April 07, 2003 - April 13, 2003

News for Apr. 13, 2003

Each week, I scour Ebay looking for the hot Tolkien items up for sale. I post the most interesting here for you to bid on! [More]

Weekly Cast Watch

4/13/03, 9:15 pm EST - Xoanon

Take a look at all the films you can catch from your favorite LOTR star on the small screen! [More]

TV Watch: TechTV Talks To Andy Serkis

4/13/03, 8:08 pm EST - Xoanon

Twitchy writes: TechTV did a great interview with Andy Serkis (Gollum) at his book signing in LA recently. [More]

PJ & The Togan Ninja

4/13/03, 7:40 pm EST - Xoanon

Fiver writes: According to an article, PJ will be contributing to the NZ teevee ad campaign for upcoming movie Tongan ninja. [More]

Wood Rocks On

4/13/03, 7:28 pm EST - Xoanon

Ringer Spy niceFeet writes: Here is a scan from the NZ Woman's Day magazine (April 14 issue). It is a small article on Elijah Wood (Frodo) at the music festival in Texas and his interest in NZ music. [More]

Media Watch: SFX's 'Sexiest Sci-Fi Stars in the

4/13/03, 7:24 pm EST - Xoanon

Ringer Spy IC writes: The UK based SF & Fantasy magazine SFX celebrated Tolkien Reading Day 25th March in a different way their new edition hit the streets with a special supplement "The Sexiest Sci-Fi Stars in the Galaxy", opening the issue on page 2 was Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn), there were also pix of Liv Tyler (Arwen), Elijah Wood (Frodo) and of course Orlando Bloom (Legolas)! [More]

Media Watch: Viggo Mortensen Rides Again

4/13/03, 7:11 pm EST - Xoanon

Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn) is currently in the latest issue of Premiere Magazine, this time he's riding a horse for his new film 'Hidalgo'. [More]

Brad Dourif At 'The Chiller'

4/13/03, 7:01 pm EST - Xoanon

Katherine writes: I wanted to let you know that Brad Dourif (Wormtongue) has just been confirmed for The Chiller Theater Spring 2003 Expo, in E. Rutherford, New Jersey, on April 25 & 27, 2003.

Swedish TTT DVD Release Date

4/13/03, 12:46 pm EST - Tookish

Ringer Genome sends word: Just thought that you might want to know the release date of the TTT DVD in Sweden (as I have seen no release dates as of yet online) is August 26th. This may seem a bit late and may of course change, but last year the date we got was the final date. I work at a major retailer in Sweden and we just got our ordering material in for the first set. It's a two-disc and we've also been informed that they're expecting lower sales this year since the four disc set is due out in November.

Otto Is 'Hypnotic'

4/13/03, 12:41 pm EST - Xoanon

Curlingx sends in news that the trailer for the latest Miranda Otto (Eowyn) 'Hypnotic' is online. Take a look! (Quicktime needed) [More]

TV Watch: McKellen On 'Parkinson' Details

4/13/03, 12:36 pm EST - Xoanon

Alex writes: Just wanted to let you know what Sir Ian spoke of last night on Parkinson. I'm from the UK and watched the show intently, waiting for Ian to show (he was the last guest). [More]

Doctor Who As Bilbo?

4/13/03, 12:26 pm EST - Xoanon

Joe Kavalier sends along this snippet of an interview with Doctor Who star Sylvester McCoy. McCoy mentions how close he came to playing Bilbo! (the mind just boggles at the thought of Tom Baker playing Gandalf and Syl playing Bilbo! -Xo). [More]

'Hobbit' Stage Play In California

4/13/03, 12:14 pm EST - Xoanon

Bailey sends along this bit of information about a new 'Hobbit' stage play hitting the stage in Pasadena, California. [More]

TV Watch: Wood Loeses To Chan For 'Kids Choice Award'

4/13/03, 12:03 pm EST - Xoanon

Pippin writes in to tell us that Elijah Wood (Frodo) was nominated for Favorite Male Butt Kicker at the Nickelodeon 'Kids Choice Awards'. He lost out to Jackie Chan in a ceremony on the kids station last night.

