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May 11, 2004 - May 17, 2004

News for May 17, 2004

Monaghan Lined Up For 'Ringers'

5/17/04, 10:50 pm EST - Xoanon

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA -- WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 2004 -- Actor Dominic Monaghan granted an exclusive interview to the producers of the upcoming feature documentary, RINGERS: LORD OF THE FANS. Mr. Monaghan revealed how the bonds of love and family brought him to read J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpiece, “The Lord of the Rings,” long before he was cast in Peter Jackson’s Oscar-winning film trilogy adapted from the book. [More]

Astin at John Kerry Rally in Portland, OR

5/17/04, 9:53 pm EST - weetanya

Ringer Spy Superkittin attended the John Kerry rally in Pioneer Square, and took this picture of Sean Astin strutting his political stuff. [More]

Calling all Portland, Oregon area Ringers: Nelehtinuviel writes, "Thought you might be interested...Sean Astin is in Portland, Oregon right now participating in the John Kerry Rally. Any one have pictures or know what else is on his agenda?" Anyone? [E-mail spymaster]

Decipher/WETA Cards Insight

5/17/04, 7:52 pm EST - Xoanon

Humble Sauron sent along a rather cryptic email from the Gods inside WETA Workshop. He/She/It passes along more information about those Decipher Cards with movie-missing characters on them. Take a look! [More]

Ian Holm Bio in the Works

5/17/04, 7:44 pm EST - Xoanon

Alan Bray let us know that Ian Holm's autobiography 'Acting My Life' is set to hit storeshelves in September. You can take a look at the cover here. [Pre-Order at Amazon.com] [Pre-Order at Amazon.co.uk]

TVNZ's 'Test The Nation II'

5/17/04, 7:33 pm EST - Xoanon

Robert Gatward Group Co-ordinator, for TVNZ writes: We are redoing The TEST THE NATION IQ programme and I am responsible for a section of contestants - Lord of the Rings Fans. [More]

Aussie film about hobbits planned

5/17/04, 7:28 pm EST - Xoanon

According to Indian casting director Sameer Bhardwaj, an Australian company is interested in making a film about hobbits, the mythical creatures who play a central role in JRR Tolkien's book The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. An advertisement posted on Internet websites, looking for people of short stature, has created a buzz among the Indian film community. "Hi! We are seeking short people for a documentary shoot (low budget)," says the advertisement on websites including Yahoo's moviezone forum. [More]

Boyd Gets Bumped Around in Glasgow

5/17/04, 7:26 pm EST - Xoanon

asterix writes: We saw Billy Boyd outside Glasgow's Central Station on Sunday, at about 2pm in the afternoon. Looked like he was filming some kind of advert for TV, we couldn't quite work out what for but he was holding some kind of credit card and being bumped into by another guy repeatedly. [More]

Dominic Monaghan at Wango Tango

5/17/04, 7:19 pm EST - Xoanon

Kirstie writes: Dominic Monaghan made an appearance at May 15th's Wango Tango concert at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. He introduced the band Rooney. Sean Astin was also scheduled to appear but wasn't there. Wireimage has some pictures online. [More]

Michael Semanick Returns to Antioch High School

5/17/04, 7:01 pm EST - Xoanon

Robin writes: For those living in Northern California, Michael Semanick, the 2004 Academy Award winner for Sound on ROTK, will be a guest speaker at the Beede Auditorium in Antioch, on June 5th at 7:00pm. The program is free to the public and the doors open at 6:00pm. Michael is a 1981 Antioch High School graduate and so will be returning to his roots! This was an article in my local paper- The Contra Costa Times.

Middle-earth Ball This Weekend in Seattle

5/17/04, 6:53 pm EST - Xoanon

The folks from middleearthball.com write: For entertainment, art, dancing and costuming, check out this massive event, it will blow you away! Dance to DJ's spinning from Sauron's Tower, chill under the enormous trees of Mirkwood Forrest, get lost in the Mines of Moria and sooo much more! [More]

Entertainment Weekly Special Edition LOTR Edition

5/17/04, 10:05 am EST - Calisuri

Paging through my May 21st Entertainment Weekly magazine, I ran across the following ad. Turns out that Best Buy is offering a special-edition LOTR commemorative edition of Entertainment Weekly Magazine to the first 120 customers who purchase the ROTK Theatrical DVD in their store on May 25th. You can reserve your copy of ROTK by ordering online and choosing the in-store pickup option. Check out the scan and get to Best Buy next Tuesday! [BestBuy.com] [Scan of Ad]

News for May 16, 2004

Hall of Fire logs updated!

