Taking time out from canvassing for the Scottish National Party and a break from offers to advertise Japanese whisky, Sean Connery is in advanced talks with a US studio to star in what will be one of the biggest films ever embarked on. He is the front-runner to take the lead role in the Tinseltown-backed adaptation of JRR Tolkien’s trilogy, *Lord of the Rings*. The film version is being backed by New Line Cinema, the studio behind such blockbusters as *Mortal Combat*, with New Zealand director Peter Jackson taking the chair. Connery would play Gandalf, the wizard who leads the Hobbits in their battle against Dark Lord Sauron. The three Tolkien films, which will shoot back-to-back starting this September, were originally budgeted at a collective $130m when New Line agreed to take over the financing of the project from Miramax Films in return for worldwide distribution and merchandising rights. But now figures being bandied about are much higher with all three costing more than even *Titanic*, which included the world’s most expensive ice cube. Like the upcoming *Star Wars* trilogy, Jackson’s heavily-shrouded project has provoked endless Internet discussion as it nears the projected September 19 start date. Jackson, like George Lucas before him, is no stranger to the use of digital effects and is expected to draw on his state-of-the-art digital effects facility he had built in New Zealand. The ambitious Kiwi director is expected to create the legions of hobbits, orcs, elves and goblins that make up Tolkien’s mythical world of Middle Earth in his backyard. A portion of the year-long production schedule for the first film may even be shot in Europe with a Christmas 2000 release date penciled in for the first episode, *The Fellowship Of The Ring*. But it still remains to be seen whether Jackson will follow the example of George Lucas and shoot the entire film digitally. Whether Connery decides to pick up Gandalf’s staff or not, the film adaptation is likely to be one of the most talked about movie projects of next year. With its expansive story, intricate fantasy world settings, big production costs and the lure of Tolkien’s original brilliance, actors will be queuing up to play a part.
Day: May 5, 1999
Cinescape Online reporter Chris Kivlehan, on hand to ask the tough questions of the assembled actors at the Star Wars Celebration convention in Denver today, asked Phantom Menace actor Warwick Davis about his interest in possibly being involved with the upcoming Lord of the Rings trilogy and whether or not he had contacted Peter Jackson. Davis responded “I was fortunate enough to audition for that film.” He went on to explain that it didn”t work out, and an actor Timothy Spall has been cast as Gimli. Spall is not of small stature but will instead be reduced in size through special effects which caused some disappointment with an actor who felt he had the obvious attributes to carry that role.
I have exclusive Cirdan-News about the the Aragorn-Casting-Rumor with Robert Atkins-Down of Babylon5.
Today I met Robert Atkins-Down at a Star Trek/ Babylon5 -Convention here in Bonn, Germany and I told him about the rumor in the Internet. He said, that he only have tried to do this casting, but they don’t want him.
editors note: The actors name is actually Robin Atkin Downes
Famed New Zealand film-maker, Peter Jackson, is bringing his multi-million dollar production of Lord of the Rings to Palmerston North. Jackson shot to fame with his low-budget cult favourite Bad Tase, and found artistic acclaim with the darkly gothic Heavenly Creatures, and financial success with the US financed The Frightners. Currently Jackson is remaining coy about the actual location to be used for the shooting, but has stated that he is sizing up his optitons before confirming his intentions in the Manawatu. However he is looking for approximately 80 to 100 young extras to various stature. Jackson will be appearing on Concourse on Wednesday 12th of May in the common lunch hour to look for prospective talent. I you are interested in auditioning, application forms will be available on the day. No previous experience is necessary.