Compa_Mighty writes: Not a huge thing, but The Hobbit was formally mentioned as one the upcoming MGM franchise movies, in the press release appointing Mary Parent “Chairperson, Worldwide Motion Picture Group at the studio”.
“MGM is planning an exciting fall and winter release schedule. In partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment, MGM will bring new installments of two of its tentpole franchises – the new James Bond movie QUANTUM OF SOLACE and Steve Martin in PINK PANTHER 2. MGM will also release United Artists’ international thriller VALKYRIE, starring Tom Cruise on October 3. With the appointment of Parent, MGM will enter its new phase of evolution by focusing on its major movie franchises highlighted by JAMES BOND and PINK PANTHER sequels, THE HOBBIT, THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR 2, THE OUTER LIMITS, ROBOCOP, DEATH WISH and FAME, among others.
… IS, WELL, WHAT YOU SEE
From Handbag.com: We catch up with Lord Of The Rings and King Kong star Andy Serkis to chat about his new film The Cottage. 
From The Hollywood Reporter: LONDON — Orlando Bloom has pulled out of Lone Scherfig’s “An Education” because of scheduling clashes just as the movie began rolling, the producers said Monday. Bloom was replaced by Dominic Cooper (“The History Boys”) in the movie penned by oft-adapted British novelist Nick Hornby. Producers have moved quickly to replace Bloom on the film, which began shooting Monday and will be in front of the cameras until May on location in and around London, Oxford and Paris. 
Vanessa “Saffron” Price, Online Community Representative for Turbine, Inc. writes: Turbine, Inc. and Codemasters Online today unveiled Volume II of The Lord of the Rings OnlineTM, the first retail expansion for the award-winning massively multiplayer online roleplaying game (MMORPG).