Anna Kendrick can completely relate to the throngs of “Twilight” fans who spent the last few days camped out outside the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles for the “Eclipse” premiere. In fact, there was a time in Kendrick’s life when she did the same exact thing, except her object of devotion was a rock band. And then there’s her whole “Lord of the Rings” obsession, too. “I camped out to see the Strokes. I was obsessed with Julian Casablancas. I had a huge crush,” the Oscar nominee revealed to MTV News about her fandom at the “Eclipse” premiere. “And I was and still am obsessed with ‘Lord of the Rings.’ I do an annual marathon of the extended editions. It’s hard-core.” More..
Year: 2010
Visitors to Westfield Manukau City may be shocked to find a fiery beast residing in the mall from Monday 28 June. Part of Westfield’s school holiday programme, Weta Workshop sculptor Kim Graham will be inspiring and educating up-and coming artists as she works in ‘The Dragon’s Lair’ on a ‘life-sized’ dragon sculpture. Kim will also be inviting young shoppers to lend a hand in bringing the creature to life. Kim will be demonstrating sculpting from 10am daily and encouraging children to help her as she works. While talking through the sculpting process, she will explain techniques & tools and reveal how movie magic happens. The dragon is currently a 5 foot 9 inch Plaster of Paris covered sculpture with one tonne of clay to be added over the next two weeks. More..
In a bit of non-news-news, Deadline Hollywood (and multiple other sites) recently posted: Almost one month after Guillermo del Toro dropped out of directing The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson is in talks to helm the two films in the franchise. Story developing…
Moviehole is relaying a report from The Herald-Sun that Australian actor Simon Westaway has auditioned for the role of lead dwarf Thorin Oakenshield in The Hobbit.
Oakenshield, being the leader of his people, was determined to reclaim the treasure stolen by Smaug.
Westaway has played Mick Gatto on the first season of TVs “Underbelly” and had roles in Terry Malick’s The Thin Red Line, Happy Feet and Babe: Pig in the City.
The paper adds that Cate Blanchett is expected to reprise her role as Galadriel in the film. What do TORN readers think? Add your comments on the message boards!
Sideshow Collectibles has revealed the full product gallery and pricing information for their upcoming ‘Morgul Lord’ Premium Format Figure. The exclusive version of the piece, available only at their website (SideshowCollectibles.com), will include a switch-out flaming sword and begins pre-ordering tonight at approximately 5-6pm ET. There have been quite a few characters in this premium format figure line-up, and some are still available to order. They include Gandalf the Grey (pre-order), Moria Orc (instock) and Galadriel (instock). (psst – If you got one of those $25 TORn Gift Cards the other week, you can use them on the instock items!) For the complete Morgul Lord gallery click on the following link. [Morgul Lord] Oh, and last week Sideshow also revealed the latest statue in development…looks like a Legolas in Helms Deep armor. [Check out the Video]
NYMag.com says that Neill Blomkamp will not direct a pair of ‘Hobbit’ movies to be produced by Peter Jackson. The online magazine cites an insider at William Morris Endeavor, Blomkamp’s agency, with the info that not only will he not be directing, he was never contacted by Warner Bros. or MGM.
TORn didn’t say Blomkamp would direct, only that a source claimed to have viewed a film breakdown and a lot of the sources info fit with other whispers from other sources. The shortest line between Blomkamp and the film would run though New Zealand and Jackson, not L.A. studios, but NYMag isn’t going to make the report unless its source is solid. Read the whole account right here.
We know Jackson will be in Los Angeles next week and have heard he is there now meeting with studios who are trying to get him to sit in the director’s chair. We have further heard some of his high-placed team is in London working on casting.