The Hobbit Begins Production on March 21

[Neverending]

The wait is over, folks. This film is finally gonna get made.

[todd philip]

Fin-freakin-ally

[PsYkOoOoO]

I hope Peter Jackson does a production blog like he did with King Kong. I really enjoyed those monthly (or was it weekly) updates on the production, and we get to see a lot of behind the scenes stuff months before the actual movie.

[Deexan]

Yeah, that was class. I just have this foreboding feeling that the production is going to have more setbacks and become one of those movies people talk about years from now as being cursed...

[PsYkOoOoO]

Wasn't the same said about LOTR before it's production began? I vaguely remember that it was plague with a lot of setbacks as well. And hey, it eventually got made, so we'll see about that.

[IanTheCool]

I'll believe it March 22.

[PsYkOoOoO]

I will truly believe it when I am the theater next year.

[IanTheCool]

I will truly believe it when I am the theater next year.

True that.

[Neverending]

The setbacks have mostly been studio related. Some films have had it worse.

[todd philip]

The setbacks have mostly been studio related. Some films have had it worse.Well it took Superman Returns like 20 years to get made.

[OBSERVER]

Filming is about to begin. Pre-production has been going on for a long time.
Then a lot of fast paced Post-production.

Not everything is at the same stage as the Hobbiton set.
We have no idea what has been done with the effects so far.
You can bet that many designs are completed and being animated already.

[PsYkOoOoO]

ALREADY EXCITED! Even without the costumes.
http://comingsoon.net/nextraimages/hobbit-cast.jpg

[todd philip]

They should of had Ian there to.

[Neverending]

ALREADY EXCITED! Even without the costumes.
http://comingsoon.net/nextraimages/hobbit-cast.jpg

I don't know who any of those people are.

[The Moose]

If you're wondering who they are, take a look at what TV3 (one of our major channels here in NZ) put up: complete coverage of the news conference: http://www.3news.co.nz/The-Hobbit-media-conference--full-video/tabid/312/articleID/198020/Default.aspx

[todd philip]

I don't know who any of those people are.
Did you know who everyone was when FOTR came out?

[Neverending]

Did you know who everyone was when FOTR came out?

Ian McKellen
Agent Smith from The Matrix
Sean Bean
Liv Tyler
Cate Blanchett

Elijah Wood and Sean Astin looked familiar to me.

[Dogbert0228]

Watching Christopher Lee's acceptance speech tonight made me appreciate the life and vitality he brings to Saruman even more, and it's sad to think he might not be able to reprise his role briefly due to how long it finally took to get these films made.

[PsYkOoOoO]

I don't know who any of those people are.

I've seen some of these people before, but I know two of them by name even before The Hobbit. I suppose that's also because I watch a bit of BBC shows here and there.

[Deexan]

I only know 2 also, James Nesbitt and Martin Freeman. A couple of familiar faces otherwise but that's about it. Unless that's Gerard Butler lurking at the back on the right.

[Neverending]

Unless that's Gerard Butler lurking at the back on the right.

Oh, snap!

[OBSERVER]

Good thing it isn't Gerard Butler. His voice sounds exactly the same in every movie. haha

[PsYkOoOoO]

Well Martin Freeman, who plays Bilbo, was also Arthur Dent in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

[cwuSTUDent]

Does anybody know if the earthquake affected production? I hope everyone onboard The Hobbit is safe. :(

[FVD]

Mark Hadlow is a respected NZ actor and he also appeared in King Kong.

[PsYkOoOoO]

It's getting REAL guys.

http://www.comingsoon.net/nextraimages/hobbitfilmingstarts1.jpg

http://www.comingsoon.net/nextraimages/hobbitfilmingstarts2.jpg

[Deexan]

:csgrin:

[Fanible]

http://www-images.theonering.org/torwp/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Dwarves1.jpg

[Neverending]

Today is the day, guys. Production officially begins!

[Tolkien]

...and darkness crept back into the forests of the world. Rumor grew of a shadow in the East, whispers of a nameless fear, and the Ring of Power perceived its time had come. It abandoned Gollum, but then something happened that the Ring did not intend. It was picked up by the most unlikely creature imaginable: a hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, of the Shire.

For the time will soon come when hobbits will shape the fortunes of all.

[OBSERVER]

You do know that this is from the trilogy, right?

http://www-images.theonering.org/torwp/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Dwarves1.jpg

[Tolkien]

I think he gets that...

[OBSERVER]

We need to see our new gang of dwarves soon.

