The Hobbit Casting News - Blanchett Returns, Sylvester McCoy Officially Confirmed

Plus Ken Stott ( Rebus ) and Mikael Persbrandt ( Day And Night ) also nab roles in Peter Jackson’s two-part epic

Former Doctor Who Sylvester McCoy has now been officially confirmed Radagast the Brown in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit (the actor himself let the cat out of the bag a while back), while Cate Blanchett will be returning to the role of Galadriel, the Lady of Lothlorien, New Line has announced.

Two other roles have been cast: Ken Stott will play the Dwarf Lord Balin, while Swedish actor, Mikael Persbrandt will play the shape-shifter Beorn.

Peter Jackson gushes: “Cate is one of my favorite actors to work with and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have her reprise the role she so beautifully brought to life in the earlier films. Fran and I have long been fans of Ken’s work and are excited he will be joining us on this journey. The role of Beorn is an iconic one and Mikael was our first choice for the part. Since seeing him read for the role we can't imagine anyone else playing this character.”

But what about poor old Sylvester? Doesn’t he warrant a glowing appraisal? We demand this be rectified. But we’ve got to admit, Ken Stott does have a wonderfully Middle-earth-esque face. These films are going to be great for Six Degrees Of Separation, too.

Dave Golder
Freelance Writer

Dave is a TV and film journalist who specializes in the science fiction and fantasy genres. He's written books about film posters and post-apocalypses, alongside writing for SFX Magazine for many years.