Benedict Cumberbatch to voice Smaug in THE HOBBIT

We already knew that Benedict Cumberbatch was cast in Peter Jackson's The Hobbit, but we didn't know what role he would play. We thought he might take on the role of Bard the Bowman, but that role was filled by Luke Evans earlier today. Turns out Cumberbatch will end up being the voice of the dragon Smaug, and portrayig him via motion capture, which is pretty cool. He is also going to lend his voice to the character Necromancer. 

The actor plays Sherlock Holmes on the BBC/PBS series Sherlock alongside Martin Freeman who plays Bilbo Baggins. He also starred in Danny Bolyle's stage broduction of Frankenstien, and will be seen in Steven Spielberg's War Horse. Apparently he is quite the talented actor.