In an article written by Tony DiTerlizzi for The LA Times, we get a rare glimpse at what could have been the 30th Anniversary Edition of The Hobbit, illustrated by renowned artist Maurice Sendak (Where the Wild Things Are). But with thanks to a mislabeling error by an editor, and Sendak’s first heart attack, then project never came to fruition. A great read for the start of the week.  [Read on]

The long road to ‘The Hobbit’ filming was full of hurdles. And sometimes, it seems those of us whom report on the topic are downright anxious to raise the alarm when another possible ‘hurdle’ presents itself. Local NZ sources are reporting that the the permission by the Matamata-Piako District Council to film on the land where the Hobbiton set is built will run out by the end of April. Obviously with the start of filming being delayed for a variety of reasons, the most recent PJ’s hospital stay, that time frame is going to have to be adjusted. Is there a soul out there who actually believes the local council is not going to approve an extension? Ultimately, the production company will apply for an extension and it will be granted. Not too worry. With that said, here are links to two articles on the topic.  [Article 1] [Article 2]

Welcome to our collection of TORn’s hottest topics for the past week. If you’ve fallen behind on what’s happening on the Message Boards, here’s a great way to catch the highlights. Or if you’re new to TORn and want to enjoy some great conversations, just follow the links to some of our most popular discussions. Watch this space as every weekend we will spotlight the most popular buzz on TORn’s Message Boards. Everyone is welcome, so come on in and join in the fun!
Continue reading “TORn Message Boards Weekly Roundup – March 27, 2011”

We have a director. We have a script. We have a cast. And filming has finally begun!

With all legal issues and director shenanigans finally resolved, TORN’s Hall of fire will hold a series of fortnightly (that’s once every two weeks) Hobbit Rumours Round-up chats over coming weekends that will give Hobbit fans the opportunity to dissect and speculate upon all the latest news from the productions.

These fortnightly chats — starting this Saturday March 25 — will alternate every other week with our chapter-by-chapter discussion of The Hobbit. Yes, that’s tonight! Read more for all the details.

Continue reading “Hall of Fire Hobbit Rumours Round-up Tonight!”

The advertisements are appearing on FX television of Elijah Wood’s, aka Frodo Baggins, upcoming comedy series, “Wilfred“; an American remake of the hit Australian TV sitcom by the same name and with the same…dog?  Jason Gann (co-creator of the original series) reprises his Aussie role as Wilfred, a very cheeky canine, who plays the part in a very bad dog suit.

Ryan (Wood’s character) is a depressed, neurotic man preoccupied on the best way to commit suicide.  His plot is spoiled when his attractive neighbor (Fiona Gublemann of “Californication”) asks him to watch her “dog”, Wilfred, during the afternoons.  To her and everyone else, Wilfred appears as a normal dog; but to Ryan (and the audience); Wilfred is a full-grown man in a very bad dog costume.  Ryan struggles daily as he tries to keep Wilfred under control.  Unfortunately, Wilfred’s raunchy, self-serving tendencies challenge Ryan and have him questioning his grip on reality.  Eventually, Wilfred draws Ryan out and their relationship diverts him from his depression as Wilfred becomes his alter-ego and friend.

Continue reading “What’s Elijah Wood doing with that…dog?”

The LA Times ’24 Frames’ blog has an interview with rumored Hobbit participant, Saiorse Ronan, which reveals a significant statement about PJ’s adaptation of The Hobbit to film. Among other highlights in the article is the following statement from Ms. Ronan:

“Pete is adding a lot of characters in the film adaption,” she said. “Hopefully they have a part for me.”

This lines up with long standing rumors that a character named ‘Itaril’ has been added to the movie and Ms. Ronan is queued up for the role.

Itaril is described in unofficial casting call sheets as: female, A woodland Elf, this character is one the Silvan Elves. The Silvan Elves are seen as more earthy and practical. Shorter than other elves, she is still quick and lithe and physically adept, being able to fight with both sword and bow. Showing promise as a fighter at a young age, ITARIL was chosen to train to become part of the Woodland King’s Guard. This is the only life she has ever expected to live, until she meets and secretly falls in love with a young ELF LORD. This role will require a wig and contact lenses to be worn. Some prosthetic make-up may also be required. LEAD. AGE: 17-27.

Time will tell, but odds are we’ll be seeing Saiorse Ronan in this role for The Hobbit. Saiorse also mentioned that The Hobbit will be ‘a little bit lighter than ‘Lord of the Rings’.’ Read the full interview at the LA Times [Read on]