5/16/04, 2:54 pm EST - maegwen

Have you ever wished to spend an hour or two in deep conversation with fellow Tolkien fans? Dreamt that you knew someone who wanted to discuss the professor's attitude towards technology? Or what may have happened to the Entwives? Or if the elves failed in their responsibility towards Middle Earth? Well, our weekly Hall of Fire IRC chat is exactly the place you should be! Visit our HOF page for all the details on joining fellow TORn Ringers each Saturday and Sunday for on-topic Tolkien discussions. Scroll to the bottom of the page to read nearly 4.5 years worth of chats! [More]

Hoax audition drags in the crowds

5/16/04, 12:08 pm EST - Xoanon

They lined up in droves at Massey University yesterday, hoping for a place in New Zealand's cinematic history. Lured to Massey's Recreation Centre by the chance of eventually working with multi-Oscar-winning director Peter Jackson on his upcoming production of King Kong, the queue stretched out the door. All the potential actors waiting for the magic call were actually the victim of an elaborate hoax, cooked up by students as a capping stunt. [More]

Bean in the 'Dark'

5/16/04, 12:01 pm EST - Xoanon

CANNES (Hollywood Reporter) - Maria Bello and Sean Bean will play bereaved parents in the indie thriller "The Dark," which will begin shooting in June. Based on the novel "Sheep," by Simon Maginn, "The Dark" stars Bello and Bean as parents who lose their daughter in a tragic drowning accident at an ancient site. [More]

'Kevin and Kell' Go Geek

5/16/04, 11:57 am EST - Xoanon

Byrd writes: Today's "Kevin and Kell" comic strip refers to Peter Jackson. [More]

McKellen on BBC Radio's 'Back Row'

5/16/04, 11:43 am EST - Xoanon

From bbc.co.uk: Ian McKellen, star of The Lord of the Rings trilogy and the X-Men movies, joins Back Row to talk about his latest film. Emile is the tale of a Canadian academic who returns from a long exile in Britain to receive an honorary degree and in the process reacquaints himself with the remnants of a family he abandoned on the way. [More]


News for May 15, 2004

VH1's 'Ill-ustrated' Goes Geek

5/15/04, 10:56 pm EST - Xoanon

AJ writes: There is a new show coming to VH1 on May 17th called Ill-ustrated. As part of the internet preview, they have a brief clip that spoofs Hannity and Colmes on Fox news with Gollum and Smeagol. [More]

Triple Screening at Starlight Cinema Festival

5/15/04, 10:53 pm EST - Xoanon

Flo writes: All 3 LOTR films will be screened back-to-back on July 10th at the Starlight Cinema in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It's the largest outdoor cinema festival which debuted last year. The LOTR trilogy is just among the 40 movies being screened during the 28-day festival. [More]

Troy Premiere at the Cannes Film Festival

5/15/04, 10:47 pm EST - Xoanon

Troy Premiere at the Cannes Film Festival</
Sean Bean & Orlando Bloom with Eric Bana on the red carpet

Click on the image above to see various pics of Sean Bean and Orlando Bloom at the premiere of 'Troy' at the 57th Cannes Film Festival, on May 13. [More]

Jack Black Goes from Sharks to Apes

5/15/04, 10:22 pm EST - Xoanon

CANNES, France (Reuters) - Jack Black sure is keeping busy in the animal kingdom, switching from vegetarian sharks to rampaging apes. After doing the voiceover for a shy and sensitive shark in the animation movie "Shark Tale," Black is off to New Zealand to star in a remake of "King Kong." [More]

LOTR Symphony in Houston

5/15/04, 10:21 pm EST - Xoanon

Jeff Duncan, Assistant Manager of Media Relations for the Houston Symphony writes: Houstonians will be able to experience a two-hour journey into the magical world of J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle Earth on July 1 and 2, when there will be two performances of Howard Shore's monumental composition The Lord of the Rings Symphony in Six Movements, performed by the Houston Symphony, four singers, the Houston Symphony Chorus, and the Houston Children's Chorus, conducted by Alexander Mickelthwate. [More]

The Hobbiton Set: 2004

5/15/04, 10:09 pm EST - Xoanon

The Hobbiton Set: 2004

Vassel was lucky enough to visit the remains of what was once the Hobbiton set in New Zealand. Most of the props and plants are gone and the paint is beginning to chip away these days. Yet the natural beauty of the location leaves us with no questions as to why PJ and his team picked that location in the first place. We all do really love the Shire.

