(Cover) - EN Movies - Evangeline Lilly has joined the cast of The Hobbit.

The actress best known for her role in American television show Lost will play a new character, director Peter Jackson revealed yesterday. However, he refused to give too much away about Evangeline's involvement in the movies.

"Evangeline Lilly will be playing a new character - the Woodland Elf, Tauriel. Her name means 'daughter of Mirkwood' and, beyond that, we must leave you guessing! (No, there is no romantic connection to Legolas.)," Jackson wrote on his Facebook page. "What is not a secret is how talented and compelling an actress Evangeline is; we are thrilled and excited she will be the one to bring our first true Sylvan Elf to life."

Peter has also announced that Barry Humphries has been added to the cast, and will portray the Goblin King.

"Barry is perhaps best known for his business and social connections as the long-time manager of Dame Edna Everage," Peter added.

Peter is currently prepping for the next round of shooting, which is scheduled for August.

The Hobbit will also star Martin Freeman as hobbit Bilbo, Stephen Fry as Master of Laketown and Richard Armitage as dwarf Thorin.

Cate Blanchett, Sir Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis, Elijah Wood and Orlando Bloom who all appeared in the original Lord of the Rings franchise are reprising their roles for the new films.

The Hobbit pictures are set for release in December 2012 and December 2013. (C) Cover Media