While this was largely expected to happen, the last time we heard from Orlando Bloom about his possible (inevitable) reprisal of Legolas in “The Hobbit,” the actor played it safe. During the press rounds for “Sympathy For Delicious” Bloom told us, “My fingers and toes are crossed, but, yes, I’ll be there. We’re just waiting for everything to get straightened out.” Well, the ink has dried and the schedules have been made as Peter Jackson confirmed Bloom’s return in aFacebook post today:
Ten years ago, Orlando Bloom created an iconic character with his portrayal of Legolas. I’m excited to announce today that we’ll be revisiting Middle Earth with him once more. I’m thrilled to be working with Orlando again. Funny thing is, I look older—and he doesn’t! I guess that’s why he makes such a wonderful elf.
Of course, how Legolas will be utilized remains to be seen. Legolas doesn’t actually appear in the book (though his father and kingdom do), however, as Wikipedia helpfully points out “since he is over 139 years old, being older than Gimli, he must have been alive during the events of ‘The Hobbit,’ which take place less than a century before the Quest of Mount Doom.” So will it be an extended cameo or will he have a larger part? Guess we’ll have to wait and see.
“The Hobbit” is currently in the midst of its fourteen month shoot and the first part of the two-film series will hit theaters in December 2012.
