Ian Holm to appear in 'Hobbit'

LOS ANGELES, April 22 (UPI) -- British actor Ian Holm has joined the cast of "The Hobbit," the film's director Peter Jackson announced via Facebook Friday.

Holm played Bilbo Baggins in Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy of blockbusters, which take place after the events chronicled in the fantasy "The Hobbit."

Holm will reprise his role in the two-part "Hobbit" while Martin Freeman will play the younger version of the same character, EW.com said.

Other "Rings" cast members who are to appear in "The Hobbit" are Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis, Elijah Wood and Cate Blanchett.