After Bill Bailey, Johnny Vegas, and Alan Davies all auditioned, and were knocked back, for roles in The Lord Of The Rings and the Hobbit, at least one hirsute U.K. comedian was successful when it was announced that Billy Connolly has joined the cast of Peter Jackson's The Hobbit.
The Scottish funny man will play Dain Ironfoot, a Dwarf and cousin to Richard Armitage's Thorin Oakenshield, leader of the Dwarf band that accompaines Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) on his quest to retrieve treasure from the dragon Smaug.
Connolly's character will appear leading an army during the epic Battle Of The Five Armies. This happens late in the book, so he will more than likely not be seen till the second of the two movie cycle.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will be released on the 14th December 2012, and The Hobbit: There And Back Again on the 13th December 2013.
Source: Bleeding Cool
