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One man remained in hospital for observation and was expected to be released in the next few hours, while the other had returned to work, The Hobbit unit publicist Ceris Price said:
The incident happened in one of the workshops when “a couple of the guys” were drilling a statue, Ms Price said earlier today. The pair were left with “mild burns but nothing serious” and were taken to hospital as a precaution, she said.
“One of them had some burnt nostril hairs and, apparently if that’s the case, there is always the risk of inhalation so they get checked out.”
She said calling the incident an explosion was a “slight overstatement” and no fire was caused by the incident.
Breaking news from tvnz.co.nz There has been an industrial accident on the set of Sir Peter Jackson’s film The Hobbit. The fire service says two people received burns in the incident at the Stone Street studios in the Wellington suburb of Miramar. It is understood their injuries are minor. There is no word on the exact cause of the accident. More to follow.
UPDATE: From The Dominion Post Two people have been hurt in a small explosion at the studios where the Hobbit is being filmed. The Fire Service confirmed they were called to an “industrial explosion” at the Stone St studios in Miramar. Wellington Free Ambulance said two people were treated at the scene and were taken to hospital. A small fire followed the explosion but it was out when firefighters arrived.
A spokesman for Wingnut Films said the explosion was in a workshop, not on set, and filming was continuing. An investigation had been launched. The two people were taken to hospital as a precaution, the spokesman said.
Tweeted first by BBC Entertainment Reporter Lizo (here), apparently Bilbo Baggins, aka Martin Freeman, has let slip that fellow ‘Sherlock’ actor Benedict Cumberbatch has a role in The Hobbit. Seems like a good pick for casting, but what role will he play? Share your thoughts in our comments, discussion board and on facebook! (Personally, I think he looks rather Elven. But his name is so Hobbitish!)
Navigating around the Hollywood press-release protocol, Peter Jackson announced via Facebook that he has cast Stephen Fry as the Master of Laketown. From Jackson’s comments it sounds like he and Fry are still working on the “Dambusters” film. “In addition to his writing skills, he’s a terrific actor and will create a very memorable “Master” for us.”
He also announces, “The Master’s conniving civil servant, Alfrid will be played by Ryan Gage.” And, in the “biggest” casting announcement so far (or probably ever) Conan Stevens, a mountain of a man who plays “The Mountain that Rides,” in HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” series, will play an orc named Dennis Azog. He was of course the starter of the war between the goblins (orcs) and dwarves and lived in Moria. By casting Stevens, a giant stunt actor, it probably means we can absolutely count on background in the conflict between dwarves and orcs so that by the time the action at The Lonely Mountain comes, we will know and feel the long history of hatred between the races. (On a personal note, this enters into my wildest dreams territory!) You can read the whole of Jackson’s Facebook update right here. He also details the shooting schedule which is pretty insightful.
Peter Jackson has posted a note on his Facebook page announcing the recast of Fili and the much-anticipated announcement of the actor playing Thranduil! Lee Pace will be playing the Elven King Thranduil and Den O’Gorman will be playing Fili. While we create the bio pages for both, check out Peter Jackson’s note! [PJ’s Note] (Thanks to Ringer Beerenberghusky for the heads up!)
Tweeted first by BBC Entertainment Reporter Lizo (