Troy Boy

4/13/03, 11:57 am EST - Xoanon

Girls rejoice, for Orlando Bloom, the keeper of your hearts and poster boy for the hormonally imbalanced everywhere, may be sporting an attractive skirt and sandals ensemble in Wolfgang Petersen's impending epic, Troy. Joining Brad Pitt and Eric Bana, Bloom is currently poised to leap into the Grecian history books as Paris, the brother of Hector and Helen of Troy's bit on the side. [More]

Pre-Order TTT DVD In The UK? -More Info-

4/13/03, 11:52 am EST - Xoanon

Harry sends along this information from a report we posted a few days ago about WHSmith bookstores taking TTT DVD pre-orders in Scotland, take a look! [More]

Narnia film could be made in Canty, NZ

4/13/03, 11:15 am EST - Xoanon

Oscar-winning Kiwi director Andrew Adamson is eyeing Canterbury for his next movie, but says tax incentives in other countries may lure the production elsewhere. Mr Adamson, who won an Academy Award in 2001 as co-director of animated feature Shrek, is filming an adaptation of C. S.Lewis' childrens' classic The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe in New Zealand. [More]

Media Watch: Wood & Astin Talk Gaming

4/13/03, 11:11 am EST - Xoanon

Amiko writes: I just read the new issue of EGM (Electronic Gaming Monthly) and came across a "Celebrity Gamer" Article with none other than Elijah Wood (Frodo). In the interview Elijah talks about his opinion on the TTT game for PS2, GC (Game Cube), and XBox. And also comments on Sean Astin (Sam) and him playing Tony Hawk Skater 3 when they weren't filming.

Anyone with scans, send them along!

News for Apr. 12, 2003

McKellen on BBC1 TV Tonight

4/12/03, 11:25 am EST - Tookish

From Dr. LS: Sir Ian McKellen is on Radio 2 right now talking ROTK and of going back to New Zealand in June to film some more scenes as they are “boosting the emotional content of the film”. He is apparently appearing on BBC1 tv tonight (about 11 pm) with talk show host Michael Parkinson… and on 4th May next, he’s appearing at the newly opening St. Paul's Art Centre, London...

Armageddon Pop Culture Expo Reports

4/12/03, 11:04 am EST - Tookish

Ringers Rain*dancer & Cunning Vixen sent in reports on WETA's presentation at the Aramgeddon Pulp Culture Expo today (oooooo I can't WAIT for ComicCon!!). Our buddies Daniel Falconer and Warren Mahy were on tap, and good ole' Lawrence showed up too... [Rain*dancer's report] and [Vixen's report]

FotR & TTT Double Billing

4/12/03, 10:51 am EST - Tookish

How cool is this? For you English die-hard insomniacs you are in for a treat! Check out FotR & TTT in one (long!) sitting next weekend. Thanks to RFC for the mail. [MORE]

News for Apr. 11, 2003

Hall of Fire This Weekend - Stewards Of Middle Earth

4/11/03, 9:51 pm EST - Demosthenes

This weekend, Hall of Fire will focus on the stewards of Middle Earth. Several characters take up the role as stewards in Tolkien's Middle Earth. Some are obvious - Denethor, Manwe (and - indeed - many other Vala), Theoden and Samwise, for example. But what makes a steward in Tolkien's milieu? And, apart from a great love for their individual 'stewardships', What do they have in common and what sets them apart? [More]

Andy Serkis on TechTV

4/11/03, 6:29 pm EST - leo

Andy Serkis was on TechTV's The Screen Savers tonight (April 10)at 7 p.m., 10 p.m. and tomorrow at 2 a.m. Eastern. You can still catch a re-run of it which is different than the video posted on they're website: here.

Thanks to Darth Smeagol for the heads up!

