Over coming days, in this four-part series, guest writer Eric M. Van will draw together the threads of known facts, and add a dash of logic to speculate on how Peter Jackson and his crew may have imagined their version of JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit. In the first part, he takes one of the most mysterious sections, how The Necromancer, Sauron, and the wizard, Radagast the Brown, will weave into Bilbo Baggins’ much-less-epic (yet no less important) adventure. Continue reading “Imagining Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: Part One”
Category: Characters
An article this morning on Stuff.co.nz ostensibly about some some custom jewellry that will grace the red carpet next week at the Hobbit Premiere has also dropped a bombshell confirmation about something we’ve wondered about since Peter Jackson’s sixth Vlog. If you don’t want the spoiler, don’t head below the cut! Continue reading “Stuff.co.nz confirms a very SPOILER dwarf!”
A letter from JRR Tolkien to Swallows and Amazons writer Arthur Ransome has revealed the author’s concerns about sales of The Hobbit.
Tolkien said he would send a revised edition to Ransome “if there is a reprint”, adding “sales are not very great”. The letter forms part of a collection of Tolkien’s writing held at the University of Leeds — where he taught.
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Emil Johansson is the brains behind LOTR Project. His site, you may recall, brought us the Middle-earth family tree.
Now he’s unveiled an extension to the project that collates population statistics from extant Middle-earth resources, and explores various age and life-expectancy trends. Johansson describes it as an exploration of the world of Tolkien through numbers.
EDIT: It seems as though the site is experiencing heavy demand. So please be patient, and maybe try again later?
Today marks the day the New Zealand Post, in an exclusive arrangement with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Warner Bros. Pictures, and the filmmakers, releases commemorative stamps and coins for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
New Zealand Post’s spokesman for stamps and coins Simon Allison says:
We’re the only country in the world with the rights to produce these highly collectable coins, featuring iconic characters from what is sure to become a classic series of films.
The items announced today are appropriate mementoes of the film, and fit in with the mythology of Middle-earth – New Zealand. We’re committed to honouring the legacy of Sir Peter’s films, by creating stamps and coins of the highest quality.
Hit the break for hi-res pictures of the stamps and coins, and the world exclusive press release for the same, courtesy of our friend Emma over at New Zealand Post.
Spanish website Milenio has an interview up with Cate Blanchett discussing, among other things, her return to the role of Galadriel in The Hobbit.
Thanks to our message board member HiddenSpring for sending along a translation of the relevant bit.
Milenio: It’s been 12 years since you played Galadriel. How did it feel going back to that character and that universe?
Cate Blanchett: I’m more mature as an actress; that’s what made me want to play her again. Peter called me and thought I might not accept the role. I told him “Are you kidding me? Of course I will!”
Galadriel is a special character to me, mythic and fascinating. It was as enjoyable to shoot as Lord of the Rings. When I wore the elf ears again, I had this wonderful feeling of dejá vú. I couldn’t stop laughing.
I was very young when I played Galadriel. I hope to have evolved, to be a better actress, person and mother. Professionally I think I’m much more flexible now, and easier to work with. I know Peter thinks so! (laughs) Come Christmas the audience will be able to decide for themselves.
A lively discussion has ensued on our message boards. Feel free to check it out.