John Rhys-Davies Ain't In THE HOBBIT!? At Least Not As A Dwarf...

Merrick here...
John Rhys-Davies (Gimli in the LORD OF THE RINGS films) spoke to Empire about whether or not he would be returning to the Tolkienverse for THE HOBBIT. Gimli doesn't appear in THE HOBBIT, but his dad does, as do other reps of his Dwarf race. While a little disappointing, Rhys-Davies' answer is also understandable.

"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." [EDIT] But the production did ask if he'd be interested in returning. "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. "

...says Rhys-Davies HERE. So, just because he won't be a Dwarf doesn't mean they couldn't squeeze him into a different role, no? Would be kinda cool to see as many of the old gang back as possible, even through re-purposed casting.