The Hobbit : Who’s Returning And What Will They Be Up To?

We're going to be making three trips back to Middle-earth over the coming years for the tale of The Hobbit, with Peter Jackson planning a trilogy of movies adapted from JRR Tolkien's infamous book.

Fans are divided over whether this is purely a cinematic decision which will allow fans of the Lord of the Rings series an opportunity to venture into this world for an extended period of time. Or whether it's just a way of squeezing out a few extra pennies from our pockets. I'd imagine it's a little of both. But mainly the latter.

So with the long-awaited return of the ring only a few months away, which of the major guys and gals from the series will be returning to the fray?