"Lost" star Evangeline Lilly has found her next role -- as an elf!
The actress will play a new character named Tauriel in "The Hobbit." Director Peter Jackson posted the news on his Facebook page Sunday, "Her name means 'daughter of Mirkwood' and, beyond that, we must leave you guessing!"
Lilly's character will not have a romance with fellow elf Legolas -- who will once again be played by Orlando Bloom.
"No, there is no romantic connection to Legolas," Jackson explained, shooting down internet rumors. What is not a secret is how talented and compelling an actress Evangeline is; we are thrilled and excited she will be the one to bring our first true Sylvan Elf to life."
Lilly has a past connection to the "Hobbit" universe -- she previously dated Dominic Monaghan, who played Merry in the original "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.
Jackson also revealed more cast additions:
"I'm also highly excited that Barry Humphries will be portraying the Goblin King, in much the way Andy Serkis created Gollum... we're looking forward to seeing him invest the Goblin King with the delicate sensitivity and emotional depth this character deserves," he wrote. Humphries may best be know for his drag alter ego -- the bespectacled comedienne Dame Edna.
"Evangeline and Barry, along with Welsh actor Luke Evans as Bard and Benedict Cumberbatch as Smaug, just about rounds out the major casting,"
As previously announced, Martin Freeman will be playing protagonist Bilbo Baggins. In addition to Bloom, Ian McKellan (Gandalf), Andy Serkis (Gollum), Cate Blanchett (Galadriel), Hugo Weaving (Elrond), Christopher Lee (Saruman) and Elijah Wood (Frodo) will reprise their roles in varying capacities.
The "Lord of the Rings" prequel will be split into two parts. "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" is slated to be released on December 12, 2012 while "The Hobbit: There and Back Again" is slated for December 13, 2012.
Are you excited about Lilly joining "The Hobbit" cast? Sound off in the comments below!
