Peter Jackson has revealed that Dean O'Gorman has been cast as Fili - replacing ex-Eastenders star Rob Kazinsky.
Dean's a terrific Kiwi actor, who I am thrilled to be working with.
Kazinsky revealed that he was leaving The Hobbit for 'health issues' last week - despite production on the movie already underway.
But Jackson revealed on Facebook that The Almighty Johnsons star would now take on the role.
His message read: "Dean's a terrific Kiwi actor, who I am thrilled to be working with. He's recently been in an excellent TV series down here called The Almighty Johnsons, and I should let fans of that show know that our shooting schedule allows Dean to continue with a second series next year. Dean will be joining us next week."
As well as the re-casting of the role of Fili the role of Thranduil has also been filled by actor Lee Pace.
Jackson went on to say: "Casting these Tolkien stories is very difficult, especially the Elven characters, and Lee has always been our first choice for Thranduil.
"He's going to be great. We loved his performance in a movie called The Fall a few years ago, and have been hoping to work with him since.
"When we were first discussing who would be right for Thranduil, Lee came into mind almost immediately."
The Hobbit, which sees Martin Freeman take on the lead role, will be split into two movies - the first hitting the big screen in December next year.
Tagged in The Hobbit Peter Jackson