Playalong Toys' Convention Exclusive LOTR Figures

4/11/03, 6:18 pm EST - leo

AG writes: Playalong Toys is doing a convention exclusive three pack of 2 Ringwraiths and a clear Frodo figure. Limited to 5000, it'll be evenly distributed between the WizardWorld Con and the San Diego Comic Con. [More]

Two Towers: One Party Pictures Galore

4/11/03, 6:06 pm EST - leo

Although it was weeks ago there are still people sending in their pictures from TheOneRing.net's Two Towers: One Party. As did Heather, who's terrific pictures from the night itself as well as the preparations can be seen here! If you were there; be sure to check them out, if you weren't, well, check 'em out to see the fun you missed out on!

Sean Astin & JRD To Attend GenCon

4/11/03, 4:47 pm EST - Xoanon

Sean Astin (Sam) and John Rhys-Davies (Gimli) have both confirmed their appearances at GenCon in Indianapolis.

When You Watch Your Potter DVD Tonight...

4/11/03, 4:35 pm EST - Xoanon

Be sure to catch this... from JW: The portraits in Dumbledore's study represent the past headmasters of Hogwarts. As Harry enters the study for the first time in Chamber of Secrets, we can see a portrait of our very own Gandalf the Grey included in the collection of paintings! (Chapter 19 on the DVD: It is just above the doorframe)

Max von Sydow As Gandalf?

4/11/03, 4:31 pm EST - Xoanon

midnightgirl sends in these small clips from an interview the actor recently gave to The Independent. Seems he wanted in for either Potter or LOTR! [More]

Region II TTT DVD Info!

4/11/03, 4:22 pm EST - Xoanon

kris writes: A few items on the BBFC website listing a couple of extras classified for the TTT DVD. [More]

Pre-Order TTT DVD In The UK?

4/11/03, 4:16 pm EST - Xoanon

Margaret from Scotland writes: I was just in town to pick up a video at WHSmith when I noticed they have pre-order forms out now for the LOTR:TTT DVD and VHS. The release date on the form only says late August though.

Peter Jackson #20 On Hollywood Power List!

4/11/03, 4:03 pm EST - Xoanon

Steven Spielberg is No. 1 on Premiere magazine's 2003 Power List of the 100 most influential people in Hollywood..."Lord of the Rings" director Peter Jackson (No. 20) [More]

Kinder Surprise Goodness!

4/11/03, 3:54 pm EST - Xoanon

Take a look at these LOTR Kinder Surprise toys! I want mine now! ]More]

SHOP: Sideshow/Weta Collectible Updates

4/11/03, 3:16 pm EST - Calisuri

Some random updates from Sideshow/Weta Collectibiles today. The long awaited, and sold-out, Balrog statue is now shipping. The Stone Troll environment is also arriving at customer doors this week. If you've been waiting for a Treebeard medallion, the 'Master of Fangorn' medallion is now available for pre-sale. And last but not least, we've got a heads up that the Orthanc Environment is almost sold-out. [More]

Another Day, Another Poll

4/11/03, 3:08 pm EST - Calisuri

Another day, another poll to swamp. This time, it directly relates to the hype surrounding 'Matrix Reloaded.' Empire Online is asking fans "So, you've seen the final Matrix trailer. Will it be the best film ever?" One of the options is 'It's good but Return of the King will be better.' Not that we would ever suggest how you should vote, or anything. [More] Thanks to Ringer Jen for the heads up.

CastWatch: Hugo Weaving's 'Matrix Reloaded' Trailer

4/11/03, 3:00 pm EST - Calisuri

Check out the new trailer for 'Matrix Reloaded' starring Hugo Weaving (Elrond) as the evil Agent Smith. It looks like this time Hugo plays hundreds of roles. [More]

Games Day is Coming!