[Tolkien]

Not too soon though. We want the general public to gain that old hype back, but not all at once. It has to happen very slowly over a long period of time, up until the film's actual release. If they dump too much on people too soon, we might end up overhyping them or scaring them off.

[Neverending]

As long as CS become an active forum again is all I care about.

[Fanible]

Even if it's only this forum?

[Tolkien]

One fourm's better than no forums.

[Fanible]

I don't know. There's plenty of single forums I can think of that I'd like to avoid.

[Tolkien]

I avoid the general movies and celebrities forums, mainly because they're always chalk full of tournaments.

[Dogbert0228]

As long as CS become an active forum again is all I care about.

Let's get it going with erroneous rumors:

- Elijah Wood is only returning to film a Tom Bombadil scene to be later added to an "ultimate edition" version of LOTR
- Sean Connery is voicing Smaug
- Stephen Colbert has asked to play the part of Beorn because of his anti-bear campaign and love for LOTR

[OBSERVER]

Reading through the book again, I see that it is great for the film to include where Gandalf is and what else is going on at the time of the journey. Most of the time that Gandalf is not with the company of dwarves and Bilbo, they are taking days on end to trek through a single large area or hanging out at the Lonely Mountain. It would likely be difficult and repetitive to stick with the company non-stop throughout those times. I prefer the passage of time shown rather than overly editing the story.

Also, I am afraid that time spent at Beorn's house will be cut, compared to the other chapters. Reading the book, that chapter is clearly the most ependable. It's a break from doom and gloom. That seems a really good spot to add material in the extended edition edit without fouling up the pacing.

[OBSERVER]

Sir Ian McKellen continues his informative Hobbit blogs.

http://www.mckellen.com/cinema/hobbit-movie/blog.htm

Principal photography of The Hobbit began on 21 March, without me.

Meanwhile, all the characters have been having screen-tests, so that the effect of make-up and costume can be assessed through the camera lens, before shooting begins in earnest and it's too late for corrections.

I’m very sorry to have missed, the other sunny day, the first mass emergence from their trailers and make-up chairs, of not only our 13 heroic dwarves but also their 13 small-scale doubles — shorter, near-identical versions of the principals. Looking at the designs, they are nothing like garden furniture (those are gnomes NOT dwarves). Everyone who saw the first parade of two Thoren Oakenshields plus 24 assorted dwarves was mightily impressed!

With Bilbo already filming, this was final proof that The Hobbit is well and truly underway.

The wizard still had to be tested. So, done up as Gandalf, I’m placed on a floor-mark and asked to walk toward the camera slowly, turning this way and that like a slo-mo model, so everyone can judge from her/his specialist point of view. Everyone includes the director Peter Jackson, who attends, without fuss, to every detail; his fellow-producers and screenplay-writers Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens; make-up chief Peter King; Richard Taylor (with an eye to WETA's sculpted nose); Ann Maskrey, the costume designer.

The original costume I wore in LOTR hangs rather mournfully on a stand by the camera. I can’t wear it in The Hobbit, because it has been noted “of historic status.” Ann has made two changes which few may notice but please me because they revert to Tolkien’s introduction in Fellowship of the Ring, where he mentions a silver scarf and black boots. In the film, a scarf appeared just once, tied to Gandalf's cart at Hobbiton but oddly not thereafter. I now have a substantial, magic-looking silvery scarf to wear and act with and perhaps find some part of its own to play. I've already twisted it into a stylish turban. And, as per JRR Tolkien, below the familiar gown, a new pair of black boots may be spied. They will not look new of course. They are riding boots, the sort that can be pulled on in a hurry. Gandalf is often in a hurry. His previous boots were laced and needed Emma to get on and off. Not good for a wizard on the run. And they were grey not black.

All are nearly content — yet still the nose is not as it was or as it should be, all agree. Why? A book is consulted. A glorious book. I have it at home, with other LOTR treasures, the farewell present from Philippa and the Jackson’s ten years ago. It has 100 photographs, iconic and mischievous, a family album of people rather than places. Gandalf's nose features in a couple of full-page close-ups. What’s different to the way I look now?

Overnight at WETA, close to his Oscars, Richard, who is confident he knows the answer, models a new nose on the plaster cast of my face. It's a little longer on the bridge, less bulbous by the nostrils. Later in the day, Rick sticks it on while I snooze. One glance at the beak in the mirror and off we confidently go to show Peter, who's filming in a cave; Fran and Philippa too. Again the album is consulted. Smiles all round.

