John Rhys-Davies Discusses the Possibility of ‘Hobbit’ Involvement

Recently, David Sztypuljak of HeyUGuys.co.uk spoke with actor John Rhys-Davies, whose newest film, War of Resistance, comes out next week. John, famous for his roles in such films as Raiders of the Lost Ark and the Lord of the Rings, plays a priest known as Eusi, who is hiding from the Nazis during World War II. And fortunately for us ‘Hobbit’ fans, Sztypuljak couldn’t resist asking a few questions about whether or not John might return to Middle-earth.   

 “I would love to!” John responded when asked about the possibility of a cameo appearance. “I’ve had a great sort of 180 degree turn. After I did The Lord of the Rings, I didn’t want to get near prosthetic masks ever again, I still don’t really, and I didn’t want to play a dwarf to be honest with you. Why be one of thirteen when you can be one of one. As time comes between you and the horrors of that make-up, slowly you begin to see things through rather rosy spectacles. I did go down and see him (Jackson) and I did come as close to grovelling as you can get (Laughs!). I’m sure that Peter knows that I grovelled!”

He adds that Peter Jackson “has everything that a Director needs. His organizational ability alone is completely remarkable. I think it will change the way films are made. I think he’s upping the game for every other film-maker in the world. Projecting in 48 frames alone is going to give a level of clarity that we’ve never had in film before, and I think he’s housebreaking 3d. He is such a grounded level man with all the characteristics that a great Director must have. Added to which, he built a film industry from scratch to an international level. Marvellous intelligence and a marvellous modest nature, Peter has got it all!”

Although he is off to New Zealand, he admits that, “It’s for marital purposes as I have a wife and child there!”

You can read the full interview here.

Three Hobbit location rumours (none confirmed yet)

I'm hearing a few rumours in the last few days, all of which have been about separate South Island locations that are allegedly to be used for The Hobbit.

Note though - none of these rumours are confirmed, or investigated any further at this stage. I thought I'd share them with you in the meantime though - if nothing else, it shows that New Zealanders are also starting to get Hobbit Fever!

The first one concerns the possible location of Laketown, somewhere between Timaru and Oamaru. Somewhere in the Waitaki Valley there is supposed to be a large set either being considered, or already built (unlikely, I think - we would have heard about that, surely).

On further exploring the location via Google Maps, and considering that Luke Evans and Stephen Fry have just arrived into NZ, it seems a likely match. They are both major players in the Laketown scenes.

View Larger Map

For the full story, check my full report on the NZ Noldor Blog.

Also, Te Anau (south-west of Queenstown) is looking likely to be used again for Middle-earth - anonymous sources are reporting that "Hobbit people" are looking for accommodation in the area for late this year.

And finally, I've heard a small report from a further unnamed source that the town of Middlemarch (inland from Dunedin) is being considered as a Hobbit location.

Again, for the full story on these two reports, check my full report on the NZ Noldor Blog.

Nothing solid so far, but all interesting none the less!

  - Jack M.

Meet the Hobbits Behind 'Road to the Shire' in our Exclusive Interview

They're down right funny and make the most entertaining videos, all for one purpose: to find their way back to the Shire. The guys behind the Road to the Shire are on a mission to raise $10,000 to ensure their safe travel to New Zealand, where they hope to gain Peter Jackson's attention and secure roles in The Hobbit films. In this interview you get to know the guys behind the project and their hopes for the future.

Who are the three "Hobbits" behind 'Road to the Shire'?

(Left) Berilac (Beri) Bramble of Willobottom: Mitch Stephens

A fairly normal kid from Utah, Fellowship of the Ring was the first novel he ever read and got him hooked on reading. He's an Advertising student at BYU and just finished his first Iron Man triathalon Coeur d'Alene ID.

(Center) Olo Toadfoot (Toad): Jonathan Wright

An advertising and public management grad student at BYU, he was born and raised in Georgia via Hawaii. He's a fierce whittler and loves creating things out of wood as well as making art. Loves music and skateboarding. Grew up listening to mom telling him stories about LOTR.

(Right) Olo Bracegirdle of Hardbottle: John D. Storey

An OG from the OV...comes from the Ogden Valley in northern Utah where his family has been their for like 6 generations. He loves hip hop, making videos, trying to rap, cats, and of course LOTR. His family is known for the delicious black angus Storey raised beef. Best hamburger you've ever tasted. 

(For further reading on their Hobbit life-stories, visit their Bio page.)


Why have you decided to take on this venture?

We love this movie and love the idea that fans can play a role (however small) in this historic event. It's a win win for us, fans, and the production because its a great promotional piece. We're not asking for major story changes--just to be involved...maybe some screen cred.

