The Wee Yin?

Scottish comedian Billy Connolly, affectionately known by fans as The Big Yin, is set to play a dwarf in Peter Jackson’s movie adaption of the hit novel by J.R.R. Tolkien.

“The Hobbit”, which was first published in 1937, is a prelude to Tolkien’s popular “The Lord of the Rings” series and will be split into two films. The first movie: “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is scheduled to be released in December of this year (2012) with the second movie: “The Hobbit: There and Back Again” to come out late the following year. 

Trailer:

Jackson, the director, was quoted saying:

"We could not think of a more fitting actor to play Dain Ironfoot, the staunchest and toughest of the dwarves, than Billy Connolly, the Big Yin himself," 

Filming has already begun in New Zealand where The Shire, home to the hobbits, and other sets have been built.

Recently, after being voted the “most influential comedian of all time” by the public in a poll organised by TV channel Dave, Connolly has suffered heckles from some of his UK audience members. This has resulted in two of his shows being prematurely ended, leaving both the 69-year-old funny man and his fans unimpressed.

Here is a link to Connolly’s official website including his blog and information on other projects.