AceShowbiz -

Orlando Bloom has officially joined "The Hobbit". Director Peter Jackson has announced that the actor will reprise his "Lord of the Rings" role as Legolas, the Elven Prince-archer and one of the nine members of the Fellowship of the Ring, in the upcoming adventure movie.

"Ten years ago, Orlando Bloom created an iconic character with his portrayal of Legolas," Jackson wrote on his Facebook page on Friday, May 27. "I'm excited to announce today that we'll be revisiting Middle Earth with him once more. I'm thrilled to be working with Orlando again. Funny thing is, I look older-and he doesn't! I guess that's why he makes such a wonderful elf."

Bloom will join Cate Blanchett, Elijah Wood, and Ian McKellen shooting the film in New Zealand. He will also join the Middle Earth newcomer Martin Freeman, who will portray Bilbo Baggins.

Earlier this month, Jackson added Lee Pace to take the role of Elven King Thranduil, Legolas' father. At that time, the director stated that Pace had been the first choice to tackle the role, and admitted he had hoped to work with him since Pace's performance in "The Fall".

"The Hobbit" centers its story on Bilbo Baggins who joins a company of thirteen dwarfs led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakensheild. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets Gollum, the creature that will change his life forever.

Based on a novel by J. R. R. Tolkien, the movie is split into two parts which are shot back-to-back. The first installment is scheduled to grace U.S. theaters in 2012, while the second one, "The Hobbit 2", is expected to hit theaters in 2013.