John Rhys-Davies Will NOT Be In THE HOBBIT

Jim here. Empire has the goods on whether John Rhys-Davies will be returning to THE HOBBIT to play Gimli's father (Glóin) or one of the others in this very dwarf centric story. The answer, unfortunately, is no.

Rhys-Davies said: "I've already been asked and to be honest with you, I wouldn't. I have already completely ruled it out. There's a sentimental part of me that would love to be involved again. Really I am not sure my face can take that sort of punishment any more."

When asked about a cameo: "Why would you want to do it if it was just a couple of shots? When you've been 1 of 1, why would you want to be 1 of 13?"

When asked to elaborate on Del Toro / Jackson asking for him: "It was just a gentle "What would you feel about putting it on again?" But no. I'd be interested in trying to create a different type of persona within... the thing. That is challenging as an actor. I'd really prefer to play something quite different. Maybe an Elf. They've got a different set of problems with The Hobbit because you've got 13 dwarves, a whole band of them... You're trying to represent a whole race... You're trying to do for dwarves what The Lord of the Rings did for hobbits."

I think the production is sorely going to miss him. Sure, it will get on fine - but it could have been more with him. Seeing Glóin's personality as played by John and then piecing together how he could have affected Gimli growing up would have been very cool. Oh well. At least it will be in 3D, right Guillermo? ;-)