What will the $10,000 cover?

First and foremost its a way to get Peter's attention. Second to make the documentary and fund the trip/production cost for 3 hobbits. If Peter invites us we might not need the 10gs. We are definitely committed to the funds ourselves. Toad's ready to raffle his car for a dollar entry fee. Beri is raffling his TV right now.


What's your plan once your goal of $10,000 is raised and you find yourself in New Zealand?

We plan on going on location either by invitation or persuasion and documenting the entire journey for a short film.


You have made some very funny and entertaining videos, any others in the works?

Absolutely. We are cooking up some direct message short videos made specifically to reach out to celebrity Tolkien fans who can help get our message out to the masses.


Have you been contacted by any of Peter Jackson's connections?

We've spoken to a guy at Key Creatives who handles the management for Peter Jackson. We're still lookin to get in touch with PJ's people. We recognize it's still early in the game.


What was it that inspired you three to start the Road to the Shire campaign?

A couple things. First we love LOTR and we all have our own connections with the stories. Second one day we were sitting in a guest lecture where the speaker was talking about going out and making your dreams happen. He said you shouldn't wait for projects to be handed to you. We took that seriously. One night Toad was catchin up on some DVD extras from LOTR and realized the Hobbit would soon be in production. He got online searching info about the films all night. The next day, after a conversation with Beri, the concept for Road to the Shire was born. What could be cooler than engaging the fans that love and patron these films?

We just want people to know that when it comes to passion for these films we've definitely got it. We may not be the best J.R.R. scholars but we can match anyone's passion. We love it and are willing to put everything out there to make this happen. We feel like their are tons of people who either inwardly or outwardly love this epic and can resonate with our cause.

Follow Road the the Shire on Twitter.

Donate and help send Olo, Beri, and Toad back to the Shire.

Oin and Gloin Revealed in Latest Hobbit Film Photo

Just a day after the three Dwarf brothers Nori (Jed Brophy), Ori (Adam Brown), and Dori (Mark Hadlow) photo was revealed, another one has hit the web. This time we get a glimpse of Oin (John Callen) and Gloin (Peter Hambleton). 

Yahoo Movies, who broke the story, gave this summary: "Distant cousins of Thorin Oakenshield, these two doughty Northern Dwarves join the Company out of a sense of loyalty to their kin, and also because they have a substantial sum of money invested in the venture. Along with Bombur, Gloin is the only other married Dwarf in the Company (there being a shortage of female Dwarves in general). His wife is an acclaimed beauty with a particularly fine beard. Gloin is the proud father of a young son, Gimli, who will go on to become part of the famous Fellowship of the Ring."

Left: Peter Hambleton (Gloin) and Right: John Callen (Oin)

Peter Jackson Releases First Image of 'The Hobbit' Dwarves

Here's your first look at what The Hobbit Dwarves will look like showcasing the three Dwarf brothers (left to right):  Nori (Jed Brophy), Ori (Adam Brown), and Dori (Mark Hadlow). 

Photo taken by James Fisher

Being that there are so many Dwarves journeying to The Lonely Mountain (13 to be exact), it must have been a challenge for Peter Jackson's team to come up with ways to differentiate between each one. In this new photo, released through The Hobbit's Facebook page, it reveals their creativity, giving the three Dwarf brothers their own unique identity.

(Left to right: Jed Brophy,  Adam Brown, and Mark Hadlow)


Along with the photo, a description of the Dwarf siblings was also posted: "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."


So what do you think, Tolkien fans? Does this photo do justice when comparing it to the book's description of the Dwarves? Let us know your thoughts on our comment section below.

The Hobbit's Richard Armitage Talks Dwarves, Armor, and Humor

Total Film Magazine had a chance to sit down with Richard Armitage and discuss his current film, The Hobbit. Armitage is playing the Dwarf King, Thorin Oakenshield, who intends to lead of a group of 12 dwarves on a journey to reclaim their stolen treasure from the dragon Smaug who resides under The Lonely Mountain. In comparing the book and the film, Armitage states,

"The book is so focused on the dwarves, so I think it’s a chance for Peter [Jackson] and Fran [Walsh] to really look at that whole race in more detail, their heritage and what they’re like as characters....There’s going to be quite a lot more humor."

When asked about his character's sword, Armitage was quick to reply, "It’s bloody heavy!... But it’s absolutely beautiful to look at. Every time they bring something new out everyone gasps. The armor that the dwarves emerge from the mountain wearing at the end of the film will be the armour of all armor."

To read the full article, see Total Film's Interview.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will hit theaters December 14th, 2012 and The Hobbit: There and Back Again will premier the following year on December 13th, 2013.