31 March
Miramar

A well-wisher on my Facebook page asks what difference it will make, acting in front of a 3D camera for the first time.
Answer: I’ll let you know, when I know.

[Neverending]

I avoid the general movies and celebrities forums, mainly because they're always chalk full of tournaments.

It's top 10 threads now.

[Tolkien]

Oh. Then in that case, I loooove those forums!

[Deexan]

It’s now been suggested that the wizard’s wig and beard look too scarily hairy. An aside from me has been noted and so Gandalf in The Hobbit is now going to be bald as Patrick Stewart. So much for the wig. Whether the beard is also to be cut, is not yet revealed.

http://www.mckellen.com/cinema/hobbit-movie/110401.htm

[Neverending]

What a great jokester.

[OBSERVER]

I've wanted Patrick Stewart in The Hobbit as a dwarf for several years. Too late now.

[Deexan]

The Hollywood Reporter says that, in addition to again playing Gollum, Andy Serkis will serve as Second Unit Director on Peter Jackson's The Hobbit films.

"I think I understand Peter's sensibility and we have a common history of understanding Middle Earth," Serkis said, "A lot of the crew from 'The Lord of the Rings' was returning to work on 'The Hobbit.' There is really a sense of Peter wanting people around him who totally understand the material and the work ethic."

He added the learning curve is The Hobbit is being shot in 3D. He said the 3D would be used "dramatically, to give a point of view... In the same way Lord of the Rings was an interpretation of the book, The Hobbit is being treated the same way. It will be faithfully represented with a fresh interpretation."

About his character, Serkis said "He is very much a Gollum that people will recognize" and that he will be seen in his "truest form."

The two "Hobbit" films are scheduled to hit theaters in December of 2012 and December of 2013.

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=76037

[Deexan]

ComingSoon.net: Just a couple of days ago, I spoke with Orlando Bloom and he said he had received the full script for "The Hobbit" films.
Elijah Wood: He did? I've not read it yet. No, no, no.

CS: What are you most excited about to have the opportunity to be a part of the prequels? Since it wasn't necessarily built into the original novel that you guys from the "Rings" films would be there.
Wood: Yeah, not at all. Look, I'm just looking forward to going back to New Zealand and spending a bit of time there. There will be plenty of old friends that will be a part of it. Largely I would imagine the entire crew would be relatively the same. So in some ways I think it's going to be a very surreal journey. It will feel like traveling back in time a little. But I'm excited. There's a lot of new elements to this. They're shooting on the Red [camera]. They're shooting in 3D, so that should be interesting. And I'm excited to read the script. I'm very excited to see what they've done with "The Hobbit." They've stretched it out over the course of two films – I'm so curious as to what other elements they've woven in, because there are certainly additional works that refer to that same time period that they could weave into it. So I'm just very excited to sort of see what the ultimate vision is. I was down there about a year ago, February, and I saw some of the design. This is when Guillermo [del Toro] was still attached. So I've seen a lot of the design work. I mean, it's extraordinary! And Alan Lee and John Howe are back in the art department doing designs for it. I think it's going to feel very familiar, and different as well.

CS: And you'll probably go down to New Zealand to shoot at the end of the year?
Wood: Yeah. Around December or November.

CS: And the show schedule has been built to make it easy for you, with your new TV series "Wilfred"?
Wood: Yeah, I mean I was meant to go down in February but they pushed a month, which conflicted with "Wilfred." So I'm now going to go their summer time.

CS: Okay. And when's the last time you were all together? Because you guys traveled the world together.
Wood: It was probably 2003 when we were all together. I mean I've seen Peter and I've been to New Zealand a few times since. And I've seen Viggo and, you know, we all are kind of connected. But in terms of all of us being together in one space – probably 2003.

CS: And you all got symbolic tattoos while filming the original trilogy - maybe you'll add another on "The Hobbit"?
Wood: Yeah, right - Maybe!

Looks like Legolas will be in the movie then seeing as Bloom's read the whole script. Also, was 3D ever confirmed before? I was thinking it would be 2D only but I'm probably mistaken. Doubt I'll see it in 3D anyway, unless all IMAX prints are 3D...

[PsYkOoOoO]

Well, I think the RED cameras were built to shoot in 3D.

[OBSERVER]

PJ said there was a video coming soon on Sunday. It should be up by Friday.

[PsYkOoOoO]

Yep, it's happening.

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=76430

Who else had a tear in their eye by the end of the video?

