Casting The Hobbit?

[Boromir88]

With all the talk and rumours swirling around The Hobbit, some good, mostly bad/negative. Let's try to think more positively and discuss some actors you'd like to see in the movie(s) and what characters they could play.

I expect some simple sure locks, for example Ian Mckellan as Gandalf, Andy Serkis as Gollum, and Hugo Weaving as Elrond. I really can't picture anyone else doing the part, and I think bringing in 'new faces' would only harm it. I would like to see Ian Holm come back as Bilbo, but I have a feeling that he may be getting too old for the role and a younger actor may be needed.

But how about who could you picture/like to see as Thranduil? Beorn? Bard? The Town Master? The Dwarves? Smaug?...etc

Some ideas that have been swirling around...I would really like to see Jeremy Irons get a part, he's a well accomplished, yet I think under-appreciated actor. I can certainly see him as say Thranduil or the Master...and would indeed like to see him.

Or how about Patrick Stewart as the voice of Smaug? I adore both him and Sir Mckellan in X-men, their voices alone are simply astounding, add that with their acting abilities. If not Mr. Stewart, I think Brian Cox would also be a good fit for Smaug's voice.

I find it a little difficult to get the dwarves down...I think you have to have this gruff toned voice with a bit of stubborness. In which case Robbie Coltrane and Rip Torn can pull off successful dwarves...(whom I really don't know)