4/11/03, 5:20 am EST - Demosthenes

Games Workshop is gearing up for another Games Day Event in Los Angeles on May 31st! How do you make an already amazing event better? Toss TheOneRing.net into the mix! That's right, TORn will be on hand at Games Day with giveaways and some very special guests! Want tickets? Click here. Want to know more about the big event? Then read on! [More]

News for Apr. 10, 2003

E!Online wants us to Swamp their Poll - UPDATE

4/10/03, 5:14 pm EST - Calisuri

*UPDATE*Congrats! I believe we won, but the results are announced on E! News Daily right now! (7pm EST). If someone catches the results, please email me at calisuri@theonering.net

*UPDATE* Beware of the power of The One Ring! In a mere 45 minutes, we've managed to turn the tide, and are winning now by 15%!!! Don't let that stop you though. Lets send Neo back into the shadow!

Okay, maybe they didn't ask, but Ringer XC sends us a heads up that E! Online is hosting a daily poll asking which sequel fans are most anticipating this year. Right now, the Matrix is winning by 2%. BAH! Its a great franchise and all, but come on! Lets see if we can effect the outcome and get 'Return of the King' over the top! (The poll is on the frontpage, lower left) [Vote!]

Craig Parker In Nepal

4/10/03, 12:17 pm EST - Xoanon

Nimrodel writes: Craig Parker's (Haldir) diary of his trip to Nepal for New Zealand television is available on line. It's a hoot. Wish I could write half as well. [More]

ROTK Re-Shoots...RIGHT NOW?

4/10/03, 12:14 pm EST - Xoanon

Ex-Pom writes: The reshoots have started! A mate of mine did some extra work for The Last Samuri in Taranaki, NZ and the same crew he worked with on for that picture gave him a buzz the other day to ask him to do some extra work for ROTK as an Ork which he has been doing for the last two days. Apparently this shoot has overrun and will be ongoing until the end of the week.

News for Apr. 09, 2003

Join us at the LA Book Fair!

4/09/03, 2:08 pm EST - Calisuri

With its very own book "The People's Guide to J.R.R. Tolkien" fresh off the press, the TheOneRing.net staff will be hosting a booth at the L.A. Times Festival of Books at UCLA on Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27. Among other booth activities, meet the authors and have your copy signed! [More]

Matrix II ROTK Trailer? Not Happening

4/09/03, 1:57 pm EST - Xoanon

Insider sources tell TheOneRing.net that there will be NO ROTK trailer before screenings of The Matrix: Reloaded next month. There WILL be SOMETHING in regards to an ROTK trailer happening soon, but nothing is set in stone.

And we can all collectively moan 'awwwwww...'

Another Badali Pin Sale On eBay!

4/09/03, 12:34 pm EST - Xoanon

Two custom-made TheOneRing.net pins

Badali Jewelry offers another "Good Luck from TheOneRing.net / Two Towers" Oscars pin on eBay.

Due to the response they have had on the first pin offered on eBay, Badali Jewelry has listed another "II" pin as well as a "Fellowship" pin from last year's Oscars presentations. [More]

Sean Bean Narrates 'Weapons'

4/09/03, 12:24 pm EST - Xoanon

Nevernilien wrires: I thought you might like to know that BBC World will be airing a 12 part documentary on the evolution of weaponry throughout the ages. It's called 'Decisive Weapons' and will be narrated by Sean Bean. Part one will air on Wednesday April 16,2003 at 9.30 pm CET.

ROTK Trailer Out With Matrix II?

4/09/03, 12:20 am EST - Xoanon

T-MACK writes: I work for a movie theatre in the midwest, and each week they release an upcoming films slate. What caught my attention was The Matrix: Reloaded blurb. It read that The Matrix: Revolutions would premiere its trailer exclusively at the end of the film. But then directly beneath Revolutions it stated Lord of the Rings. They usually say the trailers showing with the film, so this is common.

The Matrix: Reloaded
May 15
Plus Exclusive The Matrix Revolutions Trailer
The Return of the King

More news as it comes in!

LOTR Outsells Potter

4/09/03, 12:16 am EST - Xoanon

virgo8877 sends in this blurb from Entertainment Weekly: Last year, hobbits bested Hogwarts: According to sales-figure sorcery just released by Publisher's Weekly, Lord of the Rings-related books (including The Hobbit) narrowly outsold Harry Potter books in 2002. Are the wonderful wizards at odds?