[Deexan]

No tears but that was badass. I'm guessing the voice at the end was an elderly Frodo?

[PsYkOoOoO]

No tears but that was badass. I'm guessing the voice at the end was an elderly Frodo?

It's the first line from the book, so it could be from some kinda audiobook or something. Or, you could be right.

[guillermo112]

i am looking forward to see the movie

[DarthVader 2004]

PJ really knows how to promote a movie. This is a good idea to have fans involved in the whole movie making process. Its too bad Lucas and Cameron aren't this fan friendly.

[MovieWes]

I was pretty frequent around here back when LOTR was being made, but I haven't posted here in probably 8 years or so. I guess it's a good time to come back now that they're doing The Hobbit. There were some good times on these boards back then.

The video was amazing. Can't wait to see these movies!

[Deexan]

Welcome back!

[PsYkOoOoO]

Can't say that I remember you frequenting the Green Dragon. But hey, welcome back. :)

[Fanible]

I've just been waiting until now, without much thought. Now I'm just plain excited. :D

[Tornado]

Excitement!

[DarthVader 2004]

I am hoping these movies least are as good so people will finally admit PJ is better then Lucas and Cameron. It be sweet if he bested them in 3D

[sshuttari]

He an oscar for directing and a lot of accomplishments from the visuals, music, effects department.

He really doesn't need to prove anything...

[OBSERVER]

Now we know that Rivendell scenes will be plentiful. Is it safe to say that one or all of the White Council meetings will take place there? On the other hand, Lothlorien is close to Dol Guldor. Some have far to go to reach either place. If Gandalf has to cross the Misty Mountains again after the party enters Mirkwood, it would explain why they do not see each other again for months.

[Deexan]

Holm will be back as the elderly Bilbo and that voice at the end of PJ's video was Martin Freeman:

Though Martin Freeman will be playing the younger version of Bilbo Baggins in the upcoming two-part production of The Hobbit, Peter Jackson has confirmed today that the original Lord of the Rings trilogy's version of the Bag End resident will be back as well.

The writer/director posted the following on his Facebook page:

One comment that came up from the recent video blog was the Bilbo voice at the end—many of you assumed it was Sir Ian Holm. Whilst Ian will be returning as the older Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit, that recording was actually Martin Freeman's voice, taken from a script read through we recorded when the cast first arrived. I have to admit, I wasn't sure who it was when I first heard it, either. Cheers, Peter J

Holm will join the enormous cast that already includes, in addition to Freeman, Andy Serkis, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Rob Kazinsky, Aidan Turner, Graham McTavish, John Callen, Stephen Hunter, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, James Nesbitt, Adam Brown, Cate Blanchett, Ken Stott, Sylvester McCoy, Mikael Persbrandt, Ryan Gage, Jed Brophy, William Kircher, Saoirse Ronan, Elijah Wood and Bret McKenzie.

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=76779

[OBSERVER]

While on the subject of old and young Bilbo, I'd like to point out that Gandalf's line in Fellowship of the Ring about not aging a day means that Bilbo hasn't aged much since their last meeting. It does not mean that Bilbo was unchanged since his adventure with the dwarves and finding of the ring. Most of us here already know this. I'm just tired of seeing silly comments about that everywhere.

[Fanible]

You know, except for the fact that it showed him at the beginning of the Lord of the Rings from The Hobbit.

Speaking of which, do you think Peter Jackson will pull a George Lucas and put Freeman into the beginning of the Lord of the Rings in yet another release of LOTR?

Although if this were to happen, you'd then have a bunch of people asking why Gandalf says Bilbo doesn't look as though he's aged a day, when the footage at the beginning has him looking quite different.

[OBSERVER]

You know, except for the fact that it showed him at the beginning of the Lord of the Rings from The Hobbit.
Yep. Even that is not enough for some attention spans. Also add the fact that Gandalf and Frodo know each other.

I think Martin Freeman's Bilbo could be an extra option in the disc menu of Fellowship and not cause many problems. That way you have complete control of whether that little part in the film is this actor or that actor. Ian Holm by default.

The swords are a slightly bigger issue to me. Sting glows yet Glamdring does not. Have to wait and see how this is dealt with in The Hobbit. Some scenes would suffer a bit without Glamdring and Orcrist glowing.

