Now, I am pretty far from a LOTR purist, but it seems to me like they are pumping the Hobbit like it’s a finale rather than a prelude.  They are bringing in big stars rather than keeping to the original tale.

According to Deadline – After New Line Cinema announced Cate Blanchett’s return to Middle Earth for ‘The Hobbit,’ I’m told that Orlando Bloom will likely be the next original cast member set for an encore. He’s near a deal to return as Elven archer Legolas. And it’s for more than a cameo, I’m told. I’d have expected them to first set Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Andy Serkis (Gollum) or Hugo Weaving (Elrond), whose characters figured in the book. But those talks have been arduous and aren’t completed yet.