The Sun is reporting that James Nesbitt is about to embark on a month of dwarf training: He…
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The Sun is reporting that James Nesbitt is about to embark on a month of dwarf training:
He said: “We’re going for dwarf training for a month. It’s an adventure and I can’t wait for it. I’ve never done a massive film like it.”
The Northern Irish actor will move across the globe with wife Sonia and their two daughters.
James, who stars alongside The Office’s Martin Freeman – who plays the title role, added: “It’s a once in a lifetime thing. Not just for me but for the family.”
Today’s featured character profile is none other than Mr. Bilbo Baggins! As a small point of order for all of our character profiles, if you are not familiar with The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings, then you may find that some of this information should be considered spoiler material.
Bilbo Baggins
aliases: Elf-friend, ringbearer, thief
DOB: 22 September, T.A. 2890
Race: HobbitBilbo Baggins was a very well-to-do hobbit living a contented life in the peaceful lands of the Shire when his accidental wish for adventure (that he didn’t even know he possessed) came true with the unexpected arrival of a Wizard and a clutch of Dwarves. Bilbo was descended from the Took line of Hobbits on his mother’s side — indeed the fabulous Belladonna Took was friends with Gandalf the Grey before Bilbo was born — which contributed to his latent wanderlust, a trait considered deeply counter to Hobbit sensibilities.
He lived in a luxurious (by hobbit standards) dwelling known across the countryside as Bag End, which was built by his father, Bungo. In 2941, Bilbo was recruited by Gandalf to operate as a Burglar in the Quest for Erebor (the Lonely Mountain) — and his many adventures truly marked the beginning of the Hobbits’ involvement in the affairs of the world outside their insular Shire.
A LOTR trilogy screening at a theater has become part of popular culture among geeks everywhere but when the famed Alamo Drafthouse holds a screening with seven courses of Hobbit-like food, it becomes a bit bigger of an event. And when an expert on movie Hobbits, Mr. Elijah Wood shows up, well, everything gets just a little more fun. Thanks to moonsaturn for the heads up. Enjoy!
Here at TheOneRing.net, we will be posting series of profiles for cast and characters we expect to play a role in The Hobbit films. Today’s highlight: Beorn.
Beorn
Alias: Skin-changer
Cast: Mikael PersbrandtLittle is known of Beorn’s origins. He once lived in the Misty Mountains near the Goblin’s cave, but at the time of The Hobbit he lived in the edge of the mountains near the Carrock. Beorn was a skin-changer and could transform himself into a great bear. On the first night the Party stayed in his house, he warned them not to stray outside ‘on their own peril.’ Later that night, Bilbo heard growling and scuffling outside and Gandalf later told the Company he witnesses ‘a regular bear’s meeting’ that night.
The enchantment associated with Beorn didn’t stop with his ability to turn into a bear. His servants were animals that could walk upright and talk. He aided the Company by providing them food, and the use of his ponies as far as the eaves of Mirkwood. Later, Beorn killed the goblin Bolg in the Battle of Five Armies. Beorn’s descendants were valiant men who aided Aragorn during his search for Gollum (Unfinished Tales – “The Hunt for the Ring”). At the Council of Elrond, Gimli credited the Beornings with keeping the High Pass through the Misty Mountains open for travel between Rivendell and Dale.
[Read the Full Profile]
If you are still looking for that last minute gift for the Tolkien fan in your life, check out Sideshow Collectibles’ ‘The Duel of Light and Fire – Gandalf vs. The Balrog‘ diorama. Regularly priced at $299.99, they are offering an exclusive coupon (HG9716) that will automatically save you 30% OFF. Their page says the coupon expires tomorrow, and only 8 more pieces are being offered at this price. [Check it out] And don’t forget to check out the rest of our 2010 Holiday Gift Guide!
TheOneRing.net staffer and regular contributor Treebeard was lucky enough to have the chance to chat with Graham McTavish (Dwalin) about his role in The Hobbit.
Treebeard (T.B.) I am here with Graham McTavish, interviewing him for TheOneRing.net about his upcoming role as a Dwalin in The Hobbit. Hi Graham!
Graham McTavish (G.M.) Hello.
T.B. Did you have any interest in the works of Tolkien before you auditioned for The Hobbit?
G.M. Yes. I’d read “The Lord of the Rings” probably when I was about eighteen, all three straight through, and like most teenagers that encountered the books for the first time, it allowed me to disappear into a whole different world that I always looked forward to going back to while I was reading it. I hadn’t read “The Hobbit,” but I did, very quickly, when I was asked! [laughs] It’s very interesting for me the difference between the two books, I suppose, being that “The Hobbit” seems to me a much more straightforward, linear adventure story. I’ve be interested to find out, when I’ve told people that I’m doing this, a lot of them prefer “The Hobbit”, in some ways. And, also it seems to be amongst every man I’ve met, the first book they ever read. Continue reading “TORN Exclusive: Graham ‘Dwalin’ McTavish Interview”