[DarthVader 2004]

I think PJ will just shoot the cave stuff like was done in the FOTR but not have changes in FOTR movie simply because PJ dream was to cast Ian Holm as Bilbo. So i don't think PJ will do a Lucas here. No need for it really when doing the same scene again in TH

[Deexan]

Rob Kazinsky, who was cast as Fili in the two-part prequel to The Lord of the Rings, has left the production and is returning home "for personal reasons."

Not a huge deal but worth mentioning.

[OBSERVER]

It will be strange seeing this guy who isn't in the movies, when looking back at footage of early production and the press conference and dvd featurettes.

[FVD]

People who were all getting cranky about no Hugo Weaving announcements can now rest easy (a little)... ;)

http://ht.ly/1cmCVi

[OBSERVER]

Good. Sure there's been endless complaining, but did they have any doubt? I think not.

Now there is no reason not to have Hugo Weaving in the next video blog.

[Deexan]

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/230064_10150238899066558_141884481557_9006674_4228 111_n.jpg

[Tolkien]

...that photo ...it humbles me. I must make it iPad wallpaper.

[OBSERVER]

PJ needs to cameo as a hobbit, or if he does not want to shave, a dwarf!

Actually, how about both since there are two moves?

[FVD]

Well they sure didn't muck around casting Fili. Sure it's a shame for Rob Kazinsky and once more another Kiwi lands a Dwarven role in Dean O'Gorman. Yup I'm aware of the guy too and I think he's done some work in Australia too. I'm sure he'll do fine.

As for Lee Pace I'll give him a chance for the Elven King Thranduil. Though I thought his acting was awful in Marmaduke. Then again the entire movie was awful anyway so perhaps it could also be a case of poor direction?

[OBSERVER]

First new shot of Gandalf since 2003.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianmckellen/5712240313/

[Tolkien]

I hope he wears that exact pair of shades in the film. That'd be awesome!



Absolutely love the pic, soooooo happy that Ian's back in Gandalf's boots.

[Deexan]

Only just turned 17 but already boasting a CV other actresses would kill for, Saoirse Ronan is going places. Unfortunately, though, one of those place is not Middle-earth. Ronan says that she won't be joining the cast of The Hobbit, leaving Peter Jackson with an elf-shaped vacancy for another lucky thesp.

Ronan has been linked long and often with the part of Itaril, but as she told Empire, she won't be making the journey down to New Zealand for the Tolkien adaptation. "I loved the book and we were talking about if for a while," Ronan said, "but I would have been tied up for a long period of time - they're shooting for over a year - and there were other projects that I had to consider in the meantime.

A wood elf with formidable fighting skills that would have suited the Hanna star down to the ground, Itaril is a relatively minor character in the narrative. It's understandable, then, that Ronan is looking to capitalise on the heat she's generating in projects closer to home.

http://www.empireonline.com/News/story.asp?nid=30916

[PsYkOoOoO]

Just as long as the original cast is onboard, which they are, I am fine with other changes.

[Deexan]

Tweeted first by BBC Entertainment Reporter Lizo apparently Bilbo Baggins, aka Martin Freeman, has let slip that fellow ‘Sherlock’ actor Benedict Cumberbatch has a role in The Hobbit. Seems like a good pick for casting, but what role will he play? Share your thoughts in our comments, discussion board and on facebook! (Personally, I think he looks rather Elven. But his name is so Hobbitish!)

http://www-images.theonering.org/torwp/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Benedict-Cumberbatch.jpg-446%C3%97251-pixels-150x150.jpg

http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2011/05/22/44565-breaking-benedict-cumberbatch-in-the-hobbit/

[PsYkOoOoO]

Martin Freeman AND Benedict Cumberbatch!? HOLY ****. This movie is getting better and better.

[OBSERVER]

Watch these! This is related to the earthquakes in NZ.

Ian Mckellen interview, plus funny dwarf shenanigans.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bL8Wx7UavA

Peter talking a short bit on a new set.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKA_s...eature=related

[FVD]

Wonder if Benedict could end up playing Bard.

[OBSERVER]

The general consensus lately is Bard, or voicing Smaug. Down to one of those two.

[Deexan]

I can't picture him as Bard, so I'm predicting Smaug.

[PsYkOoOoO]

He looks like an elf to me.

[Fanible]

Smaug would be interesting. Definitely has that voice.

For appearance, yes, he looks elvish.

[Deexan]

Peter Jackson answered the first of 20 fan questions on Facebook about The Hobbit. The fan asked if we're going to see the White Council attacking Dol Guldor. Here is Jackson's answer:

I'm not going to say just what and when, but I will confirm that both the White Council and Dol Guldur will feature in the movies. And not just in one scene either. Just how to visualise it has been a challenge, but fortunately Alan Lee and John Howe went crazy with ideas, and it should look pretty cool.

