Orlando Bloom in 'Hobbit'

Orlando Bloom is apparently in talks to appear in The Hobbit.

It was revealed this week that Cate Blanchett has been signed up by director Peter Jackson to reprise her role as elvish queen, Galadriel the Lady of Lothlorien from The Lord of The Rings trilogy in his Hobbit films, even though the character does not appear in JRR Tolkein's novel The Hobbit.

Now Deadline reports Orlando is set to reprise his role as Elf warrior Legolas in Jackson's Lord of The Rings prequel, even though his character is also not present in the book.

Jackson said of Cate's casting: "Cate is one of my favourite 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."

It was also announced this week that former Dr Who Sylvester McCoy will play wizard Radagast the Brown, Charlie Wilson's War star Ken Stott has been cast as Dwarf Lord Balin, and Swedish actor Mikael Persbrandt will play the shape-shifter Beorn.
Martin Freeman is to star as hobbit hero Bilbo Baggins.

Sir Ian McKellen is expected to reprise his role as wizard Gandalf and Andy Serkis is thought to be returning as Gollum although neither has been officially signed up.
Hugo Weaving's character Elrond also appears in the book but he is still in talks to reprise his role.

The Hobbit will be shot in two parts, in 3D. Production is scheduled to begin in February and the film is due for release in December 2012 and December 2013.