From empireonline.com: It’s ten years on since four little hobbits set off from the Shire on an epic quest that spanned Middle Earth and took in vast battles, demonic monsters, wizardry, Orcs and, ultimately, enough Oscars to fill the Lonely Mountain. It’s ten years that have seen the rise and fall and rise again of two-part prequel The Hobbit, now firmly in production in Wellington, offering moviegoers an imminent return to Middle Earth.

Obviously this all called for a big celebration so a celebration is what Empire is having. The new issue is more bursting with revelry and nostalgia than a Friday night at the Prancing Pony. There’s tall tales – well, tallish tales – memories; behind-the-scenes pics from Aragorn himself, Viggo Mortensen; Oscar night reflections from Ian McKellen, Peter Jackson and Mortensen; and rarely-seen concept art.

Best of all, though, is a gathering of the four hobbits themselves: Elijah Wood (Frodo), Sean Astin (Samwise Gamgee), Billy Boyd (Pippin) and Dominic Monaghan (Merry). It was so momentous it called for its own trailer – and here it is for your perusal pleasure. Sadly the Nazgûl got stuck in LA traffic.

Two stars from the “Lord of the Rings” films squared off at the mic last night, and then in the boxing ring. Fantastic Fest continued Saturday night with the “Fantastic Debates,” traditional debates followed by boxing matches. Former hobbits Elijah Wood and Dominic Monaghan debated about the online video game “World of Warcraft.” More..

Of late there seems to be no let up to the slew of Hobbit-related news… and we’re not complaining.

Dwarf revelations aside, today brings a very interesting tweet by Ryan Gage, cast originally in the role of Drogo Baggins, the father of Frodo Baggins (played, of course, by Elijah Wood).

Had a costume fitting today and met Elijah Wood for the first time. What a really nice guy!

Early this May, Peter Jackson announced via Facebook that Ryan Gage would be playing the Master of Laketown’s conniving civil servant, Alfrid.

Thanks to TORn spy Patrick A. for the tip.

UPDATE: It seems Ryan Gage is in the UK, and upon reading this post, a reliable source has written in to inform us that the production will probably be filming with Sir Christopher Lee in the UK during the production “break”. How great is that!?

NYMag.com has a new interview up with Elijah Wood who’ll be reprising his role as Frodo in The Hobbit, and perhaps the most interesting bit is his response to the question about when he’ll be going down to New Zealand to shoot his scenes.

Here’s what Elijah said:

October. I’m going to the U.K. first to do some shooting, but then I’m going down in October for the New Zealand part.

Not to jump to any conclusions, but does this potentially mean Sir Christopher Lee will be shooting his scenes in the UK this October? Discuss over at our message boards. The entire interview can be found over at NYMag.com.

Thanks to Ringer spy Patrick for the heads-up.

On this episode of Hobbit in 5, we talk about more pictures from the Hobbit, Howard Shore will be honored at the World Soundtrack Awards, Liv Tyler wants a cameo in The Hobbit, and Elijah Wood’s interview about returning to Middle Earth. We’ll also take a look at Smaug for our character study!

Thanks to our executive producers: Rodney E. Eaton, Josh Long, Kelly Lombard, Krista Cherée Hulsman, Jeffrey Campbell, and Steve Aultman

Visit our website http://www.hobbitin5.comRebekah has her own Facebook page now! Go check it out and “like” her!Go like theOneRing.net on Facebook as well!EMPIRE MagazineFilm Festival Ghent