(Cover) - EN Movies - Stephen Fry has been confirmed as the latest castmember of The Hobbit.

Directed by Peter Jackson, the fantasy adventure, which will be divided into two parts; The Hobbit: Part 1 and Part 2, will adapt J.R.R. Tolkien's novel of the same name and provide the prequel to award-winning trilogy The Lord of the Rings.

Stars already confirmed for the movie - with the first part slated for release in 2012 - include Andy Serkis and Martin Freeman, and Peter has confirmed on social networking site Facebook that British actor Stephen will be joining the line up as The Master of Laketown.

"I've known Stephen for several years, and we're developing a Dambusters movie together," wrote Peter.

"In addition to his writing skills, he's a terrific actor and will create a very memorable Master for us."

Other newly announced stars of the film include Conan Stevens, who will play an Orc called Azgog, while Ryan Gage will portray Alfrid, a character described as "the Master's conniving civil servant".

Peter also gave an update in the production status, explaining that the first round of filming should end in around three weeks. (C) Cover Media