Vanessa “Saffron” Price, Online Community Representative for Turbine, Inc. writes: The Bonfire Glade is a seemingly pleasant place of long grasses, surrounded by dense forest and open to the sky… but can you escape that strange lingering sense of woe and foreboding that hangs about the mysterious Old Forest? Exploring Middle-earth: Bonfire Glade
Month: February 2008
JW writes: Looks like the Ringers on a LOTR tour got a double treat recently as they came upon the Wolverine movie set while on the jeep tour. Looking for Hobbits…Fans find Mutants
The JRR Tolkien adaptation – one of the most expensive West End shows in history – received four nominations at the Laurence Olivier Awards. The stage version of The Lord Of The Rings is also a best new musical contender, despite mixed reviews. Other nominations include best lighting, set design, costume and sound. Sir Ian McKellen also received a ‘best actor’ nomination for his portrayal as King Lear.
The 32nd annual Laurence Olivier Awards ceremony will be held on 9 March at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, hosted by actor Richard E Grant. [More]
A rare first edition signed copy of JRR Tolkien’s classic novel The Hobbit estimated to be worth about $A65,000 will go under the hammer in London next month. Considered by some collectors to be the ultimate prize for Tolkien fans, the book was published in 1937 and features a range of black and white sketches by the world-famous author. Also up for grabs will be a copy of the first foreign language edition of The Hobbit, translated into Swedish in 1947, and the last known photograph ever taken of Tolkien. Auction house Bonhams estimates the much-sought after book could attract bids of between STG20,000 ($A43,802) and STG30,000 ($A65,703) from collectors around the world. Tolkien signed the book for his friend Elaine Griffiths, who had a hand in the author’s publishing success. Auction of The Hobbit first edition
Reporter Jussi Ahlroth from Finland’s Helsingin Sanomat sends us an email today detailing a conversation with Guillermo Del Toro’s casting director, Jeremy Zimmerman.
“I met today Jeremy Zimmerman, who has done the casting for Guillermo Del Toro’s four films. He’s known Del Toro four six years and says they are “mates”. I asked him if Del Toro will direct The Hobbit. He was a bit taken back, almost surprised that I would even ask. “Yes, yes, he’s doing it.” After a while he said: “He’s got the Ring”, and smiled.”
Chalk this up as further proof that Del Toro is going to be directing ‘The Hobbit’ films. Thanks to Jussi for sending along the tip and great news! [Jussi’s Blog]
Vanessa “Saffron” Price, Online Community Representative for Turbine, Inc. writes: After reclaiming Thorin’s Hall, Dwalin and his company established a permanent garrison in their Blue Mountain stronghold to ward against incursions by the goblins of Ered Luin and the Dourhands in the ruined dwarf-city of Sarnúr. Visit the headquarters of the Blue Stone Garrison, and learn what you can do to aid the Blue Mountain Dwarf faction! Exploring Middle-earth: Blue Stone Garrison