On this episode of Hobbit in 5, we discuss Benedict Cumberbatch’s role in The Hobbit, the small explosion at Stone Street Studios in NZ, the cast and crew’s involvement in the Christchurch Earthquake Relief telethon (and wish Ian McKellen a very happy birthday), and give an excerpt from Larry Curtis’s article from movies.com. We also take a look at Nori in this week’s character study.
Just down the board from this post is a report originating from a New Zealand television station about Benedict Cumberbatch joining ‘The Hobbit’ cast. The non-by-lined article (from the TV station, not the one here) suggests from “early reports” that Cuberbatch might be in line to voice the dragon Smaug. We don’t know if “early reports” means the writer asked somebody at a desk nearby who was left to be cast, but this seems, at best, suspicious. That isn’t to say that the reporter doesn’t have some good information, but if they do they sure don’t sound confident about it. It wasn’t even written with the journalism phrase “unnamed sources” or “a source close to the production” but rather went with something that seems to actually mean, “I might be making this up and using the name Smaug will get a lot of attention.” The author, besides not having a name, cites no source and doesn’t link to any of the “early reports” referenced.
A far more likely choice and a character that Cumberbatch looks something like: Bard the Bowman. He possesses a bit of menace and is taller and robust, much that a way the leader of men might be. He might be believable as an excellent archer as well. The actor has had a good year, playing with Martin Freeman (Bilbo Baggins) in the BBC’s “Sherlock,” and also landing a spot in Steven Spielberg’s “War Horse,” a World War I drama. So, he might make an excellent Bard but, this is also speculation so until we hear from director Peter Jackson on Facebook or hear from WB in an official press release, don’t believe everything you read on the internet. Meanwhile, be sure to check out our page of “Hobbit” characters right here.
With Benedict Cumberbatch unofficially joining the cast of The Hobbit, early reports suggests he will be the voice for Smaug.
Early reports suggest Cumberbatch will voice the dragon character Smaug but the actor refused to specify his role, insisting, “I can’t say at the moment, thank you very much.”
A red-faced Freeman later told reporters, “I knew I was a sort of a big mouth but I didn’t realize to what extent I was a big mouth, and I’ve just ruined everything. I might not actually go back to a job – they might have just sacked (fired) me.”
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Here’s some local coverage of a global telethon raising funds for the New Zealand Government’s Christchurch Earthquake Appeal. The cast and crew of The Hobbit are involved, and we encourage you to be as well. [Donate]
The videos below feature an Interview with Ian Mckellen, comments from Peter Jackson, and some fun dwarfish antics! Enjoy!
Remember how a few months back TORn reported that Geordie the Billy Goat had landed a part in The Hobbit? Well, thanks to message board member Kimi, we’ve news today of two more four-footed folks joining the movie’s stellar cast.
Spider and Rusty, two bullocks from Kaipara’s Battensby bullock team, have been taken down to Wellington and are prepping for a scene in The Hobbit. Owner and team master Ross Battensby says:
We are now on an 1800-acre farm at Grey’s Road near Wellington that is leased by the production. I can’t say too much about what the bullocks will be doing, but we are spending two weeks in rehearsals for a scene which will be shot in the old General Motors building apparently. So the rehearsals are so the bullocks know what is required of them. It’s quite a lot of work for one scene.
So where in the movies do you think Spider and Rusty will show up? The Shire? Beorn’s House? Head over to our message boards to discuss with fellow fans.
With Benedict Cumberbatch unofficially joining the cast of The Hobbit, early reports suggests he will be the voice for Smaug.
