Rumors started days ago the Ian McKellen, who plays Gandalf in some popular movies, had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The original source isn’t known for being especially reputable and later a spokesperson said the report was taken out of context. Then the spokesperson pointed to McKellen’s participation in the New Zealand premiere as proof of his health. Problem was, he wasn’t at the Wellington activities making the situation even more confused. Finally, McKellen himself has cleared things up on his website and that seems an authoritative source.
There have been new reports in the press of the old news that I have early prostate cancer. This was diagnosed six or seven years ago. There is no cause for alarm. I am examined regularly and the cancer is contained. I’ve not needed any treatment.
Want to enjoy the UK Premiere of ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey?’ Well, you can right now! We’ve set up a page with a live stream, chat and twitter to allow you to interact with fans worldwide as this event takes place. TORn staffer GreenDragon is on the ‘green’ carpet and will be submitting some reports later, but for now, enjoy the LIVE coverage! [LIVE Coverage]
Hobbit week continues as we all await the arrival of ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey‘ in theaters December 14th! We are both honored and excited to share with you a TheOneRing.net Exclusive clip from the film! The clip features Thorin and company singing ‘Misty Mountains’ at the end of a long evening in Bag End. The song ‘Misty Mountains‘ is now available for individual download or as part of the complete soundtrack worldwide. [iTunes: Special Edition or Standard] [Amazon.com: Special Edition or Standard] Enjoy!
For those of you who haven’t seen it yet, Warner Bros. made TV spot #12 available on their facebook page today. This spot is mostly a re-shuffling of previously seen footage, but we do catch a glimpse of wargs being ridden and Gandalf striking the ground with his glowing staff. The length of this TV spot is similar to most of the others, weighing in at 34 seconds. This is just the thing to get you through to the movie openings which start in less than 48 hours! Have a look.
Just when we think we’ve seen the geekiest of Tolkien/Hobbit geekiness, it gets even geekier! Ringer and international attorney, Scott Maucere, couldn’t resist applying his legal expertise to the analysis of Bilbo’s contract with Thorin and his party of dwarves in his legal blog. Per Scott: “here is likely the only legal analysis of Bilbo’s contract you will ever have the pleasure (or pain) to read.” Scott makes it clear that he’s analyzing the contract in the book, not the one in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey but, of course, there are many parallels. One disclaimer Scott makes: “Keep in mind that while I practice international law, Middle-earth most certainly falls outside of my area of experience.” Fair enough, Scott, fair enough. Read more…
As part of our continuing coverage of Hobbit Week 2012, we’ve got coverage from the New York City premiere of ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey!’ Ringer Ashlee took to the red carpet and sends in this report:
This past week, I had the incredible honor of being asked by TORn to film at this exciting event! Interviewing Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens, Elijah Wood, Martin Freeman, Andy Serkis, Richard Armitage and almost all of the dwarves made it a thrilling experience I will never forget. I hope that you enjoy this video with words from all of our favorite hobbity friends!