Scottish comedian Billy Connolly is joining the cast of Sir Peter Jackson's The Hobbit.

Connolly will play Dain Ironfoot, a great dwarf warrior and cousin of Thorin Oakenshield.

"We could not think of a more fitting actor to play Dain Ironfoot, the staunchest and toughest of dwarves, than Billy Connolly, the Big Yin himself," said Sir Peter.

"With Billy stepping into this role, the cast of The Hobbit is now complete. We can't wait to see him on the battlefield."

Connolly, 69, starred in The Last Samurai with Tom Cruise and spent several weeks filming the movie in Taranaki in 2003.

He has performed his standup comedy shows in New Zealand several times over the years and is married to New Zealander Pamela Stephenson.



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