Andy Robertson writes: My kids aren’t old enough for the Lord of the Rings films yet, but once they have read through Harry Potter I have it in mind to start them on Tolkien’s books. The problem is that these are quite a tall order for any beginners in today’s media world, which all too often cossets the new or the casual reader, watcher or player.
I must admit, to my slight shame, that I didn’t manage to read through the full trilogy before the first Jackson film gave me the inspiration I needed. In fact, it is the fan-fiction nature of these films that is my favorite thing about them. They are much more a homage to the experience of reading the books than a replacement for them. Jackson himself, when asked in one of the expansive DVD extras, said (roughly) that “you will always have the books, but the films are simply the passionate response of one set of fans to the books.” More..
Ringer Lotroel has just now sent us an update to his already impressive Photoshop compilation of all the dwarves in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit. You’ll notice in this pic, Lotroel has speculated a full body rendition of Thorin in the middle of the image. Looks pretty darn good to us! Click on the image above for a large version. And don’t forget to surf around our Hobbit section to learn more about each actor, character and more! [Hobbit Section]
For a week or so, we have been treated to an unprecedented look at the Dwarves from Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit. Today, TheOneRing.net is both honored and humbled to be given the worldwide exclusive reveal of Thorin Oakenshield! (and Orcrist, the Goblin-cleaver!)
As a young Dwarf prince, Thorin witnessed the destruction and terror wrought when a great fire-breathing Dragon attacked the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor. After slaughtering many of Thorin’s kin, the great serpent, Smaug, entered The Lonely Mountain and took possession of its vast store of gold and jewels. No-one came to the aid of the surviving Dwarves, and thus, a once proud and noble race was forced into exile. Through long years of hardship, Thorin grew to be a strong and fearless fighter and revered leader. In his heart a fierce desire grew; a desire to reclaim his homeland and destroy the beast that had brought such misery upon his people. So when fate offers him an unusual ally, he seizes the chance for revenge.
We’d like to wholeheartedly thank the production for giving the Tolkien fan community this final reveal! And now, we have seen the full representation of Thorin and Company! Read “TheOneRing.net Staff Talk Dwarves” for our thoughts and analysis on Thorin & Co., plus view a high resolution picture of each dwarf.
After the break you’ll see a great compilation photo of the entire company. This particular compilation is from our friend Ringer lotroel (Thanks to all the Ringers sending in their masterpieces!). Please share your thoughts and opinions in our comments, forum, chat room, and Facebook!
Now that the whole Company has been revealed, TheOneRing.net’s staff have put their heads together and we offer our thoughts and analysis on Thorin & Co — and what the look, feel and background of each might mean for the movies. Continue reading for our insights, and to view a high resolution picture of each dwarf.
The Project Magazine’s latest issue features an interview with Richard Armitage where he speaks about bagging the role of Thorin Oakenshield in The Hobbit.
You’ve got a nice gig in The Hobbit. How did a strapping 6’2” chap like yourself get the part of a dwarf?
I’d been in and read for a couple of roles, and been through the initial casting for Thorin Oakenshield, but not for one minute did I think that I’d end up getting the part. So when I was told that it had come my way, I was completely incredulous. At that point the film hadn’t been given the green light, so I didn’t think it was going to happen, even to the point where I was on set, in costume. And then I’m in front of Peter Jackson and I finally think, ‘OK, I am going to be playing this part.
Were there any reservations about taking on a job that would last so long?
None at all. In fact, I had to wiggle my way out of some other situations that were very, very complicated. It would have been much easier to say ‘OK, I’ll let it go.’ But there was no doubt in my mind that this was for me. If someone told me this was going to be the last piece of work I ever do, I think I’d be alright with that. I don’t want it to be, but I think I would be satisfied.
Thanks to message board member mulubinba for the heads-up on this one.
On this weeks episode, Andy Serkis could be earning an award nominations for his motion-capture performance, Peter Jackson recently posted a second production video on his Facebook page, more Hobbit photos from IGN, Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield and much much more!
Thanks to our executive producers: Daniel Carmen and Keith Gunther.
