How Thranduil’s Elk Became a Funny Problem in The Hobbit (Bloopers) 😂While filming The Hobbit, Thranduil’s majestic elk was actually played by a massive horse named Moose. But every time Lee Pace delivered his lines, Moose would suddenly move out of position forcing retake after retake. It made filming difficult, but also created one of the funniest behind the scenes moments in The Hobbit.