In December last year, I declared the first trailer a study in character.
Introducing and differentiating thirteen different dwarves to a wider audience most likely unfamiliar with the Hobbit and its ultra-beardy cast was critical for Peter Jackson. So Jackson used an entire trailer for the task.
But, because that trailer was so light on plot, we’ve been wondering ever since what degree of fidelity the story will possess and exactly how it might unfold.
The EW storybook addresses this at a single stroke. EW isn’t calling it a storybook, but that’s what Jackson has created. A gorgeously illustrated storybook that guides us through the key points of The Hobbit.
Our friends at Badali Jewelry are giving our readers a rare sneak peek at one of the first items in their newly licensed “The Hobbit” line of jewelry: Thror’s Key!
“It is easy to forget the the events of The Hobbit were hinged on a very simple object, a secret key that would open a secret door. This was Thrór’s Key. Thorin’s Dwarven party desired to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from Smaug, The Dragon, more then anything. The answer to the dwarves quest was a map, door and key created in secret by Thorin’s grandfather, Thrór. Gandalf presents Thorin with this secret key when the party joins together at Bilbo Baggins home. “Here it is!” he said, and handed to Thorin a key with a long barrel and intricate wards, made of silver. “Keep it safe!”
Engraved on the barrel of the key is the same phrase written in Dwarvish runes that are found on Thrór’s map: “Five Feet High The Door, And Three May Walk Abreast.” The key will be available in 2 different sizes, a 1 7/8″ Sterling Silver Necklace and a 2 7/8″ White Bronze Necklace or Key Chain. Note that this product is not yet available on their website. A limited inventory will be available at Comic-Con, with online sales to follow.
Just when it seems the many Hobbit-related events at Comic-Con couldn’t get any better, Warner Brothers has added a Hobbit cast signing event! The signing will occur at the WB booth on Saturday from 11:15am to 12:00pm, with Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, and Andy Serkis listed as participating. You’ll then want to run (not walk) to the line to get into Hall H by 2:30 for the WB panel, to include a presentation on The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey with Peter Jackson and numerous cast on hand.
No matter how grateful he is for the support, Bill Bailey thinks the online petition to get him a part in The Hobbit might have worked against him. Back in 2007, fans started campaigning to get the comedian and actor a role in Sir Peter Jackson’s movie, eventually gaining almost 1500 signatures. When he was last in New Zealand in 2010, Bailey even auditioned for a role. But sadly, it came to nothing and the man who once called his stand-up tour “Part Troll” will not be appearing in Jackson’s latest epic. Bailey isn’t bitter. “You hand the director a load of signatures, it would probably wind him up eventually,” Bailey says, laughing, on the phone from his home in London. “‘Oh God, I just want a resume. I don’t want all of these signatures, cluttering up the desk’. But I think I’m going to try to write a musical based on The Hobbit. That’s the way to go.” Who knows if he’s serious? Read More…
LEGO fans can finally get a look at some of ‘The Hobbit’ mini-figures. The figures will hit store shelves on December 1. Expect additional figures, as well as film-themed sets and some secret activities at Comic-Con in San Diego.
Left to Right: Gandalf, Dwalin, Bombur, Bofur, Bilbo and Balin
Fans of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey get another exclusive at this years Comic-Con. Gentle Giant is adding one more collectible to their plethora of exclusives by announcing today that Thorin Oakenshield will be joining the collectibles you can buy later this week. This bust has been digitally scanned to ensure the likeness of Richard Armitage, his outfit, and weapons are all film accurate. Each of these busts has also been hand painted to insure the highest quality collectible. Thorin can be purchased at Gentle Giants booth #3513 for $70 and online sales start during Preview Night at 6pm PST. So those of you in San Diego, be sure to act fast as Thorin has an edition size of only 500 pieces world wide.
In December last year, I declared the first trailer a study in character.
