Source: Deadline | THR | Posted By: Dan Geer

This should come as no surprise, especially since The Hobbit is scheduled to start filming next month, but Andy Serkis is officially signed to reprise the role of Gollum, according to Deadline.

Many stars from The Lord of the Rings are expected to return. Cate Blanchett and Elijah Wood have been officially confirmed, with both Ian McKellen and Christopher Lee expected to return as Gandalf the Grey and Saruman the White, respectively. Also, both Hugo Weaving and Orlando Bloom have been rumored to be returning to their respective roles as Elrond and Legolas.

Lastly, Deadline states that Ian Holm is in talks to return as “an older version of Bilbo Baggins” (actor Martin Freeman is set to play young Bilbo). I had not heard this before, so what a cool news break!

The Hobbit: Part I is slated to hit theaters December 19, 2012, with the Part II following in December 2013.

Update: The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that Ian McKellen has officially signed on as well!