Deadline reports that Benedict Cumberbatch will voice the fearsome dragon Smaug in the upcoming The Hobbit films. Not only that, but he will also voice another character, who was only mentioned in the actual book. Don't look further if you want to avoid spoilers!

According to the article, Cumberbatch will also be the voice of the mysterious Necromancer of Dol Guldur, whom Lord of the Rings fans know to actually be the Dark Lord Sauron. It's been mentioned a while ago that the movies will show us some of the events involving Gandalf that happened during The Hobbit but which were only mentioned in the books. Maybe there will be some surprises even for longtime fans?

This won't be the first meeting of Cumberbatch and Bilbo Baggins actor Martin Freeman - they are also the stars of BBC's TV show Sherlock, featuring them as Sherlock Holmes and John Watson, respectively, in a modern setting. Personally, I can't wait for the new series of Sherlock almost as much as for The Hobbit!

Among other newly revealed Hobbit actors is also Luke Evans, who will portray Bard the Bowman.

Source: Deadline