Gollum Actor Andy Serkis to Serve as Second Unit Director on ‘The Hobbit’ (Exclusive)
“There is really a sense of Peter [Jackson] wanting people around him who totally understand the material and the work ethic,” he tells The Hollywood Reporter.
Andy Serkis, who played the iconic Gollum in Peter Jackson’sThe Lord of the Rings, is taking on a new role in The Hobbit 1 and 2. In addition to reprising his role as the tragic creature, Serkis also has been tapped by Jackson to serve as second unit director on the two films, which are now in production in New Zealand.
“I think I understand Peter’s sensibility and we have a common history of understanding Middle Earth,” Serkis told The Hollywood Reporter. “A lot of the crew from The Lord of the Rings was returning to work on The Hobbit. There is really a sense of Peter wanting people around him who totally understand the material and the work ethic.” [Full Release] (Thanks to Ringer Kookie for the heads up!)
The Dominion Post had an article about Bret McKenzie’s (Figwit) involvement with The Hobbit last week, and Variety has confirmed it. Bret will play the elf of Rivendell, Lindir. You might say, “Who?” Well, if you recall your the ‘Many Meetings’ chapter of The Fellowship of the Ring, Lindir is one of the elves who enjoys Bilbo’s song so much, he asks for a second hearing…
`Now we had better have it again,’ said an Elf. Bilbo got up and bowed. `I am flattered, Lindir,’ he said. ‘But itwould be too tiring to repeat it all.’ ‘Not too tiring for you,’ the Elves answered laughing. ‘You know you are never tired of reciting your own verses. But really we cannot answer your question at one hearing!’
`What!’ cried Bilbo. ‘You can’t tell which parts were mine, and which were the Dunadan’s?’
‘It is not easy for us to tell the difference between two mortals’ said the Elf.
‘Nonsense, Lindir,’ snorted Bilbo. ‘If you can’t distinguish between a Man and a Hobbit, your judgement is poorer than I imagined. They’re as different as peas and apples.’
‘Maybe. To sheep other sheep no doubt appear different,’ laughed Lindir. `Or to shepherds. But Mortals have not been our study. We have other business.’
It’s pretty nice to finally have an official character name associated with Bret’s character, but I think we are going to always lovingly call him Figwit. [Variety]
If you fell for our April Fool’s yesterday, don’t feel too bad. We included a long standing rumor of Saoirse Ronan as Itaril to help convince you the release was ‘real.’ As we all know, Saoirse has been talking about her possible role as Itaril the elf for a few months. The latest piece of evidence that she is in fact already cast comes from the latest issue of Total Film magazine. In the ‘Buzz’ section, Total Film interviews Saoirse Ronan and asks…
You’re just about to start shooting The Hobbit – how long have you known that you might be in it?
When I did The lovely Bones, they said, “We want you to be in The Hobbit.” I love the book. It’d be so cool to go back to New Zealand Again.
The question is pretty clear she is cast and she doesn’t refute it in the answer. Just another piece of evidence that we will see Saoirse in The Hobbit. But will she be the created role of Itaril? Another role? We won’t know until the real official press release. Thanks to Ringer TheArcher777 for sending in a scan of the interview for your viewing pleasure. Share your thoughts and opinion in our comments, forum and on facebook! [Scan of Interview] [Total Film]
On this episode of Hobbit in 5, production photos arrive from the Hobbit set, fans share their stories on Tolkien Reading Day, Saiorse Ronan gives us her insights on how the Hobbit film might be different from The Lord of The Rings production, and Weta Workshop offer up a wonderful Bag End replica giveaway if you can solve their puzzle.
According to an article in the DailyRecord.co.uk today, actor Billy Boyd (Pippin) is planning a trip back to New Zealand this year to visit The Hobbit set during production. Billy, Elijah Wood (Frodo), and Dominic Monaghan (Merry) want to catch up with old friends and, for Billy and Dom, try to land even the smallest of cameos in the background. As Billy says in the article:
“Most of the guys have been back for a little trip or something but I have not managed it.
“I have been talking to Dom and Elijah and we are all going to go back this year. We will all go together, like a reunion trip. We want to go and see the sets.
“And while we’re there, there must be something for us. They must need a hobbit in the background somewhere. I can even put the big feet on myself!”
The article goes on to discuss Billy’s upcoming projects, music career and more. (Psst – Billy, if you feel like sharing some pics from your visit, send them along! We’d love to share your reunion experience!) [Read on]
Exclusive to The Hollywood Reporter:
The Dominion Post had an article about Bret McKenzie’s (Figwit) involvement with The Hobbit last week, and 