Media Watch: Starlog Magazine Talks To Hugo Weaving

4/09/03, 12:13 am EST - Xoanon

The e-Rose sends along these scans from 'Starlog Magazine' featuring our favorite Elven King and Agent we love to hate, Hugo Weaving. [More]

News for Apr. 08, 2003

Tove Jansson's 'Hobbit' illustrations.

4/08/03, 8:38 pm EST - Tehanu

Those of you who know the Finnish writer and artist Tove Janssen's wonderful 'Moominland' books will want to see this page, with its collection of her illustrations for the Swedish translation of The Hobbit. [More] Thanks to Trufflehunter for the link!

Green Books Returns!

4/08/03, 7:13 pm EST - Demosthenes

TORn Staffer Anwyn writes: Did you think we were never coming back? Fear not! In addition to the craziness of Two Towers, One Party, the Green Books staffers have also been dealing with issues regarding our book, The People's Guide to J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by Tehanu and written by Tehanu, Anwyn, Quickbeam, Turgon, and Ostadan. That being said, we currently have a few new March/April tidbits up in the Q&A section, including:

Also check out the new Moon Letters! Our columnists will return in the coming weeks to bring you fresh perspectives, analyses, book reviews, and guest articles. Until then - keep warm!

"The Prettiest Corpse of Helm's Deep."

4/08/03, 6:48 pm EST - Tehanu

Craig-parker.net has translated an interview with Craig Parker from Germany's RingCon.[More] Thanks to Vil for the link.

Tolkien at Duke.

4/08/03, 6:40 pm EST - Tehanu

I have no idea where Duke university is but if you live near it I suppose you'll know. They're offering a course called "Tolkien, History, Ethics War." It looks fantastic. [More]

The Onion does LOTR.

4/08/03, 6:29 pm EST - Tehanu

"Don't Come Crying to Me When You Need Someone who Speaks Elvish" it starts...[More] Thanks to Trey for the link

Viggo in Iceland pics.

4/08/03, 6:18 pm EST - Tehanu

Viggo Mortensen in Iceland, courtesy of the paper Morgen-something. [My keyboad doesn't have the right letters.] Thanks to Kristinn for the link. [More] Update: Now we have a translation, thanks to Kiddi. [More]

Oscars give short shrift to fantasy

4/08/03, 6:08 pm EST - Tehanu

There's a good article about the way Hollywood refuses to take fantasy and science fiction seriously, over at TheForce.net. [More] Thanks to William for the link.

Newsweek Talks KONG

4/08/03, 3:42 pm EST - Xoanon

Herself the Elf writes: There's a short article in the April 14th issue of NEWSWEEK about Peter Jackson's "King Kong." [More]

More Info On The TTT UK Release Date

4/08/03, 3:33 pm EST - Xoanon

ag x writes: I work in one of the major retail stores in the UK and I overheard one of my managers talking about the theatrical edition of TTT over the weekend and he said that the release date had been confirmed for us as being the first week in August which was practically the same time as we got the extended edition last year.

Media Watch: 'Daily Variety' Talks Viggo

4/08/03, 3:31 pm EST - Xoanon

From Daily Variety: LOTR star and all-around renaissance man Viggo Mortensen has lined up shows around the world for his photographs. An exhibit of his works just closed at the Richard F. Brush Art Gallery in Canton, N.Y. Next up, the Fototeca de Cuba will display images he shot recently in Morocco and South Dakota (May 6 to June 5). The Museum of Photographic Art in Denmark will also host a Mortensen retrospective covering 10 years of the artist's snapshots (June 28 to Sept. 21).

Howard Shore Interview

4/08/03, 3:13 pm EST - Xoanon

Heather writes: There was an interview with Howard Shore on BBC 3 Stage and Screen show yesterday, April 7. You can access this 45 minute interview through the 'on demand' right side menu of under the purple Classical heading. He talks about scoring LOTR as well as some of his other past and future titles, musical excerpts included. [More]

DVD Review: UK TTT Release Delayed?

