Weaving to voice LotR game News

Scary-browed, pointy-chinned actor Hugo Weaving, alias Lord Elrond in the Lord of the Rings films and Agent Smith in the infinitely better Matrix trilogy [er... - Ed], has signed up to do a voice-over for PC RTS Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II.

"Generally with Lord of the Rings, no one ever really says goodbye to it because it seems that you were always coming back," Weaving said.

"I always find voice work really fascinating because you are working on one element of your make up as an actor - focusing more intently on one part of your toolbox if you like - in a way so everything seems to go into producing that vocal effect.

"It really isn't just an effect, because it actually comes from a source which is a true continuation of that character." Righto.

Weaving will reprise his role as Elrond for the game, guiding players throughout single-player campaigns. Plus you'll get to see him fight battles that weren't featured in the movies.

EA has also hired concept artist John Howe, who worked on the LotR films, to design some entirely new creatures and locations for Middle-earth. He will primarily be working on dragons, apparently.

Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle-earth is out in March.