On this episode of Hobbit in 5, we talk about Peter Jackson’s latest production diary videos, show off the new trailer for The Lord of the Rings: War in the North, introduce pictures for The Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard, look for crew accommodations in Piopio, NZ, and find out what Peter Jackson and Andy Serkis think about Mikael Persbrandt. We’ll also cover Thrain in our character study!
Thanks to our executive producers: Henry Tobin and Danielle Logan
Thanks to Lissuin for the heads up! Andrew Sorcini writes: The The Adventures of Tintin panel began with something very special for the Comic-Con audience today in San Diego: a retrospective of Steven Spielberg‘s career, and the presentation of Comic-Con’s Inkpot lifetime achievement award to the respected filmmaker himself, which he receieved to a standing ovation. Spielberg discussed how even before he knew about Tintin, his films had been compared to Herge’s work for years. When preparing to develop the film, he approached Weta to ask them to show him a test of Tintin’s dog Snowball, to see if CGI would be a proper medium. He then showed that presumed test, which featured producer Peter Jackson as Capt. Haddock, with a CGI Snowy behind him, performing tricks and getting drunk from Haddock’s whiskey. More..
He may not be at Comic-Con, and the only Hobbit content is from TheOneRing.net, but Peter Jackson knows that fans are salivating for more on the two Hobbit movies and wow has he delivered. From the set he leads viewers through memories from cast and crew of the first segment of shooting including a surprise vet in the final shot. Enjoy!.
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The Swedish Hobbit Blogger writes: I read an article in the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet. the article was an interview with Peter Jackson and Andy Serkis in which they were asked what their opinions on the performance of Mikael Persbrandt had been so far. Roughly translated Peter Jackson said that “He has been amazing.” and that they will do more scenes when the current break is over. Serkis opinion, who also said that he; thus far, have only directed Persbrandt in was scene, was that the Swedish actor “Is Impressive.” Here is a link leading to the article I’m referring to.
The Project Magazine’s latest issue features an interview with Richard Armitage where he speaks about bagging the role of Thorin Oakenshield in The Hobbit.
You’ve got a nice gig in The Hobbit. How did a strapping 6’2” chap like yourself get the part of a dwarf?
I’d been in and read for a couple of roles, and been through the initial casting for Thorin Oakenshield, but not for one minute did I think that I’d end up getting the part. So when I was told that it had come my way, I was completely incredulous. At that point the film hadn’t been given the green light, so I didn’t think it was going to happen, even to the point where I was on set, in costume. And then I’m in front of Peter Jackson and I finally think, ‘OK, I am going to be playing this part.
Were there any reservations about taking on a job that would last so long?
None at all. In fact, I had to wiggle my way out of some other situations that were very, very complicated. It would have been much easier to say ‘OK, I’ll let it go.’ But there was no doubt in my mind that this was for me. If someone told me this was going to be the last piece of work I ever do, I think I’d be alright with that. I don’t want it to be, but I think I would be satisfied.
Thanks to message board member mulubinba for the heads-up on this one.
Of late there seems to be no let up to the slew of Hobbit-related news… and we’re not complaining.
Dwarf revelations aside, today brings a very interesting tweet by Ryan Gage, cast originally in the role of Drogo Baggins, the father of Frodo Baggins (played, of course, by Elijah Wood).
Had a costume fitting today and met Elijah Wood for the first time. What a really nice guy!
Early this May, Peter Jackson announced via Facebook that Ryan Gage would be playing the Master of Laketown’s conniving civil servant, Alfrid.
Thanks to TORn spy Patrick A. for the tip.
UPDATE: It seems Ryan Gage is in the UK, and upon reading this post, a reliable source has written in to inform us that the production will probably be filming with Sir Christopher Lee in the UK during the production “break”. How great is that!?
The Swedish Hobbit Blogger writes: I read an article in the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet. the article was an interview with Peter Jackson and Andy Serkis in which they were asked what their opinions on the performance of 