4/08/03, 11:55 am EST - Xoanon

Irascian writes: 'DVD Review' magazine has the following to say in its 'Rumour Control' news section: The TTT DVD will not be released on 30 June, as earlier reported. In a surprise move, distributor EIV has postponed the first edition and not revealed a new date. Peter Jackson has revealed some good news, however: the extended version will last an extra 30 minutes, requiring Weta to deliver another 150 computer generated shots'.

More news as TORN tries to confirm this rumor!

Tindril Reports From Project Elanor

4/08/03, 6:40 am EST - Demosthenes

Ringer Spy Tindril sends in a great report from the Project Elanor event that Sean Astin was involved in over the weekend. [More]

JRD About To Land In 'Helen Of Troy'

4/08/03, 6:23 am EST - Demosthenes

Ringer Spy PippinSkywalker reports that the USA network will be airing the mini series "Helen of Troy" this month (April 20-21) in which John Rhys Davies plays King Priam of Troy. "I stumbled on it when reading review featured on Dark Horizons." You can read the review and check out a few cool-looking stills from the film here.

Blanchett Shots From Veronica Guerin

4/08/03, 5:58 am EST - Demosthenes

Dark Horizons has some pictures of Cate Blanchett (looking very much like Helen Mirrin!) from her new film Veronica Guerin where she plays a Dublin journalist dedicated to exposing drug lords and mobsters. [More]

Boyd Is Pippinlike

4/08/03, 5:08 am EST - Demosthenes

Ringer Spy Eowyn Turmavende writes that the Boston Sunday Globe TV Week has a column where people can send in questions. The other day there was one posed for Billy Boyd. The news about Master and Commander is not new, but the anectdote about Billy's real life Pippin-itis amused me. [More]

Billy And Dom Go Punk

4/08/03, 4:33 am EST - Demosthenes

TheBlueKat reports that last night's airing of the MTV show, Punk'd hosted by Ashton Kutcher had Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd as the victims of their skit. Apparently, it involved an eight-year-old boy posing as an interviewer along the red carpet at a Diesel party. The interviewer asked Dom and Billy if they were Hobbits and if they would be assisting Santa this year. There should be re-runs airing this weekend.

Mirkwood Elven Bow Charity Raffle

4/08/03, 3:29 am EST - Demosthenes

Joe Berg at Idaho Archery writes that Russell Barton (the bowyer who creates the amazing LoTR replica bows at Sticks and Stones) has donated an Elven Mirkwood Bow for a charity raffle that they are conducting. [More]

News for Apr. 07, 2003

TTT At 30 Thousand Feet

4/07/03, 12:54 pm EST - Xoanon

Merry Moon writes: They are showing 'The Two Towers' on the British Airways return flight from Europe. I just thought you might want to know this. [More]

Tolkien and the Return of the True King

4/07/03, 12:50 pm EST - Xoanon

Bradley J. Birzer writes: I'm not sure if you're interested, but ISI (www.isi.org) is hosting a week-long discussion on the literary, philosophical, and theological significance of Tolkien and his works. [More]

Elijah Wood To Play Penguin

4/07/03, 10:30 am EST - Demosthenes

Ananova is reporting that Elijah Wood is to provide a voice for the new Warner Bros animation Happy Feet. He will play the lead character in the film, to be recorded in Australia in 2005. [More] Update: A little more information via TORn Staffer Asfaloth on this project. [More]

Turimel Reports on Project Elanor

4/07/03, 2:58 am EST - Demosthenes

Ringer Spy Turimel reports from Beaverton, Oregon where BitofEarth.net's Project Elanor has just wound up. For those of you not in the know, Project Elanor was the initiative of BitofEarth.net - a web-based group that wanted to build a children's reading garden as a charitable work, to promote love of reading and nature in the spirit of Samwise Gamgee. [More]

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