In fact to celebrate the start of these 20 questions, I'll show you an exclusive photo of the White Council planning the attack on Dol Guldur! Even if you don't want to be hit with spoilers, you should still take a look. For the first image of Gandalf, Elrond and Galadriel brandishing an array of fearsome Elvish weapons, CLICK HERE:

http://www.thehobbitblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/whitecouncil.jpg

Another question soon...

Cheers,

Peter J

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=78195

Heh.

[PsYkOoOoO]

So much win in that picture.

[Deexan]

New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. Pictures and MGM have announced the titles and release dates for filmmaker Peter Jackson's two-film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's enduringly popular masterpiece "The Hobbit." The first film, titled The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, will be released on December 14, 2012. The second film, titled The Hobbit: There and Back Again, is slated for release the following year, on December 13, 2013.

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=78224

:D


Just 18 months to go, how time passes...

[Neverending]

Not the best titles.

[Deexan]

Perfect titles for Tolkien fans.

[PsYkOoOoO]

I am agreeable with the titles. Disagreeable, however, with the release dates. They are simply too far away for my liking.

[Neverending]

Perfect titles for Tolkien fans.

I guess.

the release dates. They are simply too far away for my liking.

Dude, 2012 will be here in a blink of an eye. We're already half-way through 2010. Time flies.

[PsYkOoOoO]

Dude, 2012 will be here in a blink of an eye. We're already half-way through 2010. Time flies.

You know that I will still be impatient about it even if it is November 2012 right now, right?

[OBSERVER]

Whether you approve the year wait between release dates or not, you know that it is necessary for huge movies such as this.

[Tolkien]

Dude, 2012 will be here in a blink of an eye. We're already half-way through 2010. Time flies.
Time flies indeed. In fact, since that post, a whole year has passed.

It's already 2011. ;)

[Deexan]

Luke Evans has joined the cast of Peter Jackson's The Hobbit, Deadline reports.

Evan's role will be that of Bard the Bowman, who plays a major role in the latter part of the novel. As such, the story, which is being divided into two halves subtitled An Unexpected Journey and There And Back Again, may only feature Bard in the second film, depending on how closely the adaptation mirrors the book.

Evans, who appeared in last year's Clash of the Titans, joins the huge ensemble cast, which includes Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Andy Serkis, Richard Armitage, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Stephen Fry, Ryan Gage, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, Stephen Hunter, William Kircher, Sylvester McCoy, Bret McKenzie, Graham McTavish, Mike Mizrahi, James Nesbitt, Dean O�Gorman, Lee Pace, Mikael Persbrandt, Conan Stevens, Ken Stott, Jeffrey Thomas and Aidan Turner.

Coming up, Evans is slated to again play a god in Tarsem Singh's Immortals with a more earthly appearance as Aramis in Paul W.S. Anderson's The Three Musketeers.

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=78721

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icwales2/dec2010/4/5/luke-evans-376953885.jpg


Cumberbatch also confirmed as Smaug and one other character:

Talking of Smaug, the dragon is now one of the reasons why Sherlock’s Benedict Cumberbatch has been hired on to the film. While he was already set to play the voice of a mysterious character called the ,Necromancer (who – spoiler alert – turns out to be none other than Sauron in the later stories), Deadline reports that he’s also going to be slipping into a motion capture suit to portray Smaug, while using his particular vocal tones to bring the creature’s growl to life.

http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=31261

[Deexan]

Peter Jackson announced today on Facebook that Evangeline Lilly ("LOST") and Barry Humphries (Dame Edna) have joined the cast of "The Hobbit" films! Here is his post:

Yikes! I can finally get back to some postings! We've finished our first block of shooting and moved straight into location scouting. More on that soon... But today, I'm thrilled to announce two new cast members who will be joining us for our second block of shooting.

Evangeline Lilly will be playing a new character—the Woodland Elf, Tauriel. Her name means 'daughter of Mirkwood' and, beyond that, we must leave you guessing! (No, there is no romantic connection to Legolas.) What is not a secret is how talented and compelling an actress Evangeline is; we are thrilled and excited she will be the one to bring our first true Sylvan Elf to life.

