Saoirse Ronan Joins Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit

Saoirse Ronan is teaming up with Peter Jackson again, according to a conversation had between IFTN and Ros Hubbard, the casting director for The Hobbit. While talking about the Irish talent being used in the film, Hubbard commented, ““[W]orking with Peter Jackson is like working with a family. So they’ll have a great time. Saoirse’s family will go too. Everyone is very close and very loving on those sorts of jobs. It’s not like typical studio movies at all.”

Ronan, who delivered a great performance in Jackson’s slightly strange movie The Lovely Bones, is rumored to be cast as a new Middle-Earth character, an elf named Itaril. The Lovely Bones lost a little something when it made the trip from book to movie, but Ronan stood out in what could otherwise be considered a waste of time.

According to the casting description for Itaril:

A woodland Elf, this character is one the Silvan Elves. The Silvan Elves are seen as more earthy and practical. Shorter than other elves, she is still quick and lithe and physically adept, being able to fight with both sword and bow. Showing promise as a fighter at a young age, ITARIL was chosen to train to become part of the Woodland King’s Guard. This is the only life she has ever expected to live, until she meets and secretly falls in love with a young ELF LORD. This role will require a wig and contact lenses to be worn. Some prosthetic make-up may also be required.

There isn’t anything official yet so Ronan’s involvement isn’t a done deal, but I think Hubbard’s interview is a good sign that this will actually happen. Another ‘maybe’ in the casting department is Orlando Bloom who is rumored to be returning in the role of Legolas. While Bloom hasn’t officially signed on yet, it’s hard to believe that he’d walk away from the supposed $1 million paycheck that’s being offered for a two-minute cameo. Sounds like good work if you can get it. Where do I sign up?

A perforated ulcer sent Peter Jackson to the hospital this week but his medical condition isn’t expected to delay production. The Hobbit: Part 1 is expected to be in theaters in December 2012 and The Hobbit: Part Two is scheduled for a December 2013 release.