The Telegraph reports today that Sir Ian Holm, who portrayed Bilbo to perfection in the Lord of the Rings, was contacted previously to reprise his role as an “older Bilbo” in the upcoming Hobbit films, but he hasn’t heard back from the producers since. Excerpts from the Telegraph’s article follow:
“I don’t know what’s happening,” the 79-year-old actor admitted to me at the Saatchi Gallery. “I haven’t heard anything for weeks.”
“I had great fun playing Baggins in the first two films and the plan had been, with Martin Freeman playing Young Baggins, I would be the Old Baggins,” he adds. “I suppose the earthquake in Christchurch couldn’t have helped with communications.”
Sophie de Stempel, Sir Ian’s wife, tells me: “I worry that the film has run into so much bad luck that they might have missed their chance altogether.”
Here’s hoping we get to see Sir Ian Holm in the character of the memorable old Bilbo once again. In case you’re interested, the topic is already being discussed over at our message boards.
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From the folks at WETA: At Weta Collectibles, we of course follow the developments after the devastating earthquake in New Zealand’s second largest city Christchurch with a lump in our throats.
As a way to contribute and support where we can, we are auctioning three unique items on our eBay page and donating all proceeds to the New Zealand Red Cross Earthquake Appeal:
1. A Bag End Collector’s Edition miniature environment, signed by Peter Jackson
2. A Prancing Pony miniature environment, signed by Richard Taylor
3. A custom Dr Grordbort’s Raygun, signed by Greg Broadmore
Please join in the bidding in confidence that the proceeds will be well spent. Every last cent from these auctions will go straight to the New Zealand Red Cross Earthquake appeal. Find out about other ways to contribute to this appeal by going to their website: www.redcross.org.nz
Check out the auctions on eBay and get bidding!
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Taranaki Daily News reporter John Anthony writes: People often tell me I look like an elf. My tall slender frame, pasty white skin and high cheekbones somewhat resemble the elegant elvish features as personified in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
I regard the elf label as a compliment considering Elves were depicted as the humble, stealth heroes of Middle Earth. The spiritual and calm demeanour of the fair creatures was largely popularised by good- looking celebrities such as Liv Tyler, Orlando Bloom and New Zealand’s very own Craig Parker. Their telepathic abilities, enchanting dialect, fanciful footwork and unrivalled archery skills are the envy of many Tolkien enthusiasts. More..
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From Taranaki Daily News: Three Foot Seven Productions publicist Melissa Booth said there was no way Mt Taranaki would be used as the Lonely Mountain.
“We don’t need a mountain,” Ms Booth said.
“Mt Doom (in the Lord Of The Rings) is a completely artist-created fictional painting,” she said. “It’s already established so it can’t be changed.” She confirmed that location scouts had scoured the country looking at landscapes, including Taranaki. “It’s really just looking at this point. “They do a lot of primary research which then gets whittled down to the landscapes were looking at using. “We’re still working out what, if any, mountains will be used.” Shooting for The Hobbit begins on March 21.
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3Foot6 (the spy, not the company) sends this in: The popular website thechive.com has a post today showing a bunch of old behind the scenes photos from the trilogy. I thought fellow fans would enjoy them. More..
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Bernie writes: Yesterday I attended the Sydney Armageddon Expo for 2011, in which John Rhys-Davies attended. At 11.30, he conducted a panel where he mentioned ‘The Hobbit’.
He said that he would love to return because he had such a brilliant time with ‘The Lord of the Rings’, but would be unable to, due to the toll that his prosthetic. Nothing new. To quote him, “I was asked to return as one of the 13 dwarves, and I thought, why would I want to be one of 13 when I could be one of one?” Continue reading “John Rhys-Davies Talks The Hobbit”
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