Thanks to motion-capture special effects Andy Serkis became a Gollum for the ages. He will return to his ring-lusting ways in the prequel.
Sir Ian McKellen has made no secret of his eagerness to wear Gandalf's gray robes again. He'll reprise his role as the wise wizard.
Martin Freeman came to fame as the lovelorn sad sack on the British version of "The Office." Will he win the coveted lead role of Bilbo Baggins as has been rumored?
Best known as "Doctor Who," Sylvester McCoy has told the press that he has been cast as the wizard Radagast the Brown.
Howard Shore won three Oscars for his work scoring the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Will he return?
Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens co-wrote all three films with Peter Jackson. They are also credited with penning the prequel.
Guillermo del Toro was originally set to direct the film, but he left the project last March. He is still listed as a co-writer.
