Evans, Cumberbatch join 'Hobbit' cast

WELLINGTON, New Zealand, June 17 (UPI) -- British actors Luke Evans and Benedict Cumberbatch have joined the cast of the two-part "Hobbit" movie shooting in New Zealand, EW.com reported.

Evans, whose film credits include "Clash of the Titans" and the upcoming "Three Musketeers," is to play Bard the Bowman in "The Hobbit," the entertainment news Web site said.

Cumberbatch, who is best known for his TV work in "Sherlock" and "Fortysomething," is to lend his voice to the dragon character Smaug in the prequel to the "Lord of the Rings" blockbusters.

Cumberbatch's "Sherlock" co-star Martin Freeman is playing Bilbo Baggins in "The Hobbit," which is being directed by Peter Jackson.