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]

In a hole in the ground there lived a Hobbit…

Wellington, NZ, March 21, 2011—Production has commenced in Wellington, New Zealand, on “The Hobbit,” filmmaker Peter Jackson’s two film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s widely read masterpiece.

“The Hobbit” is set in Middle-earth 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.”

The two films, with screenplays by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Guillermo del Toro and Peter Jackson, will be shot consecutively in digital 3D using the latest camera and stereo technology. Filming will take place at Stone Street Studios, Wellington, and on location around New Zealand.

“The Hobbit” follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakensheild. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers. Continue reading “PRODUCTION BEGINS IN NEW ZEALAND ON THE HOBBIT, PETER JACKSON’S TWO FILM EPIC ADAPTATION OF J.R.R. TOLKIEN’S TIMELESS CLASSIC”

Ringer Spy Mr. Underbelly monitors movie titles that are registered by major film studios. Mr. Underbelly noticed that New Line has recently registered the following two film titles:

The Hobbit: There and Back Again

and…

The Hobbit: An/The Unexpected Journey

This is the first indication of what the ‘official’ titles will be of the two Hobbit films. What are your thoughts? Remember, this is not confirmed officially, but it is a relatively good indication of what the two film titles could be. Share your thoughts in our forum, comments and on Facebook!

Since production of The Hobbit began ramping up we have been getting emails from curious fashionistas about costume designer Ngila Dickson, will she be continuing stunning her work on The Hobbit? Our answer has always been ‘we’ll let you know as soon as we know!’. Well the answer now comes in the form of a ‘Reel Late with Kate’ interview. Moa hunter brings us the news: “Reel Late with Kate [TV3-NZ] last night included an interview with Ngila Dickson. At the end of the programme the presenter (Kate Rodger) said that Ngila Dickson would not be working on The Hobbit because of existing contractual obligations.”

Sad news indeed! So, who do you think should get the gig? Post on our Message Boards!

TheOneRing.net is intimately tied to our friends in New Zealand. With the loss of life, injuries and damaged caused by the recent earthquake, we are all very concerned for our brothers and sisters. While you may be thousands of miles away, you can help. Here is a listing of charitable entities helping in the recovery efforts. We understand this is a tough economic time for many, but if you can, please support them.

If you are unable to donate, please send your well wishing and prayers for those affected by this latest tragedy. Thanks to Ringer Beowulf for posting this link list in a previous thread comments.

SYDNEY — New Zealand is reeling after a second massive earthquake in five months hit the south island city of Christchurch Tuesday, killing at least 65 people and causing widespread destruction in the city’s central business district. New Zealand prime minister John Key described the quake as “New Zealand’s darkest day.” Film New Zealand and the New Zealand Film Commission, however, have told The Hollywood Reporter that no film or TV productions have been impacted. Production on The Hobbit, which is due to start March 21, appears to be unaffected immediately by the Christchurch quake. The Hobbit is being made in Wellington, situated on the North Island of NZ, while Christchurch is on the South Island, a seven-hour ferry ride and drive from Wellington, or less than an hour by air. More..