BREAKING: First Look of Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins!

These pictures were just released by Entertainment Weekly, hot off the press! What do you think, Hobbit fans? Does Martin Freeman capture your image of Bilbo Baggins? Let’s play “Caption it!” with the top image! Leave your thought of what’s going through Bilbo’s head on our comment section below.

BREAKING: Evangeline Lilly and Barry Humphries Cast in ‘The Hobbit’

Evangeline Lilly

Barry Humphries

Peter Jackson announced on his Facebook page today that  Evangeline Lilly and Barry Humphries have joined The Hobbit Cast. In his post Jackson wrote:

“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.”

This news comes right on tail of Thursday’s casting announcements, that Benedict Cumberbatch will voice Smaug the Magnificent and Luke Evans will play Bard the Grim. The first installment of the two-part films, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, will hit theaters on December 14th, 2012 with The Hobbit: There and Back Again, following the next year on December 13th, 2013.

Benedict Cumberbatch Confirmed Voice of Smaug and Luke Evans Cast as Bard in ‘The Hobbit’

Luke Evans

Benedict Cumberbatch

Two Hobbit casting rumors were laid to rest today as it was announced by Deadline New York that Luke Evans was cast as Bard the Grim and Benedict Cumberbatch is to be the voice of Smaug the dragon. It was just last month Martin Freeman (cast as Bilbo Baggins) let it slip that his Sherlock co-star, Benedict Cumberbatch, had been cast but keep his exact role under raps sending all kinds of rumors flying. With Luke Evans filling the role of Bard we might not be seeing much of him until the seconded instalment, The Hobbit: There and Back Again (in theaters on December 13th, 1213), as Bard the Grim has a bigger role towards the end of the story.

Middle-earth News wants to know what you think of this latest news. Are you excited about The Hobbit’s new cast members?

The Filth of Saruman Found Flowing Under Hobbit Studios?

Fighter-fighters were called yet again to Miramar Studios after contractors digging on site ran into fowl smelling sludge. A pollution response team was called in and now the ooze is being labeled as “toxic” and blamed on previous businesses that once used the site including “old gasworks and paint workshops”, reports The Dominion Post . Mike Dombroski, acting firefighter commander, told reporters “The council are dealing with where [the liquid sludge] goes and what the potential could be”.

Thankfully this newest incident will not hamper with The Hobbit, as they are picking up filming again in August 2011.

Official Release Dates and Titles for 'The Hobbit' Films Announced!

The official release dates and titles for The Hobbit films have been announced! Mark your calendars...

"THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY" -December 14, 2012

"THE HOBBIT: THERE AND BACK AGAIN" -December 13, 2013

BREAKING: New Photos of Rivendell Set in Route to Hobbit Studios

Thanks to our new reporter, Jack Machiela, for taking these photos! Jack is a Tour Guide in Wellington, NZ and an avid Tolkien Fan. His job gives him access to ground zero for Hobbit happenings and the list of LOTR/Hobbit cast member’s he’s bumped into is staggering!

Jack took these pictures on the road, as he came up from behind the truck. It was a "very sunny day" he said, so don't mind the reflections from his car window.

Here you can see par of a stone wall.

This shows the wood supporting the stone wall.

The bundle of wood appears to be fencing of some kind.

If you look closely,  you can see the intricate carvings in the stone wall.

I am very proud to have Jack as a member of the middleearthnews team! Make sure you check out his own amazing blog, The Noldor Blog, and follow him on Twitter and Facebook.

Peter Jackson Officially Announces Orlando Bloom as Part of 'The Hobbit' Cast

After months of speculation and rumors Orlando Bloom has been confirmed by Peter Jackson as a cast member in The Hobbit. The news was posted on Jackson’s Facebook page stating,

“Ten years ago, Orlando Bloom created an iconic character with his portrayal of Legolas. I'm excited to announce today that we'll be revisiting Middle Earth with him once more. I’m thrilled to be working with Orlando again. Funny thing is, I look older—and he doesn’t! I guess that's why he makes such a wonderful elf.”

Welcome back Legolas!

BREAKING: Small Explosion at Peter Jackson's Hobbit Studios

Miramar Studios

A small explosion is reported to have rocked Peter Jackson's Hobbit Studios, injuring two employees. Ceris Price, the Hobbit unit publicist is calling the reports a "slight overstatement" and went on to explain the two victims where drilling a statue in one of the workshops when the explosion took place. Price reported the two victims to have "mild burns but nothing serious...One of them had some burnt nostril hairs and apparently if that's he case, there is always the risk of inhalations so they get checked out." Both employees where taken to the hospital and investigation is underway as to what exactly caused the explosion.