Earlier this month, we brought you director Peter Jackson‘s announcement that Stephen Fry (Alice In Wonderland) had joined the cast of The Hobbit: Part 1 and would be portraying The Master of Laketown. Along with Fry, Ryan Gage (Doctors, Holly Oaks) was cast as Alfrid “The Master’s conniving civil servant”, and Conan Stevens (Game of Thrones) joined the cast as an Orc called Azog.

Now, Jackson has confirmed that Orlando Bloom (The Laureate) will return to Middle Earth as Legolas Greenleaf, son of the Elvenking of Mirkwood.

Jackson said via his Facebook page:

“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. Funny thing is, I look older-and he doesn’t! I guess that’s why he makes such a wonderful elf.”

We reported last year that Bloom was in talks to join the cast, and while I doubt negotiations have taken this long, it’s not known why they are just now confirming his addition to the cast.

In addition to Bloom’s casting, while recently attending the BAFTA Awards, actor Martin Freeman accidentally revealed the addition of his Sherlock co-star, Benedict Cumberbatch (The Whistleblower) to the cast of The Hobbit. Cumberbatch’s casting was apparently meant to be a secret, and neither he, nor Freeman would reveal any details on who he will be portraying in the film.

The Hobbit: Part 1 is currently slated to hit theaters December 2012.

The Hobbit: Part 2 is currently slated to hit theaters December 2013.

The films star Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis, Richard Armitage, Cate Blanchette, Elijah Wood, Hugo Weaving, Sylvester McCoy, Aidan Turner, Graham McTavish, John Callen, Ken Stott, Mikael Persbrandt, Ryan Gage, Jed Brophy, William Kircher, Stephen Hunter, Ian Holm, Stephen Fry, Ryan Gage, Conan Stevens, Orlando Bloom and Benedict Cumberbatch.