Xoanon here,

It's with great excitement that I announce that the voice for Gollum has been cast!

Another email spy has been in contact with the Victoria Burrows' casting office and has garnered this tantilizing piece of info.

a) The voice actor is "Name" talent (i.e., they're going to use his name to
help market the film because he's a very well known actor).

b) The Producers (Peter Jackson, et al.) are very happy they got the "Name"
they wanted.

ah ha! Well, at least this gives us something more to talk about than Sean Connery.

Xoanon here,

You know how I hate rumor mongering. But this little piece of news came from me by way of Meridoc (keep sending those email spy reports guys!)

Meridoc told me that during an email conversation with a certain 'New Line' suit that the big SC passed on the role as Gandalf. He is not sure if Conney has expressed interest in any other role.

He also told me that Sir Anthony Hopkins name was mentioned during the conversation.Hmm, judging from the way AH has been talking about acting in general, I doubt he'd sign on for a 3 year big picture deal...but that's just me..

Xoanon here,

With a very heavy heart I report you this...keep those barf bags handy.
From Corona Comming Attractions

While interviewing the Keanu (Reeves, that is) because his band Dogstar was playing a gig in Cleveland a few days ago, this interviewer/reader of CA asked the actor if there was any truth behind the rumors he'd be involved with LofR. Keanu said, and we quote,

"I am going to be involved somehow."
Somehow. Our scooper offers their theory: "Strider? I dunno.

Maybe his legs will get chopped digitally and they'll make him a Hobbit..."

Why? Why? Why? (Xoanon adds)

Hey, can this guy move any faster?!

Xoanon already has another chapter up in the Xoanon Rants section. Check it out.

And coming tomorrow...

Tehanu's Notes!

Tehanu is going to 'invite people to join her in a kind of general musing about Tolkien and "The Lord of the Rings" and books and fantasy writing.'

Should get some real interesting discussion going with this new addition! Stay tuned.

Xoanon here,

My Buddy Joram has chimed in on his website with a Hobbit Hole Set report:

Here's the scoop on hobbit holes. "All the hobbit holes are in, most of which are human size (ie, 2 meters and rounded circular). The holes are part of the hobbit houses, all of which are being built in the studio."

Want to know what else the New Zealand army is doing while not being extras? They are actually hard at work on other projects! The most interesting being this:

"The army is building an actual bridge to be used during filming!"

Other projects that are already in motion are the following:

" A large pond is being constructed along with a road into the village. "

The most revealing bit of info is this, which definitely gives away a scene that will be filmed:

"A large tree is being prepped for use during the party scene."

hmmm looks like my Xoanon Rants are right on the button. (Told you I was Steven Spielberg!)