Our geeky Swedish message board member “macfalk” has pointed us to a couple of interviews with Mikael Persbrandt over at SVD.se concerning his role of Beorn in the upcoming Hobbit films.

A rough translation as provided by “macfalk” on our dedicated Hobbit Movie message board follows:

In Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit, Mikael Persbrandt plays Beorn, who has the ability of transforming himself into a bear. It was revealed that Tolkien was a childhood hero for Persbrandt.

“I read all the [Tolkien] books. I went to second-hand bookshops searching for the first “Bilbo books”. I was a fantasy geek. Jackson’s Tolkien-movies are absolutely magnificent. He’s the man. The whole project will be so exciting. It is about 700 people in the crew, I am to stand in a corner and try to be pliable.”

Persbrandt compares his role in The Hobbit to his first job as an extra for Ingemar Bergman, and the performance anxiety that occurs.

“I think I share that sense with many of the people in my profession, we never allow ourselves to be truly happy – instead, we begin thinking about the impacts. How am I as a bear? One start thinking about stuff like that instead of thinking that this could be damn fun.”

Continue reading “Mikael Persbrandt Speaks About Getting Into The Character Of Beorn”

We’ve heard a lot from a few Hobbit actors about the ‘training’ they are undergoing for ‘The Hobbit’ films. Thanks to this story in the Calgary Herald (sent in by Ringer Hobbitonmayor), we may have a clearer picture on just who might be training them: Veteran stuntman, film producer and martial arts expert Steve McMichael. Follow the link to read the full story.  [Read on]

The tremendous outpouring of support from common New Zealanders towards all those affected by the devastating earthquake in Christchurch brings to mind the words of Gandalf concerning Hobbits during the Long Winter:

“They were very hard put to it then: one of the worst pinches they have been in… but that was the time to see their courage, and their pity one for another.”

It’s times like these when we are called to put aside all differences, stand together as one, and let our true qualities shine through. Sir Peter Jackson is no exception. The Hollywood Reporter reports today that Jackson and the rest of the Hobbit production have stepped up to offer any practical assistance they can to their fellow New Zealanders and others affected by the tragedy. In a statement to the Hollywood Reporter, Jackson said:

“Everyone involved in the production of The Hobbit is shocked and saddened by the earthquake and it’s devastating aftermath. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Christchurch and all those affected by this terrible tragedy.”

As reported on TheOneRing.net earlier today, you too can help no matter where you are; simply follow this link. Do keep the affected families in your thoughts and prayers.

TheOneRing.net is intimately tied to our friends in New Zealand. With the loss of life, injuries and damaged caused by the recent earthquake, we are all very concerned for our brothers and sisters. While you may be thousands of miles away, you can help. Here is a listing of charitable entities helping in the recovery efforts. We understand this is a tough economic time for many, but if you can, please support them.

If you are unable to donate, please send your well wishing and prayers for those affected by this latest tragedy. Thanks to Ringer Beowulf for posting this link list in a previous thread comments.