Breaking news from Warner Bros is that Sir Ian McKellen, who plays the wizard Gandalf in The Hobbit movies, will not be attending the world premier of The Hobbit: an Unexpected Journey, in Wellington later this month. In a statement from Warner Brothers today, McKellen said he was envious his co-stars could attend. “It is thrilling that Peter and my other friends from the cast and crew will be re-united for the world premiere,” he said. “I know they will have a wonderful welcome from the fans and I envy them. As ever, my heart is in Wellington, and I send my love.” Warner Bros. announced the cast and crew members who will be attending the premier including Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Martin Freeman (Bilbo Baggins), Richard Armitage (Thorin Oakenshield), Cate Blanchett (Galadriel), Hugo Weaving (Elrond), Andy Serkis (Gollum) and Elijah Wood (Frodo Baggins). Ten of the remaining 12 dwarf characters will also attend the premiere, as well as Barry Humphries, who plays the Goblin King.
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Warner Brothers has kicked off their Awards Season website for many of their films, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey among them. The page links to the Official Website and trailer, gives a brief synopsis of the story, and then lists all the names of the people who worked in eligible categories, from the Writers to the Sound Effects people, and a few of the actors. And just as a tease, there is a list of screenings, but those screenings are for Academy voters and members of the various Guilds (Screen Actors, Writers, Directors, etc) only. A full list of eligible names and categories below. Hopefully this means we will have a lot to celebrate at our own Oscar Party! [Website]
Continue reading “For Your Consideration. . . The Hobbit”
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In his latest blog, Ian McKellen addresses a question he must be getting asked rather a lot of late: “Has Peter Jackson changed?”. His answer? “The basic answer is No: he’s still the same Kiwi, who loves nothing more than making films in his native country, surrounded by faithful colleagues whom he trusts and admires.”
There is one difference apparently.
“Oh, one surprising change I have noticed. Shoes are optional in New Zealand and most days Peter shot LOTR barefoot as a hobbit. But on The Hobbit filming he was always well shod, padding through the leaf mould and rubble of the sets in regular footwear.”
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If you missed them, here are 17 (count them!) fabulous character posters that provide yet another look at the principal characters. In addition to Bilbo, Gandalf and all the dwarves of the party, the posters include Galadriel and Gollum. Maybe that’s a hint of Galadriel’s importance in An Unexpected Journey. Or maybe it’s just indicative of Cate Blanchett’s star power. Continue reading “Seventeen Hobbit character posters you’ll absolutely love”
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In his latest post in his website, Ian McKellen writes about his anticipation of the Wellington, New York and London premieres of The Hobbit. He also talks about the heavy media commitments that come with the film:
I’ve been busy talking to journalists (about 70 so far) and reminiscing about the shoot. Their opening question is usually identical: “So, what was it like going back to New Zealand, a decade after LOTR. Did it feel the same?”
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In a recent interview with stuff.co.nz, Sir Ian McKellen revealed that scenes including Gandalf and a young Bilbo were filmed for “The Hobbit: and Unexpected Journey.””Sir Ian says during the film’s development [he] has been forthcoming with Jackson and his co-writers Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens. For one, he felt that the relationship between Gandalf and Bilbo needed a little history. He suggested a scene showing the wizard being introduced to a baby Bilbo and his mother Belladonna Took and it was shot. He’s not sure if the scene will make the final cut of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, but his suggestion was taken seriously. ”We see Gandalf observing this little boy who’s full of beans and full of adventure. And I let him play with [a] toy dragon that I’ve got.” And, when he’s thinking, ‘Who should we get? Oh, there’s that little boy.’ And he goes back to Hobbiton to meet this little boy who’s now grown up and is a real stodgy, dull, settled, unadventurous person. And he’s so disappointed. ‘What happened to you? Come on! You’ve got to go on an adventure, it’ll be good for you. Get back your childish enthusiasm!”’ Read More…
