In a bit of Irish poetry, Stuart Townsend, the actor who was originally cast to play Aragorn in Lord of The Rings, has been selected to star in director Peter Jackson's 'The Hobbit.'

Townsend, an Irish actor originally from Dublin, will reportedly star as Bard, a skilled archer who finds himself holding the fate of his people in his hand.

Bringing even more Irish A-List talent to the film will be Saoirse Ronan, who has been reportedly cast as Itaril, a forest elf dedicated to protecting the Elf King of Mirkwood.

It's the second time Ronan has collaborated with Jackson - she also starred in 2009′s acclaimed 'The Lovely Bones.'

'The Hobbit' will be split into two films and has now been filming in New Zealand since March 21. The two 'Hobbit' films are expected for release in late 2012 and 2013 respectively.