial relationship with the Elves and arouse the anger of the Dragon.

Comedian, actor, writer, director, TV presenter and Apple Fanboy, Fry joins Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett, Elijah Wood, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Andy Serkis and others reprising their roles from the Lord of the Rings movies, as well as newcomers to Middle Earth in Martin Freeman in the titular role, Richard Armitage as the dour Dwarf Thorin Oakenshield, Sylvester McCoy, James Nesbitt and Aidan Turner. In his announcement, Jackson also mentions two more cast members in Ryan Gage and Conan Stevens.

Here’s what Jackson had to say on his Facebook page:

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 name—Conan! Isn't that cool? Azog is played by Conan! Here's a photo of Conan and I together [check it out on Jackson's Facebook page]. 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.

All'n'all, some exciting news out of Middle Earth. And it's also good to learn that Jackson's long rumoured Dambusters movie is still on the agenda.