Jack BlackThe names of Jack Black, James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe were making the rounds in the media this week, as rumors about who will be cast as Bilbo in the upcoming movie of “The Hobbit” begin to fly. According to Black, however, there’s no truth to that rumor. Black: “No, no. There’s no talk of it,” the comic proclaimed, denying the article’s validity. Of course, we could have told everyone that, as GDT posted the same thing on our message boards the day the original story came out:

“We will not choose casting until after we finish the scripts. Period. So, no- No talks are bound to take place with any actor to play Bilbo in the near future. Pages come first.” And, in another comment: “When its a fact- You’ll hear it from me first- and, very likely, right here.”

Read and participate in the discussion in this thread on our boards, or in Barliman’s chatroom. Thanks to message board member Elven for cluing us in to Black’s recent comments which can be found on MTV Movies Blog along with a video of the interview.

Dark Counsel DioramaSideshow Collectibles has started taking pre-orders for the ‘Dark Counsel‘ diorama – featuring Brad Dourif as Grima Wormtongue and Bernard Hill as Theoden. They have also posted a 360° turnaround of the piece (see image). In other LOTR updates, Sideshow has posted their production photography for the Sam and Frodo 12-inch figures – if you haven’t picked up you figures yet, now is the time. The Samwise Gamgee and the Frodo Baggins Exclusive Editions (only available via Sideshow’s website and have an extra accessory) are on second chance and should sell out shortly. Also on second chance is the popular ‘Treachery of Saruman‘ diorama which is getting some great reviews. And last, if you are on the fence about any of these collectibles, check out the ‘Backstage Pass‘ features. They are neat little videos that explain the figure and showcase what makes Sideshow items worth owning. [Dark Counsel Diorama] [Frodo 12-inch Exclusive] [Samwise 12-inch Exclusive] [Hobbit Backstage Pass Video] [Treachery of Saruman Diorama] [Treachery of Saruman Backstage Pass Video]

LOTR ONLINE LOGO Meghan from Turbine writes: In addition to Tuesday’s update covering the warg Baugarch, aka the demise of many a lowbie in the Chetwood (a good friend of mine Leroy Jenkins’d him and got us killed!), today we added a profile of the NPC Ada Musgrove, our Bree Festival grounds Dance Leader, to the LOTRO Lorebook. The Lorebook is available at lorebook.lotro.com.

The bigger news is that Eleventy-seven Morsels is the third minigame on the Unlock the Mines of Moria site! Players can earn deeds leading to another star on the gate, which will unlock an exclusive Mines of Moria poster. The Mines of Moria site can be visited at unlocktheminesofmoria.com!

viggomortenson.jpg pipnlvr writes: Just wanted to give your readers a heads up that Viggo Mortensen will be honored with a “Half-Life” award during the Cinevegas Film Festival here in Las Vegas held from June 6-12, 2008. Tickets for Viggo’s panel and award are now for sale on the Cinevegas website. I’ve already bought mine!!

James McAvoySo we know PJ and GDT are on the same page with who they want to play Bilbo Baggins…but have they let that information leak? There are a few stories out today that peg fantasy-genre veteran James McAvoy as the leading candidate for the starring role in the upcoming ‘Hobbit’ Films. Check out the following links and then discuss the possiblities with fellow Ringers in our board and chatroom! [Showbiz Spy] [MSN Entertainment] [IMDB] Thanks to Mallory, Leah-Anne and Luis for the heads up!

Guillermo del ToroSeveral of you alerted us to this story from Empire online: As part of an exclusive chat with Del Toro for the next issue of Empire, on sale Friday, we spoke to him further about many details, including the casting of Bilbo.

“I can tell you that it’s down to a few names that we all agree upon. And that our first choice…completely, magically, we said the same name. All of us!”

Be sure to check the news stands for more this Friday. Read More