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

Old Pasadena Film FestivalLibby sends in this alert for anyone who will be in the LA/Pasadena area on Saturday, July 26: Hello! I hope all is well at The One Ring. I am forwarding details, in case it’s of interest to your LA-based readers. As part of the FREE Old Pasadena Film Festival this summer, the entire LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy will be screened outside from night-til-dawn, followed by a “Hobbit Breakfast”

Are you sure that isn’t going to be a Second Breakfast, Libby? Complete details can be found at the Old Pasadena Film Festival site.

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June – Mabel Suffield Tolkien converts to Catholicism, which shocks both the Unitarian Suffields and the Baptist Tolkiens. Despite being familially estranged and financially cut off due to this decision, she remains undeterred and begins her sons’ instruction in the Catholic faith, one that becomes especially deep-rooted in Ronald for his entire life.

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June 29 – At his army physical, Tolkien declares that he has never suffered from any serious illness or injury. Continue reading “June 29th-July 1st Flashback!”

Music of LOTR Movies bookDoug Adams has offered fans a sneak peek of his upcoming book, “The Music of the Lord of the Rings Film”. This is a visual assembly of Adams’ own mock up layout of the book. It’s not the final edit nor design but it does supply tantalizing hints at the basic structure of the material.

After meeting with the publishers last week, Adams’ was able to report that they are looking at a finished book length of 200 or fewer pages combined with a double sided DVD containing multimedia content. The book is on schedule for a fourth quarter 2008 release. [Doug Adams]

Dark Counsel VideoSideshow collectibles has posted a Backstage Pass video of the latest LOTR diorama, ‘Dark Counsel,’ featuring Grima Wormtongue and Theoden. To view the video follow the link below. Other Sideshow Collectible LOTR headlines: The Aragorn Premium Format figure page has been updated with production imagery (Image of the final piece as it will ship to customers); The Moria Orc Premium Format Figure exclusive is sold out, but you can get the regular edition here; The Sam and Frodo 12-inch figure exclusives are still instock and available for shipping. [Dark Counsel Video] [Aragorn Pics] [Moria Orc] [Sam and Frodo Figures]

Academy of Motion Pictures “Great to be Nominated” FOTR Screening Report! Garfeimao writes: The Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences has been doing a film series called “Great to be Nominated” which features the film from each year that received the most nominations while not winning one of the major awards. So, 2002 was Fellowship of the Ring, which did win 4 Academy Awards, but none of them in the major categories. The host did mention that the filmmakers were in the unique position of re-dressing that issue 2 years later, when Return of the King won all 11 awards it was nominated for.

Anyhow, the Samuel Goldwyn theater at the Academy is a wonderful room to see a film in. It’s just tops in screen and sound, which makes sense, since it’s an Industry venue. Seeing Fellowship again on the big screen was magical, you pick up on so many details you miss watching it at home. And the sound was amazing, I heard background dialogue I’d never heard before, and I’ve seen the film, well, more than a few times. 😉 Having the Orcs completely surround you, auditorily, was just so cool. Continue reading “Academy of Motion Pictures “Great to be Nominated” FOTR Screening Report!”