Sir Ian Holm to Return as Bilbo Baggins in Alien: Covenant

Sir Ian Holm is set to return to the big screen as Bilbo Baggins in the upcoming Alien film, Alien: Covenant, PEOPLE has confirmed.

From Middle Earth to Space

The veteran actor, who famously played the hobbit in Peter Jackson‘s The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit, is joining the cast of the sci-fi horror film, which is set to hit theaters in May 2017.

A New Role for Holm

While Holm’s role in the film has not been officially confirmed, sources close to the production have revealed that the actor will play the role of a character named A.I. – a nod to the artificial intelligence that has been a central part of the Alien franchise since the first film in 1979.

A Return to the Alien Franchise

Alien: Covenant is the second film in the Alien prequel series, following Alien: Prometheus, which was released in 2012. The film is directed by Ridley Scott, who also directed the original Alien film, and stars Michael Fassbender, who is reprising his role as the android David from Alien: Prometheus.

From Hobbits to Aliens

While Holm is best known for his role as Bilbo Baggins, he has a long and varied career in film and television, including roles in Chariots of Fire, The Fifth Element, and Time Bandits. This will be his first role in the Alien franchise.

Alien: Covenant Hits Theaters in May 2017

Alien: Covenant is set to hit theaters on May 19, 2017. The film is expected to explore the origins of the deadly Xenomorphs and the human colony ship that was the setting for the original Alien film.