I'm also highly excited that Barry Humphries will be portraying the Goblin King, in much the way Andy Serkis created Gollum. Barry is perhaps best known for his business and social connections as the long-time manager of Dame Edna Everage. He has also been an ardent supporter of the rather misunderstood and unfairly maligned Australian politician, Sir Les Patterson. However, in his spare time, Barry is also a fine actor, and we're looking forward to seeing him invest the Goblin King with the delicate sensitivity and emotional depth this character deserves.

Evangeline and Barry, along with Welsh actor Luke Evans as Bard and Benedict Cumberbatch as Smaug, just about rounds out the major casting. I cannot wait to get stuck into these new scenes!

More soon, including a flurry of answers to your questions. Sorry for the delay!

Cheers,

Peter J

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=78790

[cwuSTUDent]

Smaug!!!!!!!

[Deexan]

http://comingsoon.net/nextraimages/hobbitew1.jpg

http://comingsoon.net/nextraimages/hobbitew2.jpg

http://comingsoon.net/nextraimages/hobbitew3.jpg

[PsYkOoOoO]

Who else held his breath when opening the page to those images?

[Deexan]

If this was before Fellowship had been released I would definitely be holding my breath but all the overexposure to films in production over the last decade has taken away a lot of the mystique so I'm not overly excited just yet.

I do love Thorin and the dwarves in the background of that first shot though.

[Dogbert0228]

http://www.empireonline.com/images/image_index/hw800/52380.jpg

[Deexan]

I had a flashback last night to a Yahoo Geocity I made in 2000 featuring my ideal cast for LotR. I'm trying to remember who I wanted in each role but the only ones that spring to mind are Sean Connery as Gandalf and George Clooney as Halbarad... :redface:

[Deexan]

http://comingsoon.net/nextraimages/dorinoriorilarge.jpg

JED BROPHY as Nori, ADAM BROWN as Ori and MARK HADLOW as Dori in New Line Cinema’s and MGM's fantasy adventure THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by James Fisher.

DORI, NORI & ORI
These three brothers, all sons of the same mother, could not be more different from each other. Dori, the oldest, spends much of his time watching out for Ori, the youngest; making sure he’s not caught a chill or got himself killed by Wargs or Goblins. Nobody quite knows what Nori gets up to most of the time, except that it’s guaranteed to be dodgy and quite probably, illegal. Dori, Nori and Ori are intensely loyal to each other – and whilst they are perfectly happy fighting amongst themselves, woe-betide anyone who means harm to one of these brothers.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=217504438285169&set=pu.160617097307237&type=1&theater


Is that guy on the right the ship's captain from Lost?

[OBSERVER]

YES!!! Production video #2. Make sure to click on HD and make it fullscreen.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150314562706807&oid=141884481557&comments

[Panther2000]

Jumps Up & down for the 1st pics of the new movies. Game On, I also love it that PJ made Andy the 2nd Unit Director. Props for him, PJ must really trust him.

[DanielLB]

If anyone is interested, it looks like Ian Holm and Chritopher Lee are currently filming their scenes in the UK over the coming days/weeks. Full story here:

http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2011/07/16/46148-ian-holm-christopher-lee-shooting-the-hobbit-today/

[Deexan]

The latest production diary, best one yet!

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=80040

[Ramplate]

Lol that was good - looks like they're having way too much fun :P

[PsYkOoOoO]

I liked Christopher Lee's surprise appearance at the end! He looks 20 years older though. :(

[Deexan]

http://comingsoon.net/nextraimages/hobbitdwarveslarge.jpg

[Dogbert0228]

I liked Christopher Lee's surprise appearance at the end! He looks 20 years older though. :(

Apparently Jackson's work in London at Pinewood is specifically for Lee, who decided he couldn't make the trip at the age of 89 with his health and physical concerns.

Everyone see this last year? Emotional.

http://youtu.be/_dbtbk3V19A

[OBSERVER]

Not only Christopher Lee.
Elijah Wood and Ian Holm are doing something there together as well.

[DarthVader 2004]

Yeah only Orlando, Cate and Hugo were required to go to New Zealand. Mostly for Elf and council stuff likely. Except for Orlando.

[PsYkOoOoO]

Apparently Jackson's work in London at Pinewood is specifically for Lee, who decided he couldn't make the trip at the age of 89 with his health and physical concerns.

Everyone see this last year? Emotional.

http://youtu.be/_dbtbk3V19A

Ah, that explains why the third production blog of The Hobbit is set in Pinewoods Studios. I didn't actually make that connection, but it makes sense I guess. It's amazing that they actually flew all the way to England to accommodate Christopher Lee, instead of simply writing Saruman out of the script, which would have been a cheaper option.

