Mikael Persbrandt, the Swedish actor who portrayed Beorn in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and The Hobbit: The Battle of The Five Armies, is in negotiations to join the cast of Warner Bros.’ Knights of the Round Table. While specific character details are being kept under wraps, Heat Vision Blog reports that the actor is playing a villain. Knights of the Round Table is the first movie in a planned six-movie series.

The project is a reimagining of the King Arthur tale, following his adventures in Camelot alongside his legendary knights, with Charlie Hunnam starring as Arthur. Astrid Berges-Frisbey is playing Guinevere, with Jude Law reportedly playing another villain, Djimon Hounsou playing Bedivere, a Merlin-esque mentor to Arthur, and Eric Bana playing Arthur’s father Uther. It isn’t known when production will begin, but Warner Bros. has already slated Knights of the Round Table for release on July 22, 2016.

Guy Ritchie (The Man from U.N.C.L.E.) is directing from a screenplay by Joby Harold (Awake). The director and writer are also producing alongside Akiva Goldsman, Lionel Wigram and Tory Tunnell. Mikael Persbrandt‘s other credits include The Salvation alongside Mads Mikkelsen and The Hypnotist with Lena Olin.

Knights of the Round Table comes to theaters July 22nd, 2016 and stars Charlie Hunnam, Astrid Berges-Frisbey, Jude Law, Djimon Hounsou, Eric Bana, Mikael Persbrandt. The film is directed by Guy Ritchie