Serkis signs on for 'The Hobbit'

Andy Serkis has signed up to appear in 'The Hobbit'.

The 46-year-old actor - who played the creature Gollum in the 'Lord of the Rings' film franchise – is reported to have inked a deal to appear in the forthcoming movie prequel based on the J.R.R. Tolkein novel in a small but vital role.