The Hobbit rumor-mill has cranked into overdrive this month. We’ve already heard that Aragorn might be back and that director Guillermo Del Toro will have a cameo in the LOTR prequel.

Clark Kent says: When you hear who might be joining the cast, it’ll give you hope that the next X-Men movie may be a hit!

VIA IGN:

Now Aint It Cool is reporting that Scottish actor Brian Cox is a “major contender” to play one of the thirteen dwarves who join Bilbo on his quest. The actor is perhaps most famous for playing William Stryker in X2 and Hannibal Lecktor in Manhunter.

AICN’s scooper doesn’t specify which pint-sized middle-earther Cox is being lined up for, but the most obvious role would be bumbling dwarf leader Thorin Oakenshield. Studio New Line hasn’t confirmed the story.

Clark Kent says: We’ll keep you posted as more develops.