We recently got our hands on what we think is some authentic Bilbo casting and production information which seemed to contradict something we knew with absolute certainty: The Hobbit production wanted Martin Freeman for Bilbo and has since as long ago as last year. Seemingly at odds with that fact was apparently concrete casting details about Bilbo and actors still giving audition tapes. Was the role sewn up or not?
A spy has provided an exclusive clue or two about what the role of Bilbo will be like and even a plot detail and a production outline but we were reluctant to report it because of apparent contradictions, but with all the recent Freeman news, it now fits in context. And yes, you have to read on. This is news you must work for, at least a little bit. Continue reading “Exclusive: Bilbo the Brave? Hobbit casting details”
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With the recent news, from the somewhat questionable source at The Sun, that Martin Freeman has declined to be a lead in two ‘Hobbit’ films, it is time to talk Bilbo Baggins.
While we have no information (yet) if Freeman actually turned down the role, we can say with absolute certainty that he was the first choice to step into the hairy Hobbit feet as early as last year. Developing and keeping good sources means that sometimes secrets must stay secret but since Freeman has been outed now, we can definitively declare that ‘The Sun’ article is absolutely talking about the right actor and so the rest of the story may well have merit. Continue reading “Martin Freeman was ‘first choice’ for Bilbo”
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Although the film version of The Lord of the Rings was a massive worldwide success, getting J.R.R. Tolkien’s prequel, The Hobbit, to the screen has proven much more difficult. With the rights finally sorted out after being tied up for years and a studio feud with Rings director Peter Jackson resolved, the project finally began moving forward in 2008—only to be stalled this year by the looming collapse of MGM, one of the two companies financing the production, should it fail to find a way out of its $4 billion debt. More..
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A recommendation to ban the construction of dams on a Central Otago river to protect a rare fish called Gollum, named from The Hobbit book, has been hailed as a major victory by environmental groups.
A tribunal – appointed by the Ministry for the Environment – decided to protect the “bug eyed” fish came after receiving submissions from anglers, environmental groups, gold-miners, skiers and kayakers favouring further protection of the Nevis river.
[Full Story at NZHerald.co.nz]
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From August 6th to September 19th The Maverick Theater in Orange County (CA) will be presenting ‘The Hobbit or There and Back Again.’ As Ringer Jan points out, this dinner theater stage play is a perfect solution for those fans who are finding the wait for The Hobbit films unbearable! Follow the link for details. [Tickets]
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Taverncraft Introduces Two Versions of the Smaug™ the Magnificent Stein
SAN DIEGO, CA (May 20, 2010) – Taverncraft, a subsidiary of 3 Point Entertainment LLC, today announced that they have begun accepting pre-orders for the first stein in their ongoing collectible drinkware series based on the literary masterpieces The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Smaug the Magnificent, illustrated by premier fantasy artist Matthew Stawicki, is presently available in both Epic and Legendary editions, both with special pre-order pricing. Additional details are available at www.hobbitsteins.com.
“As lifelong J.R.R. Tolkien fans, everyone at Taverncraft worked hard to ensure the stein truly honored the characters,” said 3 Point Entertainment President Jerry Bennington. “The artwork on Smaug the Magnificent, which shows the dragon Smaug in his lair with Bilbo, beautifully captures both the danger and excitement of the scene. It’s a great stein to kick off the line-up, and one we’re sure fans of Middle-earth will be incredibly excited to add to their collections.” Continue reading “Smaug Themed Stein Now Available!”
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