Stephen Fry has become the latest British actor to join the cast of Peter Jackson’s currently-shooting Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, The (2012).

The legendary author/actor/presenter has signed on to play the Master of Laketown, which is one of the hamlets that Biblo and the Dwarves come across on their journey.

Producer and director Peter Jackson confirmed that the actor and comedian will play The Master of Laketown in his two-part adaptation of the J.R.R. Tolkien novel.

Writing on his official Facebook page, he said: "We are thrilled to confirm that Stephen Fry will be playing The Master of Laketown."

"I've known Stephen for several years, and we're developing a Dambusters movie together. In addition to his writing skills, he's a terrific actor and will create a very memorable Master for us."

Fry's character is the elected leader of Esgaroth and is described as capable, but greedy.

Jackson also gave an update on how filming on The Hobbit is faring, confirming that they’re coming to the end of their first shooting block in three weeks. At that point, the team will take a short break to do a little editing and visual effects work.

The Hobbit: Part One opens December 2012. Fry can next be seen in Sherlock Holmes 2 this December.

Source: Press Release