NEW YORK:

Sean Astin, the former “Lord of the Rings” hobbit, will again find himself in a situation where the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Astin will join the cast of Fox’s “24,” the network announced Friday. Fox said season five of the real-time drama picks up 18 months after last season’s conclusion with Jack Bauer He lives with Diane and her son Derek. Also joining the cast is Jean Smart as First Lady Martha Logan. Gregory Itzin returns as her husband, panicky President Logan. The show is nominated for 11 Emmys, including best drama and best actor for Sutherland.