Yes, Orlando Bloom will reprise his role of Legolas in the The Hobbit.
But that casting tidbit dwarfs the following news related to this franchise: Peter Jackson’s two adaptions of J.R.R. Tolkien’s work have been given titles and release dates:
- The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will hit theaters on December 14, 2012.
- The Hobbit: There And Back Again will hit theaters on December 13, 2013.
The director started shooting both movies in New Zealand (in 3D) a few weeks ago. The cast includes Martin Freeman, Andy Serkis, Elijah Wood, Hugo Weaving, Ian McKellen and Cate Blanchett.
In the upcoming films, look for Freeman’s Bilbo to be on a quest to reclaim the lost Kingdom of Erebor.