British actor Stephen Fry has been given a role in the The Hobbit.
In an online announcement on Thursday, director Sir Peter Jackson says he is nearing the end of his first block of filming and is casting characters for later sections of the story.
Sir Peter says he is thrilled to confirm that Fry will play the role of the Master of Laketown and the actor's writing and acting skills will combine for a memorable performance.
Fry and Sir Peter have known each other for several years and are developing the movie Dambusters.
The first of the two Hobbit films will be released late next year.
