Spanish ArmadaOK, this is either really sad … or Peter Jackson did one heck of a job giving “Lord Of The Rings” even more of a historical feel that he intended. An article in the Newcastle (UK) Journal talks about the complaints on how little British kids know about the world is a bit overblown, but then they said:

It may be slightly worrying that in one recent poll fewer than half those questioned knew that Sir Francis Drake defeated the Spanish Armada. And, okay, it’s frankly terrifying that 6% of those questioned thought that this great historical victory was down to the wizard Gandalf from Lord of the Rings.

So I suppose the Corsairs sailing up the Anduin had a Spanish feel to them. [Read More]

The article is here:

Comic-ConAfter many years, TheOneRing.net is returning to Comic-Con! This year we are honored to be presenting a panel of ‘The Hobbit’ films:

Friday, July 25th 10:00-11:00 TheOneRing.net: The Hobbit— Middle Earth returns with the announcement that The Hobbit will be developed into a feature film directed by Guillermo del Toro and produced by Peter Jackson. The world’s largest Tolkien community, TheOneRing.net, takes you behind the scenes of the latest news, announcements, and rumors pertaining to the production of the new film. Chris Pirrotta (TheOneRing.net), Larry Curtis (TheOneRing.net), Cliff Broadway (TheOneRing.net), Kristin Thompson (The Frodo Franchise), and possible special guests present this early look at making The Hobbit happen! Room 32AB

We hope you can join us for our first panel in over 5 years! [Comic-Con]

Christopher Lee

In a bittersweet note, forummer DiveTwin reports this note that appeared in Cinematical:

Lee isn’t interested in filming in New Zealand again because it is simply too far away, for too long of a time. You can hear the tiredness in his voice — and perhaps a bit of regret too.
That doesn’t mean Lee isn’t interested in being in The Hobbit at all, however! He’ll appear in the film as long as he can stay in London, and there’s a character he’s quite keen to play. Or rather, voice.

Cinematical gives a link to the original Rushprint.no video interview in which Mr. Lee talks about Return of the King, Saruman not appearing in The Hobbit, him not returning to New Zealand and his offer to voice Smaug. [Cinematical] [Rushprint.no]

Ian McKellenDid you miss Ian McKellen in last year’s King Lear performances?

Theater Mania reports:

The RSC’s recent production of William Shakespeare’s King Lear, directed by Trevor Nunn and with Ian McKellen in the title role, is being filmed for HD TV. It will be broadcast on England’s BBC Channel 4 in December, as well as being broadcast on PBS in the autumn and a number of other TV stations internationally, including NHK Japan. Plans are also in the works to make the tape available on worldwide DVD. [Theater Mania]

Andy SerkisMessage board member Dive Twin found an interesting article from Kent News in which Andy Serkis said he’s very keen to reprise his role as Gollum:

“Nothing is signed and sealed,” he said. “Gollum and Gandalf are in The Hobbit and whoever says I am in it for sure is assuming it has all been done and dusted. “But you never know in this industry. It would be fantastic to play Gollum again. He is a wonderful character and I enjoyed playing him in the Lord of the Rings. There’s more to be got out of him and more fun to be had.”

We think it would be fantastic for you to play Gollum again too, Andy! Read More

Del Toro AICNQuint at Aint it Cool News interviewed Guillermo Del Toro recently about, you guessed it, Hellboy and The Hobbit. As GDT mentioned here on our message boards, there isn’t really anything new: “I have never been asked so many questions about a project that hasn’t been started or a script that is not written…once you run out of answers you run out of answers,” Del Toro tells Quint. Still, it’s a great read and it’s exciting to hear Del Toro talk about The Hobbit in any context. Thanks to several of you for alerting us to the interview. Read More