Orlando Bloom will return to Middle Earth in "The Hobbit," director Peter Jackson revealed on his Facebook page Friday.
"Ten years ago, Orlando Bloom created an iconic character with his portrayal of Legolas," the director wrote. "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."
It was widely rumored that Bloom, who originally gained fame playing Legolas in Jackson's 2001 "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," would reprise the role in the new movie.
In addition to the 2001 film, Bloom played the role in 2002's "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" and in 2003's "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King."
Hugo Weaving, Cate Blanchett, Elijah Wood, Ian McKellan, Andy Serkis and Ian Holm also are back from the 2001 film, which is now filming in New Zealand.
It's actually a two-part movie based on J.R.R. Tolkien's books. The first of the two movies is scheduled for a December 2012 release. The second is expected to come out a year later.
