In J.R.R. Tolkien’s universe there is a vast array of characters available for actors to portray. Some, like Evangeline Lilly’s elf, Tauriel, are created specifically for The Hobbit, while some actors, like Benedict Cumberbatch (War Horse), lend their performance and voice to a mythological creature. Then there is Billy Connolly (Boondock Saints) who gets to play one of the most fearsome and storied dwarves in all of Tolkien’s tomes. The Scottish actor will play Dain Ironfoot, cousin to Thorin Oakenshield (played by Richard Armitage) and a power-player in dwarven royalty. Having brought Connolly on as Ironfoot, director Peter Jackson commented on how this latest addition has completed the cast. Hit the jump to see what he had to say.THR originally reported on Connolly’s addition to The Hobbit. As I adore his iconic role in Boondock Saints, I’m anxious to see him at half his height but twice his ferocity. Jackson apparently feels the same way:

“We could not think of a more fitting actor to play Dain Ironfoot, the staunchest and toughest of Dwarves, than Billy Connolly, the Big Yin himself. With Billy stepping into this role, the cast of The Hobbit is now complete. We can't wait to see him on the Battlefield!"

Connolly joins Ian McKellen, who will reprise his role as Gandalf, along with Martin Freeman, who will play a younger version of Bilbo Baggins (as compared to The Lord of the Rings) The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey debuts in theaters on December 14th with its conclusion, The Hobbit: There and Back Again following almost a year later on December 13th, 2013. Get caught up on all of our coverage of The Hobbit movies here.