Benedict Cumberbatch will voice the character of Smaug in The Hobbit.
Sherlock Holmes co-star Martin Freeman accidentally let it slip at the TV Baftas that the British actor would be joining the cast - but there was no word on his role in the film.
But it has been confirmed that he will voice the dragon over the two movies - yes this is another project that has been split in two.
There is also good news for Luke Evans, who can be seen later this year in The Three Musketeers and Immortals, as he will play Bard the Grim in the film.
It's been eight years since The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, the final instalment in the trilogy, hit the big screen but Peter Jackson is back in MIddle Earth.
Martin Freeman leads the cast as Bilbo Baggins while Ian McKellan and Andy Serkis are set to reprise the roles of Gandalf and Gollum.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is released 14th December 2012.
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