On prime time television last night in the U.S. the American Film Institute named “The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Rings,” as the #2 fantasy movie of all time as part of its program of the 10 best films in 10 genres. “The Wizard of Oz,” won the top fantasy film ever according to the group which releases “top” lists occasionally that stir up discussion about films. Cast members Sean Astin and Dominic Monaghan each were featured in clips talking about FOTR as well as other films included in the program. You can read all ten categories and 100 top films right here. And feel free to discuss in in our chat room at at our message boards.
Category: Sean Astin
Sideshow Collectibles has started taking pre-orders for the ‘Dark Counsel‘ diorama – featuring Brad Dourif as Grima Wormtongue and Bernard Hill as Theoden. They have also posted a 360° turnaround of the piece (see image). In other LOTR updates, Sideshow has posted their production photography for the Sam and Frodo 12-inch figures – if you haven’t picked up you figures yet, now is the time. The Samwise Gamgee and the Frodo Baggins Exclusive Editions (only available via Sideshow’s website and have an extra accessory) are on second chance and should sell out shortly. Also on second chance is the popular ‘Treachery of Saruman‘ diorama which is getting some great reviews. And last, if you are on the fence about any of these collectibles, check out the ‘Backstage Pass‘ features. They are neat little videos that explain the figure and showcase what makes Sideshow items worth owning. [Dark Counsel Diorama] [Frodo 12-inch Exclusive] [Samwise 12-inch Exclusive] [Hobbit Backstage Pass Video] [Treachery of Saruman Diorama] [Treachery of Saruman Backstage Pass Video]
Matt from PETA Europe write: Sir Ian McKellen and also Sean Astin have both been nominated for the Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity title for 2008! You can check out the contest here. You might want to post the link on your site for everyone to vote for them – last years winners were Russell Brand and Fiona Phillips.. This year the running is wide open.
This just in – Samwise Gamgee, Sean Astin, has just been announced as a guest at this years DragonCon, and everyone on the D*Con Tolkien Track staff couldn’t be happier! Dragon*Con is the largest multi-media, popular culture convention focusing on science fiction and fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film in the US. It is held August 29th through September 1st in Atlanta, Georgia. TheOneRing.net will be in attendance at DragonCon 2008 and hopes to be presenting a panel on ‘The Hobbit.’ Schedule your hotel and flight plans now! [DragonCon.org] [Tolkien Track]
Sean Astin
Sean Astin, Giovanni Ribisi, Ron Perlman and Anjelica Huston are heading into the CGI-animated “Spirit of the Forest,” an eco-fairy tale for Fantastic Films International and Dygra Films. Astin and Ribisi play two gopher friends whose home is threatened when an evil businesswoman (Huston) plans to tear down their forest to build a highway. With the help of an old oak tree (Perlman), the animals and their friends fight back with a vengeance. “In ‘Lord of the Rings,’ my favorite element in the story was the Ents, these massive trees getting cut down that fought for their own survival; in ‘Spirit,’ the trees also come to life,” said Astin, noting the environmental message in both films. “It’s another way of telling a story that needs to continue to be told. Progress comes at a price.” Thanks to diedye for the link. Read More
Matt writes: I know you guys do updates on LOTR acting vets. Well Sean Astin found something else in New Zealand to love apparently because he is in a rugby movie about a famous American high school team called Forever Strong which will be released this coming fall. There are some YouTube clips online, I would love to see a news story or an interview with him about it. The website for the movie is foreverstrongmovie.com Continue reading “Sean Astin is ‘Forever Strong’”