Monaghan's 'Lost' is Found on ABC

5/15/04, 9:57 pm EST - Xoanon

Carlene Cordova, director of "Ringers: Lord of the Fans" writes: A certain Hobbit wanted me to let everyone know that his new show "Lost" has just been picked up by ABC for 13 episodes. [More]

Triple Screening in Manchester, UK

5/15/04, 9:52 pm EST - Xoanon

A very excited sartorial elegance writes: The Printworks in Manchester,U.K. is showing all three films on Sat & Sun 22nd & 23rd May, at 1p.m! I have booked my tickets, £7.50, so get yours now before they all go!

Praise Ballet To Use LOTR Music

5/15/04, 9:50 pm EST - Xoanon

Paul writes: Praise Ballet, a Baltimore based children's ballet school, will be performing five pieces with music from the LOTR soundtracks as part of its annual spring recital. The dances will not be interpretive of the Rings story, but rather reflect Tolkien's views of heaven, hell and life on earth. The recital is at Dulaney High School in Lutherville, at 7pm on Tuesday, May 18. Tickets are $3.00 at the door.

Happy Belated Birthday Cate

5/15/04, 9:47 pm EST - Xoanon


Ok, I'll admit...it's my fault. I forgot Cate Blanchett's birthday...possibly the biggest crush on any of the LOTR ladies and I forgot. Well...here we go!

May 14th is Cate Blanchett's birthday! Cate was born on May 14th, 1969 in Melbourne, Australia. That makes her 35! Happy Birthday Cate!

Get TheOneRing.net Newsletter Today!

5/15/04, 9:44 pm EST - Xoanon

The latest newsletter is ready to go! Do you want to receive our free weekly newsletter? Packed with tons of info to keep you up to date on the latest? Plus filled with exclusives from time to time! Join the crowd of over 21 500 mailing list members! Sign up now! [More]

Music in Focus at Tribeca Film Festival

5/15/04, 9:41 pm EST - Xoanon

NEW YORK (Billboard) - The third annual Tribeca Film Festival, which took place May 1-9 in the Lower Manhattan neighborhood, had plenty of attractions for music fans. A rundown of some of the highlights follows. [More]

LOTR Trilogy Screening at U. of Cincinnati

5/15/04, 9:40 pm EST - Xoanon

Brian writes: Next week (May 21-22) the University of Cincinnati will have a showing of the entire LOTR trilogy at the new movie theater at Tangeman University Center. The theater charges $2 for tickets for second-run films to those with University passes.

News for May 14, 2004

Hall Of Fire Chats This Weekend - Reminder

5/14/04, 8:31 pm EST - Frode

Dragons, Hobbits, Giant Spiders, Ents, elves; have you ever wondered where Tolkien got the ideas for the myriad of creatures roaming Middle-Earth? Perhaps you would like to share your ideas about the role of similar creatures in myths and stories from around the world. Where did he get his inspiration for the ents from for example? You might be surprised when you learn the answer.[More]

News for May 13, 2004

LOTR & Braindead at Oxford's Phoenix Picturehouse

5/13/04, 6:31 pm EST - weetanya

Ian Collier writes: I had this info come in from the cinema manager of the Phoenix Picturehouse in Oxford, and as it has all three LotR films and Braindead I thought you'd want to know about it too. The movie showings begin on Saturday 5/15. [More]

BBC.co.uk: A Visit to the Hobbits' Homeland

5/13/04, 6:21 pm EST - weetanya

Many sharp-eyed Ringers wrote in about this BBC article, "A visit to the hobbits' homeland": "There was great excitement as my partner Ian and two daughters Tallulah, 15 and Aurora, 10, and I drove two hours south of Auckland to see where movie history was made." [More]

Free TTT & ROTK Viewings at Ohio State

5/13/04, 6:17 pm EST - weetanya

Ringer Michael writes: TTT and RotK are going to be showing at The Ohio State University for free. TTT will be shown on Friday, May 14 at 8 pm, and RotK will be shown on Thursday, May 20 at 7 pm. They will be shown in the Ohio Union Conference Theatre. There are also chances to win free stuff. [More]

