Sir Ian McKellen has earlier today put up a new blog post titled “Congratulations, dear Watson” on his personal blog “Notes From Imladris” chronicling his journey filming The Hobbit.

Those following TORn will recall our coverage from last week of Martin Freeman letting slip the news that Benedict Cumberbatch has landed a role in the films.

McKellen’s post today confirms Freeman’s statement, and also goes a bit further with a little teaser of the potential role Cumberbatch has been cast in.

Now, what can he [Benedict Cumberbatch] be playing in The Hobbit?

Philippa Boyens showed me a snippet of his screen-test, played in close-up into the camera.  It was electrifying, vocally and facially.  Yes, what can he be playing?

So for now the question remains… what role has Cumberbatch been cast in? As always, our message boards are rife with speculation, and you’re welcome to join in.