Thanks to Ringer Chris for pointing us to the latest episode of BBC’s ‘The Graham Norton Show.’ Graham’s guests included actor Bill Bailey who has further confirmed his audition for the role of Gloin in the upcoming ‘Hobbit’ films. The online video is available for UK Ringers, but here is a brief summary provided by Chris…

For those who can watch it, it’s about 22min 40sec into the programme that they discuss it. Graham mentions that Bill had auditioned for a movie and asks him if he is allowed to talk about it. One of the other guests asks him which movie it was and he said it was The Hobbit. This led to several jokes about Bill’s appearance, how he would be perfect for the film and wouldn’t need any makeup. He said that he went along and read for the part of Gloin and mentioned that he was Gimli’s father from The Lord of the Rings. He said that he and certain other people (no other names mentioned) were invited along to read for the part. He then joked that if he didn’t get the part, he would go on tour with his own prog-rock Hobbit musical.

Here’s the link to the full video on the BBC website. [Video] The show is also in regular rotation now on BBC America- you can find listings here.

Nothing like seeing a mention of “The Hobbit” on Boing Boing, one of my favorite geek blogs! They published a link to a blog called “English Russia.”

Someone published scans of amazing woodblock illustrations from a Russian version of “The Hobbit.” The style is extremely distinctive and very stylized. The Gollum illustration is one of the coolest interpretations I’ve ever seen. Graphically it looks to be from the ’30’s – but perhaps some Tolkien scholar out there knows better? Continue reading “Scans and video of Soviet-era version of “The Hobbit” Unearthed”

Brian writes: I don’t know if this was posted somewhere on your site, but you might be interested in knowing that the Hobbiton set in New Zealand was just featured as a photo shoot location on “America’s Next Top Model” of all shows! More..

Thanks to Ringers Rory and Kelgalad for the heads up on this:

“Tonight’s episode of ‘The Marriage Ref’ will include a couple who are arguing over the husband’s Lord of the Rings collection. Should be funny, even if you’re not a fan of the show. NBC, 10 EST”

Check out the official website for more details and your local listings! [NBC]

Our pal Carlene Cordova writes: According to George R.R. Martin’s “Not a Blog” the latest Calendar of paintings of locations from his “Song of Ice and Fire” fantasy series will be illustrated by none other than LOTR illustrator Ted Nasmith. According to Martin’s website, the calendar will be debuting from publisher Bantam Spectra at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con in July.

For fans of Westros and other “Ice and Fire” environs, this series is currently in production with HBO starring Sean Bean. (But you already knew that…) I’m sure that Ted Nasmith isn’t the last LOTR alum to hop onboard this blockbuster fantasy series! Here’s the link with pictures. More..

TheOneRing.net Radio Show had Ted Nasmith as a guest on the show, take a listen to the show here!

Linuxelf continues to load up the YouTube library of yesteryear. Heading up today’s entries is fun New Zealand television coverage from our own “Return of the One Party”. They (channel 3) call it the “Three Ring Party” and later refer to it as New Line’s party, never quite catching on that it was a fan organized gathering. But they did talk to site friend and expert costumer Judy (look for the beard) and reported from our stage while Emerald Rose is playing.

After the video below are links to fun interviews with the likes of Peter Jackson, Orlando Bloom & Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Andy Serkis, Ian McKellen, Billy Boyd, Elijah Wood and John Rhys-Davies as well as footage of fans touring Edoras.

Interviews
Tour of Edoras