Urban in May Fangoria

5/13/04, 6:13 pm EST - weetanya

Meg writes: Hey! I thought TORN would be interested in a new interview with Karl Urban on his latest movie 'The Chronicles of Riddick' from the latest issue of FANGORIA magazine. [More] Meg also points out that Karl has become yet another action figure, [Lord Vaako]

Ian Holm in The Day After Tomorrow

5/13/04, 5:45 pm EST - weetanya

Lady Laurelin writes: I just wanted you to know that I saw Ian Holm in a ten minute preview for The Day After Tomorrow. It appears to me that he plays a scientist that helps reveal a climate change that has catastrophic effects. [More]

Hall Of Fire Chats This Weekend

5/13/04, 5:43 pm EST - Frode

Dragons, Hobbits, Giant Spiders, Ents, elves; have you ever wondered where Tolkien got the ideas for the myriad of creatures roaming Middle-Earth? Perhaps you would like to share your ideas about the role of similar creatures in myths and stories from around the world. Where did he get his inspiration for the ents from for example? You might be surprised when you learn the answer.[More]

Finland Issues LOTR-themed Visa

5/13/04, 5:31 pm EST - weetanya

PippinSparrow writes: Since some time late last year, the Finnish bank Sampo has been issuing LotR-themed Visa Electron cards. I don't know the exact time when the LotR card was first released, but I suspect it might have been around Oct-Nov or so. They're saying that the LotR card will only be available for a limited amount of time, but as of right now you can still get them. [More]

LOTR Coins Sold in National Geographic

5/13/04, 4:58 pm EST - weetanya

Sianna writes: Here's something of interest from one of my favorite magazines - National Geographic! The British Royal Mint is offering a set of over 40 LOTR coins. Offerings feature depictions of the characters, and a silver coin with a gold One Ring on the face. They are said to be authentic currency in NZ. [More]

IGN Reviews ROTK Theatrical DVD

5/13/04, 4:52 pm EST - weetanya

Ringers Ryan, Leo Vincent and a few others wrote to tell us that IGN has posted their review of ROTK Theatrical DVD. [More] And Digitalbits reviews it here: [More]

Docent Needed at Boston LOTR Exhibit

5/13/04, 4:37 pm EST - weetanya

Patient Ringer Spy Suz writes: The Museum of Science in Boston is looking for volunteers for the LOTR exhibit this fall. They're looking mostly for geeky college students(must have an interest and science and technology) but I think anyone 18 or over can apply. There's a job description on their website. [More]

News for May 12, 2004

Return of the One Party... Peter S. Beagle style!

5/12/04, 9:00 pm EST - Gamgee

A note from the author himself, along with a bit of thanks for some long-overdue cheers from his fans! [More]

Nimmo Saves LOTR

5/12/04, 4:51 pm EST - Tehanu

Here's a story you may have missed in the past - about how one of ThreeFootSix's IT managers had to outrun muggers in Soho to stop them stealing his iPod - which had pre-release sequences of LOTR. [More]

Narnia News

5/12/04, 4:32 pm EST - Tehanu

We know TORN gets a lot of Narnia fans visiting, so this one's for you: According to Narniaweb.com director Andrew Adamson confirmed this week that Tilda Swinton has been cast as the White Witch. Harry Gregson-Williams has been selected to do the score, and the actual lion who will play Aslan has been cast.

News for May 11, 2004

Green Books May Updates

5/11/04, 10:45 pm EST - weetanya

Green Books is back with more updates:

Check back for more May offerings from the Green Books staff!

-- Anwyn

Weaving to speak for animals

5/11/04, 8:44 pm EST - Xoanon

The Australian actor who once gave a voice to an animated movie dog is now speaking out on behalf of animals. Hugo Weaving is the face of Voiceless, a new animal rights charity which will spend $100,000 a year funding projects to raise awareness of animal cruelty, culls, factory farming and experimentation. [More]

Better Engineering in Middle-earth

5/11/04, 3:42 pm EST - Tehanu

Lucifer writes in: "You may not be able to read it, but it's the National Taiwan University's (One of the top schools in Taiwan) graduate school entrance exam of Dynamics. The whole is LOTR themed, with lots of innovative questions like: If Aragorn is driving a chariot on to the field with Theoden to fight the enemy, please help him to design a damping system for the chariot to overcome the bumpy field around Edoras...." [More]

