ianmckellen.jpg From The Advocate: British actor Sir Ian McKellen spoke out on behalf of gay victims of hate crimes Monday, reported Reuters U.K. “There are deaths in public places on the grounds that the victim is gay,” McKellen told Reuters, adding, “My own death threats have declined considerably. I think I’ve become rather boring now to the public at large on this particular issue so I’m thought to be unremarkable.” A founding member of the British LGBT rights advocacy group Stonewall, McKellen is better known for his role as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, which he will be taking up again in The Hobbit, filming for which begins next year.

Libby writes: Thanks very much for listing the free outdoor screening of the LOTR trilogy + Hobbit Breakfast in your EVENTS blog — that is great. Hopefully folks who don’t head down to Comic-Con will come on out.

I wanted to share details about another screening of the trilogy in August, taking place at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica. Ticket prices for the entire program will be $3, and artist David Hildebrandt will introduce the screening. Continue reading “Trilogy Screening in Santa Monica”

Spanish ArmadaOK, this is either really sad … or Peter Jackson did one heck of a job giving “Lord Of The Rings” even more of a historical feel that he intended. An article in the Newcastle (UK) Journal talks about the complaints on how little British kids know about the world is a bit overblown, but then they said:

It may be slightly worrying that in one recent poll fewer than half those questioned knew that Sir Francis Drake defeated the Spanish Armada. And, okay, it’s frankly terrifying that 6% of those questioned thought that this great historical victory was down to the wizard Gandalf from Lord of the Rings.

So I suppose the Corsairs sailing up the Anduin had a Spanish feel to them. [Read More]

The article is here:

Comic-Con 2008 T-ShirtNo Comic-Con experience is complete unless you walk away with a new t-shirt. The problem is choosing which one! Well, this year, TheOneRing.net and Weta Workshop are teaming up to make your choice a lot easier. With artwork hand drawn by Weta Workshop’s very own Daniel Falconer, and the Weta and TORn logos on the back, this shirt is sure to be one of the hottest items at Comic-Con this year. Don’t miss your opportunity to get this shirt at the Slave Boy Films Booth (#5424) for only $20. Various colors and styles will be offered. Only 300 shirts will be produced for the show, so you’ll have to act fast! Click on ‘read the rest of this entry’ for a gallery of the styles and don’t forget to visit the Slave Boy Films booth and support TORn! [Exhibitor Map at Comic-Con 2008] [Weta Workshop] Continue reading “Exclusive Comic-Con 2008 Weta and TORn Shirt”

Comic-ConAfter many years, TheOneRing.net is returning to Comic-Con! This year we are honored to be presenting a panel of ‘The Hobbit’ films:

Friday, July 25th 10:00-11:00 TheOneRing.net: The Hobbit— Middle Earth returns with the announcement that The Hobbit will be developed into a feature film directed by Guillermo del Toro and produced by Peter Jackson. The world’s largest Tolkien community, TheOneRing.net, takes you behind the scenes of the latest news, announcements, and rumors pertaining to the production of the new film. Chris Pirrotta (TheOneRing.net), Larry Curtis (TheOneRing.net), Cliff Broadway (TheOneRing.net), Kristin Thompson (The Frodo Franchise), and possible special guests present this early look at making The Hobbit happen! Room 32AB

We hope you can join us for our first panel in over 5 years! [Comic-Con]