[OBSERVER]

Even though Ian Holm was not in the video blog, he was on the set last weekend without a doubt. I'm sure some of you noticed the inside of Bag End.

[OBSERVER]

The Men Behind The Make-Up: The Dwarves Of The Hobbit

http://www.empireonline.com/features/hobbit-dwarves-guide/


This tells a bit about the actors and matches up the faces to their dwarf characters. They do mix up the names of Fili and Kili though.

[thebtskink]

Very curious to see how they deal with the Battle of the Five Armies near the end

[IanTheCool]

Very curious to see how they deal with the Battle of the Five Armies near the end

Well, they're not going to do it like the book, just like they didn't show the Battle of Isengard in flashback.

[DanielLB]

I think all we can guess at the moment is that it is going to be a lot more epic than it appears in the book. This is going to be the climax of both films, so expect something similar to Helm's Deep/Pelennor.

We have the build up to the battle (Arkenstone etc), arrival of the separate armies, the morphing of Beorn, killing of

Thorin, Fili and Kili

Arrival of the eagles, and Bilbo being knocked out.

There is so much to pack in, so expect epicness! I'm sure it will be great!

[Fanible]

Been about a month and a half since the last diary. I'm glad they're not super often (I thought they were too frequent with King Kong), but still hope we get another soon.

[DanielLB]

I am glad PJ doesn't make a new vlog each week ... it would spoil it too much. He did say a month and a half ago that he would be answering the 20q's soon. So I imagine that will be the next info out (possibly another vlog?). I just appreciate that he takes time out to do these things for us fans.

[IanTheCool]

Apparently Evangeline Lily is going to have a role.
http://my.spill.com/profiles/blogs/evangeline-lilly-on-the-hobbit

[PsYkOoOoO]

Yeah, some elf that isn't in the book. Don't like that idea.

[Deexan]

I just realised that the first film's release in 2012 will coincide with the book's 75th anniversary. Neat.

[Neverending]

Apparently Evangeline Lily is going to have a role.
http://my.spill.com/profiles/blogs/evangeline-lilly-on-the-hobbit

So, I guess that retirement plan of hers never came to be.

[Deexan]

The next production diary has arrived!:

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=83957

[Panther2000]

The next production diary has arrived!:

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=83957

I love this feeling of aniticipating these movies coming out. Reminds me of the Good Old days waiting on any & all news on LOTRS. This Movie is going to be amazing. The 2 Artist drawing the same picture in 1 In Red & the other in blue. Eventhough, I did not have on 3D glasses I could tell the 3 d effect was working & this was hand drawn pictures. Not to mention that they dre the same pic at the same time & looked exactly alike. that was truly amazing. Seeing Elijah in the Video clip also reminds me of the good old days. I wonder will Sam & Merrry & Pippin show up also in the movie or will it just be Elijah?

They way they named all the cameras'. I do believe that PJ & WETA has once again turned up the volume on Effects( now also in 3d).

I kind of don't wan't Nov 2012 to come because, once it is here then there will be only 1 more movie & then it will be THE END OF MIDDLE EARTH. After ROTK, us fans knew that the Hobbit would be made, Even after all that mess with the lawsuits, Rights, Unions, Locations, change of Directors, etc... We knew that in the end PJ would let this go by without seeing done. I am just happy that PJ is Directing once again ( sorry to say but, it should always been him. Middle Earth Belongs to PJ, Weta, & New Zealand) . LIke I said I can't wait for the movies but, then again I don't them to ever end. All the stories are so amazing. I would love to see the other books made into mini Series on Cable.
Thanks for the Clip

[Ramplate]

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150451523596807

A look at the 3D filming

[Fanible]

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150451523596807

A look at the 3D filming

Isn't that the same thing?

[PsYkOoOoO]

This made me so happy.

[Ramplate]

Isn't that the same thing?

Oops has it been posted? I don't read much:meanie:

[Deexan]

I kind of don't wan't Nov 2012 to come because, once it is here then there will be only 1 more movie & then it will be THE END OF MIDDLE EARTH.

Well you never know, the film rights to The Children of Hurin were bought when the book was released and they know there'll be money to be made so it wouldn't surprise me if that eventually went into production. It's one of a handful of Silmarillion tales that would transfer to film relatively well. I just hope they'd split it into 2 or even 3 movies to do it justice and maintain the darker, more adult tone.

[Neverending]

Principal Photography is completed.