Elijah Wood To Dj At Britain's Top Radio Station

5/11/04, 1:38 pm EST - Xoanon

Music-loving Lord of the Rings star Elijah Wood is being lined up to host his own radio show in Britain. The Hollywood actor, 23, has been asked by pop flagship station BBC Radio One to stand in for veteran DJ John Peel when he goes on vacation later this year. [More]

Shrek 2 Goofs on LOTR

5/11/04, 1:35 pm EST - Xoanon

Jicin writes: There's a real funny spoof of LotR in Shrek 2. Shrek get's a golden ring out of a fire, much like Gandalf did. He accidently throws it up in the ear and it 'falls' on Fionas finger in exactly the same way with Frodo at the prancing pony. Then words lit up that say 'I love you'.

LOTR Exhibition in Singapore Report

5/11/04, 1:33 pm EST - Xoanon

Stepper writes: Thought you'd like to see some photos of what must be one of the youngest Ringers, my son Max (b. July 2003) who has now been to 'Edoras' and the LOTR exhibition in Singapore. (These are photos he is going to be very upset about when he is a teenager!!). [More]

Astin in the One Race

5/11/04, 1:21 pm EST - Xoanon

Astin in the One Race

Kenneth writes: I was at the Colorado Adventure Festival here in San Dimas, California where they had an adventure race (kayaking, running, mountain biking, and “special tests”). The announcer said that Sean Astin was racing. As racers were coming through the finish line he announced about 6 times that Sean Astin had just finished. I turned to look and there he was! My friends and I went nuts and many people came around him to shake his hand and meet him. He was extremely cordial and didn’t look annoyed or frustrated at all, despite just finishing a tiring adventure race.

More Decipher/WETA Coolness!

5/11/04, 1:15 pm EST - Xoanon

New ROTK Decipher Cards - Sapling of the White TreeNew ROTK Decipher Cards - The Red Arrow


Kevin writes: Decipher posted two more cards from their Reflections set today. I don't think these are from the ROTK EE; I get the feeling that like Tom Bombadil, Radagast et al these were 'staged' by Weta Workshop just for these photos. [More]

Hot Dog Magazine Talks TORN Party

5/11/04, 1:10 pm EST - Xoanon

Ringer Spy djdeathskiss sends along the May issue of Hot Dog Magazine which featured this article on TheOneRing.net's 'Return of the Oscar Party'. [More]

Baker, Brophy Join Makoare in the UK

5/11/04, 12:59 pm EST - Xoanon

Matthew writes: Fraser's Autographs, the UK's leading dealer in Autographed material. Fraser's will be holding a star signing in our London Gallery with Sala Baker and Jed Brophy and Lawrence Makoare on the 14th May. [More]

Buena Vista Games to create Narnia for 2005

5/11/04, 12:55 pm EST - Xoanon

Buena Vista Games, Inc., the global interactive entertainment arm of The Walt Disney Company, today announced that it will publish video games based on the epic tale of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, the best-selling story by C.S. Lewis and the forthcoming film by Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media, for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, Xbox(R) video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube(TM), PC and handheld consoles in fall 2005. [More]

Future Shop ROTK Screenings

5/11/04, 12:49 pm EST - Xoanon

SailorLegolas writes: This year, to celebrate the release of the Return of the King, two Futureshop locations in Canada are having advanced screenings with costume contests. [More]


Irascian's Ring*Con 2003 Report!

5/11/04, 10:46 am EST - leo

For those of you who still haven't booked their tickets for this years installment of the highly popular Ring*Con-convention, maybe Irascian's report from last year will manage to convince you. He finally got around to posting it, together with the transcript of the first John Rhys-Davies panel. Be sure to read it all here!

DVDFile ROTK DVD Review

5/11/04, 10:41 am EST - leo

Ringer Spy ekm writes: Okay, Spymaster, my old foe. You've never reported any of the news I've submitted, but I'm gonna try one last time. Here's a DVD review of ROTK from dvdfile.com. [More]

Bruce Hopkins and Sala Baker Featured in 25 Percent Magazine

5/11/04, 10:39 am EST - leo

The people from 25 Percent Magazine write: We would like to inform you that the brand new issue of 25 Percent Entertainment Online Magazine is now online. Among other things it brings you an interview with Bruce Hopkins ("Gamling", LOTR), hot six questions answered by Sala Baker ("Sauron", LOTR), The Figwit Poem Collection (yes, such a thing exists) and a closer look at the Green Realm: Faeries. [More]


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