Weaving Can’t Break “The Hobbit,” Joins Prequel Cast

Hugo Weaving signs up for another round of elves, rings, and New Zealand.

ComingSoon reports that Hugo Weaving has joined the cast of “The Hobbit.” Director Guillermo del Toro, who I would not trust with an important secret, gave the news to Simon Mayo of BBC Radio. Weaving will reprise his Elrond role from “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Andy Serkis and Ian McKellan are other LOTR alums who are on board for “The Hobbit.”

“The Hobbit,” a rather slim book, is being stretched out to two films. The first is set to be released in December 2011 and the second in December 2012. Presumably anyone who signs up for one is in as needed for the other. All hands on deck, as ’twere.

I would think just about anyone who was in LOTR and was offered a shot at “The Hobbit” would take it (schedules permitting, of course). That was a pretty good gig–a high profile, high grossing trilogy that was fairly well reviewed. And who wouldn’t want to work with the talented, albeit chatty del Toro? Although you might not want to confide in him about your crush on a castmate.