On this episode of Hobbit in 5, production photos arrive from the Hobbit set, fans share their stories on Tolkien Reading Day, Saiorse Ronan gives us her insights on how the Hobbit film might be different from The Lord of The Rings production, and Weta Workshop offer up a wonderful Bag End replica giveaway if you can solve their puzzle.
Along with that awesome video we posted yesterday, here are some images from Snowblind’s ‘War in the North’, due out this year! Treating players to warfare befitting the clashes of Middle-earth, The Lord of the Rings: War in the North comes to player’s hands later this year. Register at www.WarInTheNorth.com, and don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @WarInTheNorth. Continue reading “More Epicness from Snowblind/WB ‘War in the North’”
Alf Seegert, Designer of the board games Bridge Troll, Trollhalla, and The Road to Canterbury writes: You were kind enough to share information about my board game BRIDGE TROLL which came out a couple years ago. I’d be very grateful if you would share news about my brand-new (and even better) Z-Man board game TROLLHALLA. I think Tolkien fans might really enjoy playing trolls once again. This time players get to leave behind their damp and moldy bridges and seek some fresh sea air–and a chance for pillage and plunder on the seas of Trollhalla! Visit dicehateme.com or boardgamegeek.com for more info. And finally, here is a link to the Muppet Show clip “Viking Pigs” that inspired the game (just substitute trolls for pigs).
This was TheOneRing.net’s 2011 April Fools Joke. This is a completely fabricated story.
Wellington, NZ, April 1, 2011—Production is underway in Wellington, New Zealand, on “The Hobbit,” filmmaker Peter Jackson’s two film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s widely read masterpiece.
Set in Middle-earth, “The Hobbit” takes place 60 years before Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” which Jackson and his filmmaking team brought to the big screen in the blockbuster trilogy that culminated with the Oscar-winning “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.”
Joining the all-star cast is actor Stuart Townsend as the grim and heroric Bard. Bard is a skilled archer from the town of Dale, who finds himself holding the fate of his people on the string of his bow. Stuart is no stranger to Middle-earth as he was originally cast as Aragorn in the Oscar-winning “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy but left the production for personal reasons. “This is a great chance for Stuart to return to Middle-earth and bring his immeasurable talents to the production,” said casting director Thomas Williams.
Saiorse Ronan also joins the cast in the role of Itaril, a quick and lithe Silvan elf who is dedicated to protecting the Elf King of Mirkwood. Ms. Ronan was previously directed by Peter Jackson in 2009’s critically acclaimed ‘The Lovely Bones.’
“The Hobbit” cast already includes Martin Freeman (Bilbo Baggins) and Ian McKellen (Gandalf). The Dwarves are played by Richard Armitage (Thorin Oakenshield), Ken Stott (Balin), Graham McTavish (Dwalin), William Kircher (Bifur) James Nesbitt (Bofur), Stephen Hunter (Bombur), Rob Kazinsky (Fili), Aidan Turner (Kili), Peter Hambleton (Gloin), John Callen (Oin), Jed Brophy (Nori), Mark Hadlow (Dori) and Adam Brown (Ori). Reprising their roles from “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy are Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, Andy Serkis as Gollum and Elijah Wood as Frodo. Further announcements are expected.
“The Hobbit” films are co-produced by New Line Cinema and MGM, with New Line managing production. Warner Bros Pictures is handling worldwide theatrical distribution, with select international territories as well as all international television licensing being handled by MGM. The two films are planned for release in late 2012 and 2013, respectively.
ABOUT NEW LINE CINEMA:
New Line Cinema continues to be one of the most successful independent film companies. For more than 40 years, its mission has been to produce innovative, popular, profitable entertainment in the best creative environment. A pioneer in franchise filmmaking, New Line produced the Oscar®-winning “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, which is a landmark in the history of film franchises. New Line Cinema is a division of Warner Bros.
ABOUT PETER JACKSON/WINGNUT FILMS:
Peter Jackson is one of the world’s most successful filmmakers. His monumental achievement co-writing, co-producing and directing The Lord of the Rings trilogy (with fellow Academy Award winners and frequent collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens) earned a total of 30 Academy Award nominations and 17 Academy Awards. Jackson and Walsh received their first Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay for their acclaimed film Heavenly Creatures. Jackson, through his New Zealand-based Wingnut Films banner, also was responsible for the globally successful 2005 remake of King Kong which earned over $500 million worldwide and 3 Academy Awards. Jackson most recently directed the Academy Award nominated The Lovely Bones; an adaptation of the acclaimed best-selling novel by Alice Sebold, which to date has earned nearly $100 million worldwide; and produced the global sensation, District 9, which received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. He is also developing a trilogy of films with Steven Spielberg based on Tintin, the world renowned comic book series by Herge. In 2010 he received a Knighthood for his services to film.
ABOUT METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER STUDIOS INC.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world’s largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in domestic and international TV channels reaching over 130 countries. For more information, visit www.mgm.com. What is the date again?
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Snowblind Studios today reveal an all new video, the Official Behind the Scenes with Snowblind: Blood and Steel. The video offers a look at the upcoming Action RPG The Lord of the Rings: War in the North, delving into the violent, detailed and varied combat in the game. As described by key members of the Snowblind Studios team and depicted in visceral gameplay footage, players can switch between melee and range attacks, and enhance their character’s power with kill streaks that augment their abilities. Treating players to warfare befitting the clashes of Middle-earth, The Lord of the Rings: War in the North comes to player’s hands later this year.
Along with that